San Diego, CA Air Conditioning Maintenance

Air Conditioning Maintenance in San Diego, CA for Consistent Cooling and Lower Costs

Life runs better when you keep a schedule—and so does your air conditioner. With regular AC tune-ups, your system uses less energy, breaks down less often, and cools the way it should. Guthrie & Sons offers air conditioning maintenance services in San Diego, California, with flexible service options, seasonal scheduling, and membership perks to keep things easy.

Schedule Your AC Maintenance to Stay Cool, Save Energy, and Skip the Stress

Your air conditioner works hard behind the scenes—pushing air, pulling out heat, and running longer as temperatures rise. But over time, dust builds up on the coils, filters get clogged, and parts start to wear down. Most of the time, you don’t notice anything—until the hottest day of the year, when your AC suddenly stops working.

And when that happens, everyone else’s system is breaking too. It’s hard to find help fast, and you’re stuck in a hot, uncomfortable house waiting for an emergency repair.

The best way to avoid all that unpleasantness? You guessed it—routine air conditioning maintenance. Whether we’ve recommended a tune-up or you’re just doing some research on your own, Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar services all makes and models of air conditioners. In just a few hours, we can get your system cleaned, tested, and running at peak performance for many more months to come. Call now or book online to schedule your air conditioning maintenance in San Diego, CA.

What Maintenance Does an Air Conditioner Need?

What Maintenance Does an Air Conditioner Need?

Every air conditioner needs maintenance, whether it’s brand new or has been running for years. Without it, the system has to work harder just to keep your home cool. A tune-up helps your AC run the way it’s supposed to—cooling your home faster, using less energy, and avoiding sudden breakdowns when the weather gets hotter.

Here’s what you should know:

  • We recommend scheduling a professional air conditioner tune-up once a year, ideally in the spring before the summer heat kicks in.
  • During the visit, we’ll clean the system, check refrigerant, test parts like motors and thermostats, and make sure everything’s running smoothly and safely.
  • With regular maintenance, your AC cools more efficiently, avoids unnecessary wear, and stays covered under warranty since most manufacturers require yearly service to keep it valid.

At Guthrie & Sons, we service all types of air conditioners throughout San Diego County—whether you're in Clairemont, La Mesa, Chula Vista, Poway, El Cajon, or Escondido. A quick tune-up now keeps your home cooler, quieter, and more comfortable all season.

Make AC Maintenance Even Easier by Joining Our USA Membership Plan

Make AC Maintenance Even Easier by Joining Our USA Membership Plan

It’s easy to forget about AC maintenance—but with our USA Membership Plan, you don’t have to. We’ll remind you when it’s time for service, set up the appointment, and take care of everything while you relax.

Benefits are eligible for a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Priority service when you need it
  • Lower service call fees and 15% off any repairs
  • An extended 5-year warranty

No matter what kind of system you have—central air, heat pump, or ductless—we’ll make sure it’s covered. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your home comfortable and your AC running stronger for longer. Ask your technician or call our office to join today—it pays for itself so fast!

Inside Our 26-Point AC Tune-Up: What We Check and How You Benefit

Inside Our 26-Point AC Tune-Up: What We Check and How You Benefit

We know—you just want an air conditioner that cools your home, doesn’t make weird noises, and doesn’t drive up your energy bill. You might already change your air filter each month (well done!), but keeping your system in shape takes more than that, especially as it gets older.

The parts inside your AC—coils, motors, wiring, sensors—need a little TLC to keep everything running smoothly and prevent problems down the line. Here’s more on what we’ll do during your San Diego air conditioning maintenance:

