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.

Up to $11,225 Off a New Heat Pump

Receive up to $8,000 in HEEHRA rebates, up to $625 in Comfortably California rebates, and up to $2,600 in Federal Tax Credits when you install a new heat pump system. Must be income-qualified to receive HEEHRA rebate. Valid on residential properties only. Valid on select systems. Rebates available until funds last. System must be installed by 1/31/26 to receive Federal Tax Credits. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details.

$8,000 HEEHRA Rebate

Get income-qualified and receive an $8,000 rebate on a new heat pump system. Can be combined with up to $625 Comfortably California rebate, $2,000 heat pump Federal Tax Credit and $600 electrical upgrade Federal Tax Credit. Rebate available until funds last. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 1/31/26.

$625 Comfortably California Rebate

Valid on select systems. Valid on residential properties only. Can be combined with HEERHA rebates, $2,000 heat pump Federal Tax Credit and $600 electrical upgrade Federal Tax Credit. Rebate available until funds last. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 1/31/26.

$2,600 Heat Pump Federal Tax Credit

Valid on select systems. Must be installing a heat pump system with electrical wiring or panel upgrade. Valid on a primary residential home only. Can be combined with HEEHRA rebates and up to $625 Comfortably California rebates. System must be installed by 1/31/26 to receive this tax credit. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details.

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.

Tania Reyes profile pictureTania Reyes
23:47 05 Dec 25
I’ve been using Guthrie & Sons for over 15 years. They installed my whole AC system and maintained it all those years and never had an issue. Well it was time for an upgrade and they’ve recently installed my second system. The team 15 years ago and the team this time around were both amazing, professional and clean. I can’t recommend them enough Matt, Ben, Christian and Bryan get 10 stars. They are a bit pricier but worth the investment when you have peace of mind and almost two decades of great service and no issues.
Trejos Marcela profile pictureTrejos Marcela
17:27 04 Dec 25
I had an excellent experience with Guthrie & Son AC & Heater Company. Their customer service was outstanding, and they took the time to answer all my questions thoroughly. Every technician who has worked on my AC/heater installation and now the ongoing service has been knowledgeable, respectful, and always on time. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of HVAC services!
I only wish the annual service was cheaper 🙂
Paula Remmel profile picturePaula Remmel
06:34 02 Dec 25
I have a maintenance plan for my heat pump and air conditioner which Guthrie & Sons installed two years ago. I am very happy with my system as well as the maintenance plan. Wayne, one of their excellent technicians, just completed the Fall service and now the system is ready for winter use. He is knowledgeable and has been able to answer any questions I have about my system. In addition, the office at Guthrie & Sons is very responsive and follows through on any questions and concerns within 24 hours if not immediately. Great service from a great company.
Bill Cogan profile pictureBill Cogan
22:04 24 Nov 25
Guthrie & Sons responded immediately to my online request, and was able to send someone out immediately. Zack, our technic-ian was very friendly, professional, knowledgeable and gladly answered all of our questions. He found the problem immediately, and left the work area clean and in good order. We would highly recommend Guthrie & Zack! They are real assets to our community.
Dani P profile pictureDani P
03:27 16 Nov 25
I've been using Guthrie & Sons for over 10 years and two homes. I really like that they are a family-owned and an established business. Always professional, on time, and always quality work. I've used their services from simple routine maintenance to having a new AC installed.I've never had a bad or even mediocre experience; I'm just always overall pleased with their work.
David Downhour profile pictureDavid Downhour
02:47 10 Nov 25
We needed a new A/C and furnace system. Vlad came by to listen and assess our needs, recommend our new Daikin, and put forth our best estimate.

Carson C. and Michael J. came by to install our unit. They were on time, extremely professional and worked diligently to complete everything. They listened to our needs throughout and made adjustments to our specifications. Carson did not leave until we were totally happy with our unit.

This was a great experience all around and I gladly recommend Guthrie and Son's for all your HVAC needs.
Rachel Phillips profile pictureRachel Phillips
22:24 02 Oct 25
We recently had our A/C replaced by Guthrie & Sons, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. After getting five different bids, Guthrie & Sons stood out immediately—not just on price, but on expertise and professionalism. They even brought their engineers out to ensure the work could be done the right way, which gave us tremendous peace of mind.

