Almost every summer breakdown we run in Oakland, CA was visible months earlier to anyone holding a meter. A run capacitor reads 8 percent under its rating in April and fails on the first 95-degree afternoon. The refrigerant charge drifts low through a pinhole leak and the system struggles a full season before the coil finally freezes. A flame sensor fouls gradually until the furnace picks the coldest night of the year to start locking out. Maintenance exists to catch this arc early, while the repair is cheap and convenient instead of urgent and cold.
Most of our service calls are for AC Repair and Furnace Repair. Start there if your system isn't running right.
Warning Signs for HVAC Maintenance
Recognizing the warning signs early can save you time and money. These are the signals our technicians see most often:
- A surprise breakdown during the last hot or cold spell
- A startup sound that has changed since last year
- Longer run times to get to the thermostat setting
- Musty air when the fan starts, or a filter that has been in far too long
- Uncertainty about whether your system is in good shape or on borrowed time
- A newer system whose warranty terms expect documented maintenance
- Your last professional tune-up was more than twelve months ago
- Higher heating and cooling costs with no clear explanation
Don't Wait for a Total Failure
Left unchecked, even a small fault or temperature swing often signals a system working its way toward a breakdown. At the first hint of a problem, call (510) 201-4731 for a fast inspection.
