San Diego, CA Air Conditioning Repair

Air Conditioning Repair in San Diego for Cooling Relief and Peace of Mind

Air conditioner problems are stressful—you’re not sure what’s wrong, how much it’ll cost, or how long you’ll be without AC. At Guthrie & Sons, we’ve helped thousands of San Diego homeowners get through the same thing to great results. We’ll take a look, explain what’s going on, and fix it or set you up with a new system ASAP. Call now to schedule your air conditioning repair in San Diego, California—quick help is just a call away!

AC Repairs That Are Fast, Fair, and Fixed Right the First Time

Air conditioners don’t pick a convenient time to quit. It’s usually right when the heat kicks up and you’ve got a full house, a busy workday, or guests arriving. At Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar, we’ve been helping San Diego stay cool for over two decades—and we know how to get your cool air back fast.

We’ve handled everything from sudden breakdowns to strange smells, loud noises, and uneven cooling. Whether it’s your home, rental, or commercial property, we’ll get there quickly, figure out what’s going on, and fix it right. We don’t believe in price gouging or using stressful situations to upsell you on things you don’t need. As a second-generation, family-owned company, we care deeply about this community and the service experience we provide. If your AC isn’t working or is behaving strangely, contact us today for your air conditioning repair in San Diego, CA.

Searching for an AC Repair Near Me? We Offer Same-Day Air Conditioning Repairs in San Diego County

Searching for an AC Repair Near Me? We Offer Same-Day Air Conditioning Repairs in San Diego County

From Chula Vista to Carlsbad, La Mesa to Oceanside, our team covers just about every corner of San Diego County. Whether you’re in a single-family home in Poway, a condo in Mission Valley, or running a small business in North Park, you can trust us to handle your AC repair.

If we can get to you today, we absolutely will. Our service trucks are fully stocked so we can fix most AC problems on the spot—no waiting around, no repeat visits just to grab a part. We know how uncomfortable things get when the AC goes out, and we’re ready to get you cooled off again, fast.

Emergency AC Repair Services Are Available

If your AC stops working completely, starts blowing hot air, or trips the breaker in the middle of a heatwave, don’t wait it out. We’re here for emergency air conditioning repair in San Diego County. Call now, and we’ll head your way.

What’s Wrong With My AC? Signs You Need Air Conditioner Repairs

What’s Wrong With My AC? Signs You Need Air Conditioner Repairs

Your air conditioner doesn’t have to completely shut down to need a repair. In fact, one of the worst things you can do is keep running a system that’s clearly struggling because it often makes the problem worse and is now more expensive to repair.

If your AC is on but not working right, it’s time to call for your San Diego AC repair. Want confirmation that what you’re experiencing isn’t right? Here are some common AC repair warning signs:

  • Warm Air Coming Out: Your AC is running, but the air feels warm—or the house never quite cools down. That’s a red flag.
  • Weak or Uneven Airflow: Some rooms stay stuffy while others get cold, or you notice the vents barely pushing out air. That’s usually a sign of a blocked or failing component.
  • Strange Noises: Clanks, squeals, buzzing, or clicks—new noises usually mean something is loose, worn, or about to fail.
  • Leaks or Moisture: Whether it’s refrigerant or condensation, moisture where it shouldn’t be can lead to bigger problems fast.
  • Turning On and Off: If your system turns on and off too frequently, it’s working harder than it should—and wearing itself out faster.
  • Higher Utility Bills: If your bills are climbing and your usage hasn’t changed, your AC may be working overtime to make up for a hidden issue.

If you’re comfortable doing little AC troubleshooting, you can make sure the thermostat is set to “cool,” swap out a dirty air filter, or reset the breaker if the system has no power. These simple fixes might get things running again. But if that doesn’t help, it’s best to call professionals like us—DIY AC repairs can cause serious damage to your home and system or void your warranty and leave you on the hook for everything.

Expert Air Conditioning Repair Services From Our Local San Diego AC Repair Company

Expert Air Conditioning Repair Services From Our Local San Diego AC Repair Company

Not every cooling issue needs a full system replacement—many can be repaired quickly and affordably by professionals who know what they’re doing. At Guthrie & Sons, we’re proud to offer expert air conditioning repair in San Diego, California, with licensed, factory-trained, and NATE-certified technicians who understand the ins and outs of today’s advanced AC systems. Whether your system is acting up or completely unresponsive, we’ll give you honest answers and practical solutions.

Here’s how we tackle the most common AC problems:

If your system runs but never seems to cool, there’s likely an issue with airflow or the refrigerant cycle. This could mean:

  • Low refrigerant levels
  • Dirty evaporator coils
  • A faulty compressor

We start by checking refrigerant pressure, cleaning your coils, and inspecting system performance from top to bottom. If it's a minor issue like a dirty coil, you're looking at a fairly low-cost fix. A refrigerant recharge or compressor repair tends to run higher—especially if the compressor is on its last legs. Either way, we’ll explain what’s going on and whether repair is the right call.

