Top Emergency HVAC Services in Berkeley, CA, 94701 | Compare & Call
Cooper & Hawkins
In Berkeley, CA, Cooper & Hawkins has been a trusted commercial HVAC and refrigeration expert since 1952. Their skilled technicians provide 24/7 emergency service for system repair, maintenance, and water heater installation. With over six decades of experience, they are a reliable partner for industrial and commercial clients throughout the Bay Area.
SF Bay Heating And Cooling is a trusted HVAC company based in Berkeley, CA, providing reliable service day and night. Their skilled technicians handle system repairs, routine maintenance, and new installations for residents across the Bay Area. Available 24/7 for urgent needs, they offer dependable heating and cooling solutions.
HVAC Pro Service
HVAC Pro Service is a trusted heating and air conditioning provider in Berkeley, CA. Founded in 2019, their skilled technicians handle HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance, along with water heater and air duct services. They offer reliable, same-day availability for urgent needs across the Bay Area, backed by strong warranties as an authorized Bryant dealer.
OM Heating & Air Conditioning Inc
For reliable HVAC solutions in Berkeley, CA, trust OM Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Since 2008, this family-owned company provides heating and air conditioning installation, service, and design. Known for upfront pricing and quality work, they serve the Bay Area with a focus on getting the job done right the first time.
McHale's Heating & Air Conditioning
McHale's Heating & Air Conditioning provides reliable HVAC services to Berkeley, CA. With a history rooted in a commitment to quality workmanship, the company offers heater repairs for wall, floor, gravity, and forced air systems, as well as high-efficiency furnace installations. Serving Berkeley and Albany, this locally-operated business prioritizes direct client interaction for trustworthy results.
Royale Air Heating and Air Conditioning provides reliable HVAC service to Berkeley, CA and surrounding communities. With nearly two decades of experience, this family-owned company offers installation, repair, and maintenance. They deliver skilled work at a fair price, now also servicing Contra Costa County.
Nasa Heating And AC Services
Nasa Heating And AC Services provides reliable HVAC, electrical, and plumbing work for Berkeley, CA homeowners. With skilled technicians and over a decade of local experience since 2010, this family-owned business offers installations, repairs, and maintenance you can trust, backed by a price match guarantee.
For reliable air conditioning repair in Berkeley, CA, choose our local HVAC specialists. We provide skilled service for your cooling and heating systems. Our team is known for dependable, honest work, bringing comfort back to your home quickly. We're here to help with your urgent repair needs, offering responsive emergency service when you need it most. Trust our experienced technicians for your Berkeley home's climate control.
Renn Services
For reliable water heater installation and repair in Berkeley, CA, Renn Services has been a trusted local contractor for over 15 years. Their skilled team handles all types of HVAC and mechanical work, providing dependable service with a commitment to getting every job done right.
Metro Heating Repair Berkeley provides reliable HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance in Berkeley, CA. With a team of certified technicians and a foundation built on community trust, they handle both routine and emergency service calls. Their experienced staff brings decades of combined industry knowledge to every job, offering honest and professional solutions for heating and air conditioning needs.
Your Guide to HVAC Service in Berkeley, CA: From Maintenance to 24/7 Emergencies
Berkeley, CA. It’s a city of incredible neighborhoods, vibrant culture, and, let's be honest, some uniquely Bay Area weather. One day you’re enjoying a sunny 70-degree afternoon in the Elmwood District, and the next, you might be hit by a surprise cold snap rolling in from the Pacific. Or, like many Berkeley residents remember, a severe East Bay heatwave can make an older home without reliable AC feel unbearable. When your home comfort system fails, you need help fast. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about HVAC service in Berkeley, CA—from regular maintenance to those critical 24/7 emergency calls.
What Does Full-Scope HVAC Service Mean for Berkeley Homeowners?
HVAC service isn't just about fixing a broken system. It's a complete approach to keeping your home safe and comfortable year-round. For folks in the Berkeley Hills, Northbrae, or downtown, this typically includes seasonal maintenance, unexpected repairs, and immediate emergency response. We see homeowners scheduling furnace tune-ups in the fall before the rainy season and AC check-ups in late spring to prepare for summer heat. Same-day service is a lifesaver for non-critical issues that pop up suddenly, while 24/7 emergency service is there for true safety hazards and extreme weather crises.
What Truly Qualifies as an HVAC Emergency?
It’s important to know when to call for emergency HVAC service. A true emergency involves an immediate threat to your safety, health, or property. Here are the most common situations we respond to around Berkeley:
- Total Loss of Heat During Freezing Weather: If your furnace or heat pump fails during a cold winter night, especially for vulnerable family members.
- Complete AC Failure During a Heatwave: When temperatures spike and your AC quits, posing a heatstroke risk.
- Gas Smells or Suspected Carbon Monoxide (CO): If you smell natural gas or your CO alarm sounds, this is the highest-priority emergency. Evacuate and call your gas company first, then call us.
- Electrical Burning Smells or Smoke: Any sign of smoke or a sharp, plastic burning odor from your HVAC equipment.
- Major Water Leaks from Your AC: If your indoor air handler is leaking a significant amount of water, risking ceiling or floor damage.