  • Remove Debris From Outdoor Unit: We clear out leaves, dirt, and anything else blocking airflow around your condenser.
  • Wash Outdoor Coils: Clean coils release heat better, so your system doesn’t have to work as hard to stay cool.
  • Clean Air Cleaner (If Installed): If you have an air purification system, we clean it to help keep your indoor air clean, too.
  • Swap or Clean Standard Filter: We’ll either clean your reusable filter or replace your disposable one—your choice.
  • Inspect UV Lights: For systems with UV purification, we check and replace bulbs if they’re burned out.
  • Flush Drain Lines: We check for clogs that could lead to leaks or water damage and flush the lines as needed.
  • Test Condensate Pump: If your system has a pump, we make sure it’s pushing water out properly.
  • Check Overflow Switches: These switches help prevent water from backing up—we make sure they’re working like they should.
  • Inspect Indoor Coil: We look for grime, rust, or other buildup that could block cooling.
  • Review Ductwork for Issues: We do a visual check to make sure ducts aren’t crushed, leaking, or disconnected.
  • Examine Refrigerant Lines: We check the lines between indoor and outdoor units for wear, damage, or kinks.
  • Test Thermostat Performance: We make sure your thermostat responds quickly and shows accurate temperatures.
  • Secure Electrical Connections: We tighten loose wires that could cause power loss or safety issues.
  • Inspect Fan Blades: Damaged or off-balance fan blades can cause vibration and reduce airflow—we make sure they’re solid.
  • Measure Amp Draw on Motors: We test how much energy your fan motor and compressor are pulling to spot early signs of strain.
  • Check Refrigerant Level and Type: Too much or too little refrigerant can hurt performance—we make sure it’s just right.
  • Test Suction and Discharge Pressures: These readings help us make sure the system is working under normal load.
  • Take Superheat and Subcool Readings: These numbers tell us how well the refrigerant is moving and cooling in your system.
  • Record Outdoor Temperature: We log the outside temperature so we can compare it to how your AC is performing.
  • Measure Return Air Conditions: We check the humidity and temperature of the air coming into your system.
  • Check Supply Air Temperature: We make sure the air coming out of your vents is cold and consistent.
What to Expect After Your Air Conditioner Maintenance Appointment

What to Expect After Your Air Conditioner Maintenance Appointment

If everything looks good, great—we’ll let you know and give you a few easy tips to help keep it that way. But if we find something like low refrigerant, worn electrical parts, or weak airflow from dirty coils, we’ll walk you through your options—whether that’s a simple AC repair, a deeper clean, or planning for a future air conditioner replacement.

Catching those early signs now can help you avoid sudden breakdowns later—and give you time to budget and prepare if your system is getting close to the end of its lifespan.

You’ll also get a detailed service report to keep for your records and warranty. And if you want an extra layer of protection, ask about HVAC system monitoring. We can install a small sensor that tracks how your AC is performing day to day, so we can spot changes remotely and get a service call scheduled sooner.

Whether your system’s got years left or might need replacing soon, our air conditioning maintenance in San Diego helps you stay ahead of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a once-a-year tune-up where a tech checks your AC’s parts, cleans the coils, tests performance, and makes sure everything’s safe and running right. It helps your system last longer, cool better, and avoid surprise breakdowns. Kind of like an oil change, but for your AC.

Yes, it’s totally fine to hose off your outdoor unit with gentle water to clear off dirt and leaves—just turn the power off first and avoid pressure washers. It helps airflow and keeps your system running cooler. That said, it’s still smart to get it professionally cleaned once a year.

Your AC should be serviced once a year—usually in the spring—so it’s ready before the heat kicks in. Regular tune-ups help it run more efficiently, lower your energy bills, and prevent big repairs. If it’s been over a year, it’s time to give us a call.

If your AC doesn’t get serviced, dirt builds up, parts wear out, and it has to work harder just to cool your home—costing you more in the long run. It’s more likely to break down unexpectedly or stop cooling when you need it most. Maintenance now saves hassle later.

Heating and Cooling Offers You Can't Miss

Big savings, same great service. See what offers are available now in Carlsbad for our favorite customers.

  • INSTALLATION

0% APR for 24 Months

Get 0% APR financing for 24 months on a new heating or air conditioning installation. 0% interest with 24 equal monthly payments.

Financing subject to credit approval. Valid on select systems only. Valid on residential properties only. Cannot combine with other offers. Must mention promo at time of estimate appointment. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer valid for an estimate appointment scheduled before 8/29/25.

  • WATER HEATER

$2,600 Federal Tax Credit on Heat Pump Water Heater

Valid on a qualifying heat pump water heater installation with electrical panel upgrade. Up to $2,000 (30% of cost) in Federal Tax Credits for a heat pump water heater and up to $600 (30% of cost) for an electrical panel upgrade.

Can be combined with state rebates only. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer valid for an estimate appointment scheduled before 8/29/25.

  • INSTALLATION

Up to $7,750 off a New System

Save up to $4,000 in Tech Clean Equity rebates, up to $1,150 in manufacturer rebates and up to $2,600 in Federal Tax Credits for a total of up to $7,750 off a new installation.

