AC Repair in Milpitas, CA

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

Most cooling problems come from a handful of causes. Some are quick fixes; others point to a part that is wearing out. Here is what we see most often in Bay Area homes.

What you notice	Common causes	What we do
Warm air from the vents	Dirty filter or coil, failed capacitor or contactor, low refrigerant from a leak	Test electrical parts and refrigerant pressures, then replace the failed part or find the leak
AC turns on and off every few minutes	Oversized system, dirty coil, thermostat problem, low refrigerant	Check airflow, thermostat wiring and system pressures
Water around the indoor unit	Clogged condensate drain or a cracked drain pan	Clear the drain line and check the pan and pump
Buzzing, banging or squealing	Worn fan motor, loose parts, failing compressor	Inspect motors, fan blades and the compressor
Higher energy bills	Dirty coils, low refrigerant, leaky ducts	Clean and test the system and look for duct leaks
Blank thermostat screen	Dead batteries, tripped breaker, blown fuse or float switch	Trace power from the panel to the thermostat

What happens on an AC repair visit?

1. Diagnosis. A technician checks the thermostat, filter, electrical parts, refrigerant pressures and airflow to find the real cause.
2. A clear price first. You get the price for the repair before any work begins. Nothing is done without your OK.
3. The repair. Most common parts, like capacitors, contactors and fan motors, can be replaced on the same visit.
4. Testing. We run the system and check that it is cooling properly before we leave.

How much does an AC repair visit cost?

The diagnostic visit is $89, and it is waived when you approve the repair. For Comfort Club members the diagnostic is $49, and members also get 15% off repairs and priority scheduling. The cost of the repair itself depends on the part and the system, so the technician gives you an exact price after the diagnosis.

Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?

Repair usually makes sense when the system is under about 10 to 12 years old and the problem is a single part. Replacement is worth a look when:

• The system is 15 years or older and needs a major part like a compressor or coil.
• Repairs are getting more frequent, or energy bills keep climbing.
• Some rooms never get comfortable, even when the system runs.
• The system has a refrigerant leak that keeps coming back.

Newer air conditioners and heat pumps use a newer type of refrigerant, called A2L, while many existing systems use R-410A. That can affect whether a repair is the better value. We will explain your options honestly, and if a new system makes sense, AC replacement estimates are free.

What can I check before calling for AC repair?

• The filter. A clogged filter is one of the most common reasons an AC stops cooling. Replace it if it looks gray.
• The thermostat. Make sure it is set to Cool and below the room temperature, and replace the batteries if the screen is blank.
• The breaker. Check that the AC and furnace breakers in your electrical panel are on.
• The outdoor unit. Keep about 2 feet clear around it, free of plants, leaves and stored items.

Please don’t open the outdoor unit or the furnace panels yourself. If none of these helps, call us at (408) 649-3198.

Recently, Victor was in to fix our AC unit and he did an amazing job. He was quickly able to figure out the problem and identify the fix. He even proposed reusing an old part to save some cost.

Raghavan R., Google review

Which AC systems and brands do we repair?

We repair central air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits, and we service every major brand, including Amana, Carrier, Payne, Goodman, Daikin and Mitsubishi. Upgrade Home Services is a family-owned company based at 743 Ames Ave in Milpitas, licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB #1066776) and serving homeowners since 2002. We work across 22 cities in Santa Clara, San Mateo and southern Alameda counties, including Milpitas, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Fremont.