Air Conditioning in Berkeley & the East Bay
Installation, repair, and maintenance for every air conditioning system — residential and commercial. CSLB #1146520.
What We Do
AC Installation, Repair & Maintenance
Aarvaks handles every phase of residential and commercial air conditioning — from selecting the right system to keeping it running year after year.
New Systems
AC Installation
Central air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. We assess your home’s layout, existing ductwork, and cooling load before recommending a system.
Repairs
AC Repair
Warm air, ice on the unit, or a system that won’t turn on — we diagnose and repair all makes and models. Emergency service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Preventive Care
AC Tune-Up
Annual tune-ups extend equipment life, improve efficiency, and catch refrigerant and mechanical issues before they become failures. Combined furnace and AC tune-up available.
Systems We Service
Every Type of Air Conditioning System
We install Carrier, Bosch, and Mitsubishi. We repair any brand.
Central Air Conditioners
Split-system central AC is the standard cooling solution for ducted East Bay homes. We install Carrier and Bosch and service all major brands including Lennox, Trane, Goodman, and Rheem.
Heat Pumps
Heating and cooling from a single system. Heat pumps are particularly efficient in Berkeley’s mild climate. We install Carrier, Bosch, and Mitsubishi heat pumps. Rebates may apply. See current East Bay rebates.
Ductless Mini-Splits
Targeted cooling for rooms without ductwork, additions, and converted spaces. We install Carrier, Bosch, and Mitsubishi ductless systems with no duct modification required.
Package Units
Self-contained cooling and heating in a single rooftop or ground-mounted unit. Common in commercial buildings and some residential applications. We install and service all major package unit brands.
Commercial Cooling
Rooftop units, split systems, and commercial package equipment for East Bay businesses. $189 commercial diagnostic fee. We service all major commercial HVAC brands.
All Brands Repaired
Carrier, Bosch, Mitsubishi, Lennox, Trane, Goodman, Rheem, American Standard — if it cools your space, we service it.
When to Call
Signs Your AC System Needs Attention
Catching problems early avoids emergency repairs and extends equipment life.
- Warm air from the vents — the system is running but not cooling; often a refrigerant, compressor, or airflow issue
- Ice on the outdoor unit or coils — indicates restricted airflow or a refrigerant leak; shut the system off and call
- Unusual noises — grinding, banging, or squealing when the system starts or runs
- Rising energy bills — cooling costs increasing without a change in usage or weather
- Short cycling — the system turns on and off repeatedly without reaching the set temperature
- Water or refrigerant leaks — pooling water near the indoor unit or a hissing sound from the outdoor unit
- System over 15 years old — older AC units with frequent repairs are candidates for replacement
- No cooling at all — call 510-848-5010 for 24/7 emergency AC service
Why Aarvaks
Nearly a Century of East Bay HVAC Service
Aarvaks has been in Berkeley since 1929. Owner Jason Hanson built his career at one of the East Bay’s most respected HVAC companies before acquiring Aarvaks in 2025, and brought his top technicians with him. Four of six technicians hold EPA 608 Universal certification. All installations include a 10-year limited parts warranty and 3-year labor warranty.
97
Years serving
Berkeley and the East Bay
4.9★
Average Google rating
BBB Accredited
10yr
Limited parts warranty
3yr labor, 5yr with maintenance plan
Transparent Pricing
What AC Service Costs
No surprise fees. We quote before we work. Diagnostic fee waived if we do the repair.
$79
Residential Diagnostic
Waived if we do the repair
$129
AC Tune-Up
$199 combined furnace + AC
$10,000
AC Installation Starting
Central split system
AC installation ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 depending on system size and scope. Heat pump installation starts at $17,000 (single zone). Mini-split installation starts at $6,500. Commercial diagnostic is $189. Financing available. 5% senior discount on repairs for customers age 63 and older.