Valid on residential properties only. Cannot combine with any other offers or discounts. Must mention promo at time of estimate appointment. Must be income-qualified to receive Tech Clean equity rebate. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer valid for an estimate appointment scheduled before 8/29/25.

  • REPAIR

Free Diagnostic w/ a Repair

Your diagnostic service call fee will be waived if you proceed with a repair.

Cannot combine with other offers. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 8/29/25.

Real Reviews From Real Customers

We do things differently, and our customers appreciate it. See what some of our thousands of satisfied customers have to say about working with us.

robert johnson
00:53 11 Aug 25
Very pleased with the service we received from Guthrie & Sons! Our AC system needed to be replaced after a huge leak. The tech that came out for diagnosis, Mario, took the time to explain the issue to us, as well as our options for repair. They came out on a Saturday to diagnose and it was fixed the following Tuesday. Matthew was the worker that completed the repair and he did an excellent job. Pricing was reasonable. Much more reasonable than the first company we had come out to take a look. We upgraded our system and our SDG&E bill has already gone down. Highly recommend!
K N
15:52 01 Aug 25
Very knowledgeable and professional. Quoted product was high quality and fair pricing. I highly recommend We ended up not going with them only due to the fact we were also getting Solar and ended up going with one company for our project but I would definitely do business with this company in the future if we need it!
LeRoy Lafferty
17:25 31 Jul 25
We had Guthrie and Sons replace our 50 year old house heater with a heat pump. We are very satisfied with the installation performed by Matthew and Andriy. We were impressed with the detail of their work. They paid particular attention to the required sealing and insulating of the system. Even the HERS testing inspector was impressed with their work. We were also impressed by their professionalism and honesty. They gave us an unexpected partial refund off our signed contract.
Nannette Moyer
17:41 29 Jul 25
We have been using Guthrie & Sons for 3 years and I really can’t say enough good things about them. Our technician Mario was incredibly helpful with our most recent AC issue. He spotted the problem quickly and was very knowledgeable when explaining what was happening. I appreciate their honest and fair pricing and would recommend to family and friends. Glad to have an honest company especially with all the price gauging company’s out these days.
Meghan Venanzi
23:31 22 Jul 25
We were incredibly impressed with the prompt and professional service! We called on a Saturday morning, and within just a few hours, a technician was at our home. With the recent heat, getting our AC back up and running was a top priority—and they delivered! Mario clearly explained our options and provided a hassle-free solution that was both quick and effective. The repair was completed shortly after we gave the go-ahead. We’ll absolutely be using them again for any future HVAC needs. Highly recommend this company for their affordability, efficiency, and friendly service—we’re already telling our family and friends! Thanks again Guthrie & Sons!
Laurie Edwards
22:10 16 Jul 25
We were very happy from start to finish. Vlad did a great job in helping us decide what would be best for our house and our needs and the installation crew were the very best. Thank you Guthrie and Sons for a job well done.
Patrice Makovic
17:45 09 Jul 25
Last summer, I used Guthrie and Sons to replace my heating system with a new one and added an air conditioning unit. We also added two different zones in the house to be able to turn the system on independently from one zone to another. From the first contact to the six month maintenance visits, everything has gone smoothly. There were a couple of hiccups, but the company is very responsive and I have never had an issue with them not promptly responding and taking action to figure out and solve any problem. I highly recommend this company.
Carrie Reese
17:06 08 Jul 25
Guthrie & Son's did an amazing job on our new AC units. From sales through install they were all knowledgeable and helpful. They were very quick to get us all setup and when our home posed some unexpected issues they were able to pivot quickly and resolve them. I'd highly recommend them!
Kenneth Adelson
16:04 07 Jul 25
Had use Guthrie in the past for HVAC service, this time had them install a solar attic fan and additional vent. The service, as it had been the first time, was professional, polite, and on schedule. Pricing was fair (and consider that they offered a repeat customer discount without having to be asked). Would be happy to use them again when the need arises.
I offer 4 stars because I'm not a grade inflation sort. Three is sufficient, four is better than average. Five is reserved for knock my socks off amazing in ways I didn't expect - doesn't happen very often.
Patrick Smith
21:42 27 Jun 25
