Air Conditioning Repair

Air Conditioning Repair in San Diego County for Reliable Cooling and Lower Bills

Warm air, weird noises, or rising energy bills? That’s your AC system asking for help before a full breakdown if it hasn’t happened yet. At Guthrie & Sons, our air conditioning repair services are available whenever and wherever you need them in the San Diego area. We’ll fix it fast and fix it right!

Expert AC Repairs That Won’t Break the Bank

At Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar, we hear it all the time: “It’s running, but the house still feels warm.” “Some rooms just aren’t cooling down.” “It’s making a sound I’ve never heard before.” When this stuff starts happening or your AC shuts down completely, our team gets right to work! We offer air conditioning repair in San Diego, CA, that’s quick, honest, and handled by highly trained HVAC technicians who know how to get to the bottom of things. We work on homes, rentals, and small businesses all across San Diego County and the nearby areas—and we’ve seen just about everything.

Whether it’s a busted capacitor, a refrigerant leak, or something more complicated, we’ll figure it out and fix it without dragging things out. Our pricing is straightforward, and we’ll always talk you through options before doing anything. If something feels off, it probably is—let’s fix it. Reach out by phone or book your AC repair appointment online, whatever’s easiest for you!

Same-Day Air Conditioning Repair Appointments

Same-Day Air Conditioning Repair Appointments

We have service trucks out and about in San Diego County and nearby areas every single day that are fully stocked with the parts and tools we need to handle most HVAC system repairs right on the spot.

As soon as you call, we’ll work to get an experienced HVAC technician to your door—no long waits or delays. We know how uncomfortable it gets when the AC’s down and the house heats up fast.

Emergency AC Repair Services Are Available

If your AC suddenly quits, starts blowing hot air, or trips the breaker during a heat wave, don’t wait—you need emergency services. We’re available 24/7 for emergency air conditioning repairs because your comfort (and sanity) can’t always wait until Monday. Just give us a call, and we’ll be on the way.

Common Signs You Need an Air Conditioner Repair

Not sure if you actually need an air conditioning repair? Some signs are subtle, others are hard to miss. If anything below sounds familiar, it’s time to call us for air conditioning services in San Diego:

  • Warm Air Blowing From Vents: If your AC is on but the air coming out feels more like a hair dryer than a breeze, something’s off. You might even notice the house just never cools down, no matter how long the system runs.
  • Weak Airflow: You can hear the system running, but the air barely trickles out of the vents, or some rooms feel cool while others stay stuffy. That uneven or sluggish flow is a red flag.
  • Unusual Noises: If your AC makes new or weird sounds—like banging, squealing, buzzing, or clicking—it’s time to pay attention. These noises usually don’t just go away and often get worse fast.
  • Water or Refrigerant Leaks: See puddles or moisture around your indoor unit or even ice buildup on the outdoor lines? That’s not normal. You may also notice a musty smell or water spots nearby.
  • Frequent Cycling: Your system kicks on… then off… then on again every few minutes. It never seems to settle into a steady rhythm, and the house doesn’t get comfortable.
  • Higher Energy Bills: Increased energy bills without a change in usage are a sign your system is working harder than it should and not getting the results you expect.

Troubleshooting Your AC Unit

If you’re comfortable doing a little investigating, there are a few things you can check before making a service call. These quick steps might help resolve a simple issue:

  • Check Your Thermostat: Make sure it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is lower than the current room temp. Sometimes, the solution is that simple.
  • Replace or Clean the Air Filter: A dirty filter can choke airflow, reduce cooling performance, and even trigger a system shutdown.
  • Inspect the Circuit Breaker: If your AC isn’t turning on at all, the breaker might’ve tripped. A quick reset could restore power.

That’s the limit of what we recommend when it comes to DIY air conditioning repair. Beyond these basics, it’s easy to accidentally damage components or void your system’s warranty.

Air Conditioning Repair Services From San Diego’s Most Trusted AC Service

Your air conditioner isn’t something you want to hand off to just any handyman with a tool belt. Modern AC systems are complex, high-tech machines that require the knowledge of licensed, certified professionals. That’s exactly what we are. Many of our team members are NATE-certified, which means they’ve passed the industry's top-level testing and know how to properly diagnose and repair your system. We’re fully insured, factory-trained, and experienced with all major brands and system types.

AC Not Cooling Properly

When your air conditioner is running but the air feels warm, it’s often caused by low refrigerant, dirty evaporator coils, or a malfunctioning compressor. We’ll start with a full performance check—inspecting refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, testing pressure, and checking the thermostat calibration. Once we isolate the issue, we make the right repairs to bring the cool air back and restore comfort.

Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On

If your cooling system won’t turn on, it could be anything from a tripped breaker to a failed contactor, capacitor, or thermostat. We begin with a full system diagnostic to test electrical components, power supply, and safety sensors. After we find the problem, we replace faulty parts to make sure your AC is functioning properly once again.