What Customers Say About Aarvaks
★★★★★
“Aarvaks recently installed a Carrier heat pump unit and air handler and by far this has been one of the most professional and best experiences I’ve received from a top HVAC company. From the office to the install team everything was on point and I couldn’t have been any more impressed. Thanks to Jason the CEO and his Aarvaks team my home is so much more comfortable with my new heat pump system and I highly recommend Aarvaks for any HVAC needs.”
★★★★★
“Very happy with the quality of service over the last decade+. So when it came time to replace our old A/C and gas furnace with a new and efficient heat pump, we naturally went with Aarvaks and have not been disappointed by their professionalism and quality of work. This is an expensive investment in our home, something I wouldn’t go with just anybody on.”
★★★★★
“Wonderful estimate visit, three alternative plans, expert heat pump installation service, completed early, and great office contact/billing experience. House is super comfy & quiet now!”
Where We Work
AC Service Across the East Bay
Serving residential and commercial customers throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Not sure if we cover your area? Call 510-848-5010.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does AC installation cost in Berkeley?
Central AC installation at Aarvaks ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 for a residential split system. The final cost depends on the unit’s cooling capacity, existing ductwork condition, and any additional work required such as electrical upgrades. We provide a written quote before any work begins. Call 510-848-5010 or book online for a free estimate.
Do you service window or portable air conditioning units?
Aarvaks services central air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits — the types of systems that require a licensed HVAC contractor to install and maintain. We do not service window units or portable AC units. If your home relies on window units and you want whole-home cooling, we can assess whether central AC or a ductless mini-split is the right fit. Call 510-848-5010 to discuss your options.
Does Aarvaks offer emergency AC service?
Yes. Emergency AC service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 510-848-5010 at any time for emergency service across Berkeley and the East Bay.
How much does an AC diagnostic cost?
The residential diagnostic fee is $79, waived if we do the repair. The commercial diagnostic fee is $189.
Are there rebates available for AC or heat pump installation in Berkeley?
The federal 30% tax credit for heat pumps, up to $2,000, covered improvements made through December 31, 2025, so it does not apply to systems installed in 2026. Some local utilities offer heat pump rebates. MCE, for example, offers up to $400 per 500 square feet in communities it serves, such as El Cerrito and Richmond. We identify which systems qualify during the estimate process. See current East Bay rebates.
What is the difference between a central AC and a heat pump?
A central air conditioner cools only. A heat pump cools in summer and heats in winter by reversing the refrigeration cycle. In Berkeley’s mild climate, heat pumps are highly efficient for year-round comfort from a single system. Heat pump installation starts at $17,000 for a single zone versus $10,000–$15,000 for cooling-only central AC.
How often should I have my AC serviced?
Once per year, ideally in early spring before the cooling season begins. An annual tune-up includes cleaning the coils, checking refrigerant charge, testing electrical components, and verifying airflow. The cost is $129, or $199 for a combined furnace and AC tune-up.
Should I repair or replace my AC?
If the repair cost exceeds 50% of the replacement cost and the system is over 15 years old, replacement is typically the better investment. We assess both options, including any rebates that apply, and give you the numbers before recommending anything.
What type of air conditioning unit is right for my home?
It depends on your home’s ductwork and what you need the system to do. Central AC is the right choice for homes with existing ductwork that need whole-home cooling only — installation starts at $10,000. A ductless mini-split works for homes without ductwork, single rooms, additions, or converted spaces — installation starts at $6,500 per zone. A heat pump provides both heating and cooling from one system and is highly efficient in Berkeley’s mild climate — installation starts at $17,000. We assess your home during the estimate visit and recommend the system that fits your layout and budget.
Do you service commercial air conditioning systems?
Yes. Aarvaks services commercial air conditioning including rooftop units, split systems, and package equipment across Berkeley and the East Bay. The commercial diagnostic fee is $189. We service all major commercial AC brands. Call 510-848-5010 for commercial service.
Ready to Schedule AC Service?
Mon–Fri 8 am–4:30 pm for scheduled service. 24/7 for emergencies. Serving Berkeley and the East Bay since 1929.