When your air conditioner won’t start at all, it could be due to:

  • A tripped breaker or blown fuse
  • A failed thermostat or capacitor
  • Internal safety switch lockout

These are often electrical issues, which vary in repair cost depending on the part. Replacing a capacitor or thermostat is relatively affordable, but deeper electrical problems might require more time and labor. Our team runs full diagnostics, fixes the problem at its source, and ensures your AC is back online safely.

If your air conditioner starts buzzing, screeching, rattling, or banging, it’s not just being noisy—it’s trying to tell you something’s wrong. Common reasons for strange AC sounds include:

  • Loose fan blades
  • Worn-out motor bearings
  • Failing belts or mounts

Some of these repairs are simple—tightening or replacing a belt, for instance. Others, like replacing a motor, are more labor-intensive and come with a higher cost. Either way, our job is to get your system running quietly and smoothly again.

Water around your AC unit often means there’s a drainage or condensation issue. We commonly find:

  • A clogged condensate drain line
  • A cracked or rusted drain pan
  • Frozen coils that have thawed

Most water leaks are manageable with a quick cleaning or part replacement. If the damage is deeper (like corrosion or mold from long-term leaks), repairs can be more involved. Either way, we’ll get to the root cause and prevent future water damage to your home and HVAC system.

Short cycling—when your AC starts and stops repeatedly—is rough on your system and your utility bills. Common culprits include:

  • Oversized system
  • Malfunctioning thermostat
  • Clogged air filter or dirty coils

If it’s just a dirty coil or filter, it’s a quick and affordable fix. If it’s a sizing issue or compressor failure, we’ll walk you through your options clearly so you can decide whether to repair or replace.

Air Conditioner Repairs for All Types of Cooling Systems

No matter what kind of cooling system you have—central air conditioner, ductless mini split, or heat pump—our team knows how to fix it. We service all major brands and models, and we’ll start with a full system inspection so you know exactly what’s going on. Before we begin any work, we’ll walk you through the issue and give you a clear, upfront quote that we stick to.

Many AC Problems Can Be Prevented by Doing This One Thing

Many AC Problems Can Be Prevented by Doing This One Thing

Many of the AC repairs we see could’ve been avoided with a simple maintenance visit. Things like clogged filters, low refrigerant, or dirty coils don’t seem like a big deal—until your system suddenly stops working during a heatwave. That’s why regular air conditioner maintenance matters. A routine tune-up takes about an hour, but the payoff is big: better efficiency, fewer breakdowns, and a longer-lasting system. It’s an easy way to stay ahead of problems and avoid costly repairs.

Keep Repairs (and Costs) in Check With a Maintenance Plan That Works for You

Most heating and cooling companies offer some kind of maintenance plan, but ours is made to truly make your life easier and save you even more money! With the USA Membership Plan from Guthrie & Sons, you don’t have to worry about remembering when to schedule service or stressing over unexpected repair bills.

Here’s what you get:

  • We handle the scheduling for you
  • Priority service when it’s busy or extra hot
  • 15% off any repairs you might need
  • A lower service call fee
  • Upgraded 5-year warranty
  • Maintenance plans that are unique to your heating and cooling setup
  • Seasonal tune-ups that help your HVAC system run better and last longer

Want to join? Just ask your technician during your visit, or give our office a quick call. We’ll get you set up in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The $5,000 rule helps you decide if you should repair or replace your AC. Just multiply the age of your system by the estimated repair cost—if it’s over $5,000, replacement usually makes more sense. It’s a ballpark guide, not a hard rule, but it’s a helpful starting point.

Blown capacitors and low refrigerant are two of the most common repairs we see, especially during the summer. These issues can make your AC stop blowing cold air or not turn on at all. Luckily, they’re usually quick and affordable to fix if caught early.

The compressor is the most expensive part to replace—it’s like the engine of your AC. If it goes out and your unit’s older, it’s often more cost-effective to replace the whole system. That’s where the $5,000 rule or a good technician’s advice comes in handy.

In most cases, no—standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover HVAC repairs unless the damage is caused by something sudden, like a fire or storm. Wear and tear or old parts aren’t covered. But if you have a home warranty, that might include HVAC—always worth checking.

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 Air Conditioning Repair in San Diego, CA Today

Dealing with a broken air conditioner is frustrating enough—you shouldn’t have to chase down help or deal with contractors who drag things out and don’t even fix the problem. At Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar, we make sure everything is taken care of and you’re completely satisfied with your service experience. One call gets you a skilled technician, a clear explanation, and real results. You don’t want us to come back next week for the same thing, and we don’t want that for you either!

Get the fast, friendly, and honest service that you deserve with Guthrie & Sons. Schedule your air conditioning repair in San Diego, CA, with us today.

8248 Ronson Road
San Diego, CA 92111
(619) 269-3013
guthrie and sons logo