AC Making Strange Noises

Clanking, squealing, or buzzing noises usually mean something’s loose, worn, or failing inside the unit. We listen carefully, open up the system, and inspect motors, fan blades, belts, and mounts. Whether it's a simple tightening or a motor replacement, we handle the AC repair safely and get your system running quietly again.

Air Conditioner Leaking Water

Water around your air conditioning unit is never a good sign. It can come from a clogged condensate drain, cracked drain pan, or frozen coil thawing out. We’ll check drainage, flush out any blockages, inspect the coils for ice buildup, and repair or replace damaged parts. Then we test the entire system to make sure it’s draining properly.

AC Turning On and Off Too Frequently

Short cycling puts a ton of stress on your air conditioning system and your energy bills. It’s often caused by dirty coils, a bad thermostat, or even an oversized system. We’ll evaluate your unit's sizing, airflow, and control settings, then clean, recalibrate, or repair as needed to stop the rapid cycling and help your home cool more consistently.

We repair all types of cooling systems—central air conditioners, ductless mini splits, and heat pumps—so no matter what you rely on, we’ve got you covered when it’s not working like it should.

Air Conditioner Repair or Replacement? What Is Best?

Most of the time, air conditioners can be repaired, especially if the issue is isolated and the system is relatively young. But there are situations where putting more money into an aging unit just doesn’t make sense.

If you're facing major breakdowns or your energy bills are creeping up, a replacement could save you money and stress in the long run. Here's how to weigh your air conditioning repair vs. replacement options:

Choose AC Repairs When:

Choose AC Repairs When:

  • The System is Under 10 Years Old: Most newer systems have a lot of life left and are worth fixing.
  • The Repair is Minor and Affordable: Replacing a capacitor, contactor, or thermostat usually makes sense.
  • It’s the First Issue You've Had: One breakdown doesn’t mean the whole system is on the decline.
  • The Unit is Still Under Warranty: You might pay very little out-of-pocket if parts are covered.
  • It’s Running Well Otherwise: If it’s generally reliable and energy efficient, a repair can buy you more years.
Replace Your Air Conditioner When:

Replace Your Air Conditioner When:

  • It’s 12–15+ Years Old: Most AC units start to decline after this range, especially in coastal climates like San Diego.
  • You’re Calling for Repairs Every Season: If service calls are becoming a regular thing, it’s likely time to upgrade.
  • Cooling is Uneven or Inadequate: Even after service, the system can’t keep up, especially in hot weather.
  • Major Components Fail: A bad compressor or coil is a big-ticket repair that might not be worth the cost.
Schedule Online

No matter what your system needs, we’ll take a close look, explain what we find, and give you the facts to help you make a confident decision. Our friendly, caring team will also guide you through the next steps—from maintenance tips to financing options and full installation support.

Reduce Costly Repairs With Regular AC Maintenance

We see it all the time—an AC quits during a heatwave because it hasn’t had a tune up in years. Your system doesn’t need much, but it does need some basic upkeep to keep it running right. Our team's annual air conditioning maintenance helps catch small problems before they turn into big, expensive ones. It also helps your AC cool better and use less energy, which means lower bills and fewer breakdowns.

Stay Ahead of Repairs With a Maintenance Plan Made to Save You Money

Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan—but ours was truly designed with San Diego homeowners in mind. Our USA Membership Plan helps you stay on top of both your cooling and heating system performance with scheduled HVAC service you don’t have to chase down. You’ll get priority scheduling, 15% off repairs, a discounted service call fee, and more. Less stress, fewer surprises, and more peace of mind—just how it should be! Talk to your technician about signing up or simply give our office a call to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an AC repair cost?

It really depends on what’s wrong—some HVAC repair projects are simple, others are more involved. We’ll take a look, explain what’s going on, and give you a clear price before we do anything.

Most of the time, we can get you up and running in one visit. We come prepared with parts and tools so we’re not wasting your time with back-and-forth trips.

If it’s still doing its job and this is a one-time issue, probably. But if it’s been limping along or you’ve had to call us more than once lately, it might be time to talk options.

That’s totally up to you. We aim to earn your trust with straight answers and solid work on our heating and air services.. If you want to compare, we’ll still be here when you’re ready with zero pressure.

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.