We had central heat and air put in two a year and a half ago. We've need to make a few adjustments to airflow to rooms since then. Each time, they are onsite withing 1-2 days and have resolved the issue each time. Their team is professional and incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Very happy we went to Guthrie & Sons.
Bennie Beans
15:41 12 Jun 25
Mario was knowledgeable and courteous. He made sure our system would be sized right and that our existing ductwork was able to support the new system. The install team were prompt and efficient. They installed drop cloths and cleaned up inside and out after the job. So far I’ve been very happy with the work Guthrie and Sons have done for us.
Chris Toogood
21:52 06 Jun 25
Great local family business. And you actually get a live person when you call... And the technician was great and they come out quickly. No up selling too. He gave me two different price options on fixing my problem... band aid cheaper way or replacement. Great service.
Nick Schoch
17:58 27 May 25
Jonathan recently inspected the HVAC systems at both my front and guest houses, and I couldn’t be more impressed with his service. He was thorough in his assessment, clearly identifying areas of concern and explaining the recommended repairs in a way that was easy to understand. What stood out most was his honesty and patience—he took the time to answer all my questions without rushing, and I genuinely felt he had my best interest in mind. If you're looking for someone who is knowledgeable, professional, and respectful of your time and property, I highly recommend asking for Jonathan.
Neil Domingo
17:24 15 May 25
If you’re dealing with an AC issue, Mario is definitely one of the best! He quickly diagnosed the problem, worked efficiently, and provided a thorough solution. His expertise and professionalism were clear throughout the entire process. Highly recommend Mario for anyone looking to resolve their AC issues with a reliable and skilled technician.
Phil Lane
17:18 10 May 25
Guthrie and Sons has provided great service. There are many HVAC companies in San Diego to choose from. They provided a very reasonable estimate for replacing our two AC systems. Once we said yes installation happened within days. It was a quality install. They answer the phone quickly when I've had questions. Happy to refer them to others.
Dianne Haase
20:57 02 May 25
Great customer service, technicians always on time and friendly. I’ve had my new hybrid heat pump for a few years and Guthrie & Sons are very proactive making sure everything is running smoothly. Very happy in my decision to use them!
Andrea Kossoudji
01:11 30 Apr 25
Great service!! Jonathan was patient, kind, knowledgeable and extremely professional! I love Guthrie & Sons’ reminder system, notification of the technician enroute, the easy invoice system and immediate emailing of the findings, including detailed photographs of the work completed!! Highly recommend!
james beedon
20:47 23 Apr 25
Last summer my air conditioner couldn't cool the house in the hottest period of summer. The HVAC team I was working with came in and said the coils were leaking, the unit was 20 years old. I requested quotes from 5 different companies, and the variation of prices was huge. I went with Guthrie and Sons for these reasons:
1. Local Company
2. Family Owned
3. Great presentation, no pressure
4. Good products
5. Competitive pricing
Just installed yesterday, so jury is still out on the system, but installation was thorough and great communication so far!
Darius Degher
21:45 22 Apr 25
Carson and Michael were brilliant. The heat pump installation went smoothly, and they are really pleasant and trustworthy fellows. The day after it was installed, I had a plumber at my house. He looked at their work and was impressed. He said it was much cleaner than the way HVAC people usually do it.
Lito Ricasata
19:03 08 Apr 25
First time prospective client of Guthrie and Sons. Very responsive staff in providing updates on my calls. Mario F. came over to check out my existing cooling and heating system and is very thorough and professional in providing necessary information related to repair/upgrades. Pending his quote, my experience with Guthrie and Sons is top notch and most highly recommended.

Updated review: Kareen, Daniel and Michael worked on the AC replacement, relocation of furnace to the attic and replacement of ductwork. Very professional and knowledgeable team in my opinion. Completed the work in a timely and very satisfactory manner.

Schedule Your San Diego AC Maintenance Today

If your AC hasn’t had a check-up in over a year, now’s the time. Regular maintenance helps your system run better, last longer, and avoid the kind of mid-summer breakdown that’s all too common when it hits 90+ degrees.

At Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar, we provide detailed air conditioning maintenance in San Diego, CA, covering every corner of the city so you’re completely taken care of. Whether you’re getting your yearly AC tune-up or joining our HVAC system maintenance plan, we make the process easy and worthwhile. So many other things in life are hard—this one doesn’t have to be. Call now or schedule service online!

8248 Ronson Road
San Diego, CA 92111
(619) 269-3013
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