How Berkeley’s Climate and Homes Challenge HVAC Systems
Our local environment directly impacts your heating and cooling equipment. Berkeley's Mediterranean climate means mild, wet winters and dry summers, but microclimates can vary. Coastal fog can keep humidity higher in West Berkeley, while areas like Claremont Canyon can be hotter and drier. This humidity can strain AC units, leading to frozen coils. Our older housing stock, from classic Craftsman bungalows in South Berkeley to mid-century homes, often have original furnaces or boilers that need careful maintenance. Newer builds and remodels might use efficient heat pumps or ductless mini-splits. Salt air can contribute to corrosion, and, unfortunately, wildfire smoke season has made clean air filtration a top concern for many families. Whether you're in a condo near the UC campus or a house in the Berkeley Hills, your system faces specific local stresses.
Common HVAC Problems We See in Berkeley Homes
As your local HVAC service experts, we get called for a wide range of issues. Here are a few we handle regularly:
AC Not Cooling: Often due to refrigerant leaks, dirty coils, or a failing compressor, especially after a long, hot spell.
Furnace Not Igniting: Common in older gas furnaces; a faulty ignitor or flame sensor can leave you without heat on a chilly night.
Clogged Condensate Lines: This is a top cause of AC leaking water inside the house. The drain line gets blocked with algae, and water backs up.
Failing Capacitors or Motors: These parts wear out and can cause your outdoor AC unit or furnace blower to stop working.
Carbon Monoxide Risks: Aging furnaces with cracked heat exchangers are a serious, invisible danger. Regular inspection is key.
We recently helped a family in North Berkeley whose AC failed during a record-breaking September heatwave. The condenser fan motor had seized. With elderly relatives in the home, it was an emergency. Another call came from a home near Solano Avenue with a furnace emitting a faint gas odor—a situation we treat with utmost urgency.
Emergency HVAC, Same-Day Service, or Routine Appointment?
Knowing which service level you need can save time and stress.
- Call for Emergency Service (24/7): For the safety-critical issues listed above: no heat in freezing cold, no AC in dangerous heat, gas smells, CO alarms, burning smells, or major water leaks.
- Schedule Same-Day HVAC Service: For urgent but non-hazardous problems. Examples: weak airflow, a thermostat that's not working correctly, strange but non-threatening noises, or your system cycling on and off irregularly.
- Book a Routine HVAC Service: For planned maintenance, seasonal tune-ups, filter changes, or addressing minor quirks that don't affect immediate comfort or safety.
Understanding HVAC Service Costs in Berkeley
We believe in transparency. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing components for HVAC service in our area. Please note, these are conservative estimates based on local market rates and can vary.
- Diagnostic Fee: This covers the technician's time to identify the problem. It's usually applied to any subsequent repair. Typical range: $75 - $150.
- Emergency Call-Out Fee: A premium for immediate, after-hours response. This is in addition to the diagnostic fee. Typical range: $100 - $200.
- After-Hours Labor: Labor rates are often 1.5 to 2 times the standard rate for nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Hourly Labor: Standard rates for repairs performed during normal business hours.
- Parts: Cost of replacement components, from capacitors to motors.
Example Scenarios: A same-day repair for a faulty capacitor during business hours might cost $250-$450 total. An emergency furnace ignition repair on a Sunday night in winter, including the after-hours fees, could range from $500-$800.
Signs You Need Immediate HVAC Service
- No heat or blowing cold air when it's below 50°F outside.
- Your carbon monoxide alarm goes off.
- You detect a strong smell of natural gas.
- You see smoke or smell burning coming from vents or the unit.
- Water is actively pooling from your indoor AC unit.
- Loud banging, screeching, or popping noises from the system.
- Complete AC failure when the outdoor temperature is over 90°F.
Safety Checklist While You Wait for Help
If you have an emergency, stay safe:
- If you smell gas, evacuate everyone immediately and call Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) from outside.
- If your CO alarm sounds, get fresh air immediately and call 911 if anyone feels ill.
- If safe to do so, shut off the HVAC system at the thermostat and the circuit breaker.
- Keep clear of any electrical components that may be sparking or smoking.
- Move children, elderly, or pets to a safe, comfortable area away from the affected system.
- Never attempt to repair gas lines or high-voltage electrical components yourself.
Local Codes, Permits, and Why Licensing Matters
Berkeley and Alameda County have specific codes for HVAC work. Proper furnace venting is critical for safety. Handling refrigerant requires an EPA 608 certification. Major installations like a new furnace or AC often require a permit from the city to ensure they meet efficiency and safety standards. Hiring a licensed, insured HVAC service provider in Berkeley, CA protects you and ensures the job is done right.
What to Expect: Response Times in Berkeley
When you call for emergency service, our goal is to have a technician on the way quickly. Realistic response times in the Berkeley area are typically between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on traffic, weather, and the number of active emergencies. We navigate neighborhoods from West Berkeley to the Claremont area, and major routes like I-80 and Highway 24 to reach you as fast as possible.
Your Trusted Local HVAC Service Resource
From a seasonal tune-up to a midnight emergency, having a reliable local expert is key to your home's comfort and safety. For comprehensive HVAC service in Berkeley, CA—including responsive same-day repairs and true 24/7 emergency response—you can count on us.
Berkeley Emergency HVAC provides trusted HVAC service in Berkeley, CA, including 24/7 emergency response and same-day repairs. Call (888) 996-4787 now for immediate dispatch.