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 Company2. Family Owned3. Great presentation, no pressure4. Good products5. Competitive pricingJust 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.
Michael Myers
00:19 25 Mar 25
My experience with Guthrie & Sons has been excellent, and I am pleased to write a very favorable review about it. They replaced three air conditioners and three propane furnaces with new equipment that utilizes heat pump technology. I had met with other companies and I was close to coming to a conclusion, when a friend recommended Guthrie & Sons. He told me that they are hyper focused on customer service from beginning to end.Their customer service started with the on line completion of a basic information form. Shortly after submitting that form, I heard from Zach who scheduled an appointment at my home.I had already met with three other HVAC contractors, and for that reason, I had some basic information about the systems available and how heat pumps work and whether propane furnaces should also be installed. I signed a contract on a Friday. By Wednesday of the next week they had completed the installation. Wow.The installation of one of the furnaces in the attic caused minor damage to the drywall. THEY BROUGHT IT TO MY ATTENTION and told me a drywall contractor would be in touch regarding its repair. Two days later it was repaired.Since installation, the equipment (heat pumps from Bosch) has been working great and I am optimistic about the future. Meanwhile, their pricing, warranty and terms are far superior to their competitors.Since this is an unusually long review and so favorable, let me add this: This is my honest, uncompensated opinion. I have no relationship with anyone at Guthrie & Sons other than the contract we executed.
Tom H
15:21 20 Mar 25
We recently had Guthrie and Sons install a Mini-Split system in our home. The entire process was handled professionally with no issues occurring at any time. The estimator (Vlad) went through options with us but let us evaluate the best solution for us with zero pressure. The installation team (Matthew and Aaron) showed up on time, reviewed the scope of the job, made sure they understood what we wanted, and then proceeded to complete the installation exactly as discussed. They asked for my input as needed so there were no surprises when the job was completed.They respected my property and made sure everything was left at least as clean was when they arrived. The job was completed on time and as promised and they reviewed the details of the system and its use clearly. I would definitely have Guthrie and Sons do other electrical/HVAC work should the need arise.
Mike Macias
19:43 19 Mar 25
I have been in the construction industry in San Diego for over 50 years. I owned my own contracting company for over 40 years. I have seen all levels of customer service in my years. The level of customer service from Guthrie and Son’s is among the best I’ve ever seen and received. Every time I hear anyone asking for a referral for HVAC work I immediately give them your number. When I recommend a company I in essence am putting my name and reputation on the line. I refer them with 100% confidence in the service they will receive. Thank you very much for your legendary service.
Scott Sypkens
23:32 11 Mar 25
We first hired Guthrie and Sons to replace a furnace after comparing proposals from several heating and air companies. They’ve since been back for annual check ups, and today Kareen came to diagnose and resolve an issue with our mini-splits. My experience each time, including today, is that they hire friendly, knowledgeable people who do good work. They’ve never tried to upsell or do anything unnecessary, which is the way it should be. I’d recommend them to anyone who asks.
Marilyn Rivas
20:07 09 Mar 25
They always come out quickly. They are so polite and careful.
Steven Wheeler
19:28 07 Mar 25
Good technician did everything right yet our heater still not workingJonathan gave us the likeliest problems so we’ll have to get it fixed
Dmitriy
04:01 07 Mar 25
My AC was not working for seven months. Three other companies tried to fix it with no success. Don’t make the same mistake I did—go straight to Guthrie & Sons! They are absolutely worth every penny.
Cecilia Benevich
22:17 05 Mar 25
Rick
21:38 05 Mar 25
Experienced technician gave me the particulars of a replacement HVAC system
Daylan Dauchot
21:28 05 Mar 25
Courteous, in-time, helpful, honest. Would recommend.
Xinxin Wang
22:05 04 Mar 25
Tom Barden
18:26 04 Mar 25
Adair Cooke
19:02 03 Mar 25
Jonathon is a great technician. He is very willing to answer any questions and explains things very well. He is very transparent with letting us know cost, finance options, different furnace models and anything else we want to know. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for furnace repair or replacement.
Bratso Krsic
00:29 28 Feb 25
Guthrie and Sons took on the challenging project of installing an HVAC system at St. George's Serbian Orthodox Church of San Diego, CA. They were the only company among the six we consulted that saw the project through to the end. The members of our congregation are not just happy, but thoroughly satisfied with the heating and air conditioning. The system, split units/floor units with condensers outside, was installed with minimal intrusion onto the church's artwork. Despite the project taking longer than expected due to permit delays, the results were well worth the wait. We highly recommend Guthrie and Sons Heating and Air.
Jennie Cornsweet
00:10 28 Feb 25
Have been using Guthrie & Sons for several years now and purchase my new HVAC system with them. They do our yearly maintenance and have always been professional, efficient and reliable. Jonathan was the tech that came today and I want to thank him for his great work and great attitude.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Repair in San Diego, CA With Us

When your AC stops working or displays strange behavior, you don’t want games—you just want someone who shows up, knows what they’re doing, and treats you right. At Guthrie & Sons, we get it. We’ve been helping San Diego homeowners stay cool since 2005, and we still do things the honest way: no pressure, no upsells, no runaround. Just clear answers, respectful service, and repairs that actually fix the problem. Call today or schedule online for reliable air conditioning repair in San Diego, California.

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

Now proudly serving Temecula and Murrieta!

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8248 Ronson Road
San Diego, CA 92111

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