From start to finish, their team was outstanding. They worked incredibly hard, treated our home with respect, and left everything spotless—truly the cleanest job site I’ve ever seen after a major project. The installation itself was seamless, and the quality of their work shows in every detail.

If you’re looking for a company that combines deep knowledge, excellent craftsmanship, and genuine care for their customers, Guthrie & Sons is it. Absolutely five stars across the board!
Liz Staff profile pictureLiz Staff
17:27 02 Oct 25
We had a wonderful experience with Guthrie and Sons. Anthony was our estimator and he did a very thorough job of explaining all of our options! Matthew, Bryan, and Isaiah were our installers and they were very efficient, capable, and personable. Our home did not have an existing HVAC system so they had to build the whole thing in an older house that had undergone several additions. We were up and running in just three days. They left the worksite clean at the end of each day. We highly recommend Guthrie and Sons!
Neil Domingo profile pictureNeil Domingo
18:09 27 Sep 25
Kareen did an outstanding job with our HVAC system. From start to finish, he demonstrated professionalism, patience, and a strong commitment to getting the job done right. Even when faced with several unexpected challenges, he handled each one with skill and determination, never compromising on the quality of his work.

What really stood out was his problem-solving ability and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure everything was operating as it should. He communicated clearly throughout the process, kept us updated, and made sure we felt confident in the work being done.

It’s not often you come across someone who combines technical expertise with such a strong work ethic and positive attitude. We’re very grateful for his efforts and would highly recommend Kareen to anyone needing reliable HVAC service.
Trae Washburn profile pictureTrae Washburn
02:56 16 Sep 25
Professional from beginning to end

Vlad came out to provide an estimate and was able to size an HVAC system that worked well for my house.

They installed it quickly, without issue and helped me set up an app on my phone to control.

The system is working great to heat and cool my house and is whisper quiet.

Highly recommend going with Guthrie and Sons if you want a high quality experience for large and important purchases.
David Maycock profile pictureDavid Maycock
01:10 08 Sep 25
Our two old furnaces needed replacing and so we contacted Guthrie & Sons because of their good reputation. They sent Zach the next morning. He quickly verified that our two furnaces were beyond repair and Guthrie could supply and install suitable replacement funaces. He also suggested and explained alternative solutions, but we eventually decided to go ahead with furnace replacement. As soon as we notified Guthrie & Sons of our decision they arranged for Cristian and Pablo to come to our house the next day. They did a good job, explained clearly how to operate the new furnaces and thermostats, and were respectful of our house.
Erin Guthrie profile pictureErin Guthrie
19:21 03 Sep 25
Daniel was quick and professional. Fixed our AC problem in an hour and the price was very transparent and beyond fair. Didn’t push the subscription maintenance service, simply said it would be a good idea due to the age of our unit. Highly recommend!
Tomankhamen profile pictureTomankhamen
18:03 28 Aug 25
We had to replace a thermostat that had gone bad. In the old days, I could do it myself. Now, though, the programming of the thing requires technical knowledge that I don’t have. The Guthrie guy that did the job was courteous, professional, and as fast as anyone could be. This has been our experience with Guthrie & Sons for every repair, retrofitting, and equipment replacement that they’ve done for us over quite a number of years now.
Gabrielle Benjamin profile pictureGabrielle Benjamin
18:15 25 Aug 25
Carson Snyder and co-worker (Pablo?) did a great job on the installation of the mini-split cassette. They're hard working, they clearly knew what they were doing, polite, cleaned up afterwards, true professionals. I'd gladly recommend these two gentlemen. However, the Company was not good at keeping me informed although I mentioned to the salesman up front that I was information driven. They were short on details and communicated seldom. Anthony did tell me about the government program available that reduced my cost. I wouldn't have known about it if he didn't mention it. The City did approve their work and signed off on the permit which is an indication of the job done right. I think the Company can improve their customer service
robert johnson profile picturerobert 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 profile pictureK 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 profile pictureLeRoy 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 profile pictureNannette 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 profile pictureMeghan 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 profile pictureLaurie 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.

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