Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend a professional AC tune-up once a year — ideally in early spring before the Valley heat arrives. Annual maintenance catches refrigerant issues, cleans coils, and ensures your system runs at peak efficiency all season long. Skipping service is the #1 reason we see early compressor failures.

The most common culprits are a dirty air filter restricting airflow, low refrigerant from a slow leak, a frozen evaporator coil, or a failing compressor. Start by checking and replacing your filter. If that doesn't fix it, call us — refrigerant and mechanical issues need a licensed tech to diagnose and repair safely.

In the Central Valley's demanding summers, most AC systems last 12–18 years with regular maintenance. Systems that are serviced annually often hit the high end of that range. If your unit is over 12 years old and needing frequent repairs, we'll give you an honest assessment of repair vs. replace — no upsell pressure.

Sizing is critical and counterintuitive — bigger isn't better. An oversized unit short-cycles (turns on and off constantly), leaving your home humid and your energy bills high. We perform a Manual J load calculation that accounts for your home's square footage, insulation, window orientation, and local climate to specify exactly the right size.

High-efficiency split systems with a SEER2 rating of 16 or higher are the gold standard. We install Ruud and Trane units — both have excellent reliability records and offer rebate programs through PG&E. For homes without existing ductwork, ductless mini-splits can be even more efficient since there's no duct loss.