AC Repair in Berkeley & the East Bay
$79 diagnostic fee. All brands serviced. EPA 608 certified, factory-trained technicians. Written repair quote before any work begins. CSLB #1146520.
★★★★★
“I had a duct fan fail in a very heat sensitive wine cellar and Aarvaks came same day to diagnose issue. They ordered the part and picked it up the next day and everything was fixed within 48 hours. Personal service. Professional service. They know their stuff. They are prompt and reliable. Trustworthy.”
Repair Process
What Happens During an AC Diagnostic
The $79 diagnostic covers a full system inspection. Before we recommend any repair, we identify the root cause — not just the symptom.
- Visual inspection of indoor and outdoor units — condenser coil condition, refrigerant line insulation, electrical connections, and all accessible components
- Electrical component testing — measure capacitor microfarad rating, contactor condition, relay operation, and fuse continuity
- Refrigerant pressure check — verify charge against manufacturer spec and test all connection points for leaks
- Airflow measurement — check static pressure, blower motor amp draw, and evaporator coil for ice or restriction
- Compressor testing — measure amp draw against rated load, verify startup capacitor condition, and check temperature differential across the coil
- Condensate system inspection — drain line flow, float switch operation, and drain pan condition
- Thermostat and controls verification — staging, setpoints, and communication with the air handler
- Written repair recommendation with itemized pricing — no work begins without your approval
What We Fix
Common AC Repairs
Aarvaks technicians service all AC brands — Carrier, Bosch, Mitsubishi, Lennox, Trane, Goodman, Rheem, American Standard, and more. If it cools your space, we service it.
Refrigerant & Compressor
Refrigerant leak detection and recharge, compressor diagnosis and replacement, TXV and metering device, reversing valve on heat pumps. Adding refrigerant without finding the leak is not a repair — we locate and fix the source before recharging.
Electrical Components
Run capacitor, start capacitor, contactor, relay, control board, disconnect, and thermostat replacement. Capacitors are the most common failure on aging systems — confirmed against spec before any part is ordered.
Airflow & Coils
Evaporator coil cleaning and repair, condenser coil cleaning, blower motor replacement, drain pan, float switch, and refrigerant line insulation. A restricted evaporator coil causes ice buildup and warm air — often misdiagnosed as a refrigerant problem.
Transparent Pricing
AC Repair Cost
The diagnostic fee covers the full inspection and written repair recommendation. Repair costs vary by component and labor required. We provide itemized pricing before any work begins — no surprises on the invoice.
$79
Residential diagnostic fee
Waived if we do the repair
$189
Commercial diagnostic fee
All commercial AC brands
All Brands
Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Goodman
Rheem, American Standard & more
Written itemized quote provided before any repair work begins. Diagnostic fee waived if we do the repair. 5% senior discount on repairs for customers age 63 and older. Financing available on qualifying repairs.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does AC repair cost in Berkeley?
The $79 residential diagnostic covers the full system inspection and a written repair recommendation with itemized pricing. The total repair cost depends on the component — a capacitor replacement typically runs significantly less than a compressor replacement. You see the exact cost before approving any work. Call 510-848-5010 or book online to schedule a diagnostic.
My AC is running but blowing warm air — what’s wrong?
Warm air with the system running points to one of three common causes: low refrigerant from a leak, a failing compressor that can’t build adequate pressure, or a restricted evaporator coil causing ice buildup. In some cases a clogged filter is reducing airflow enough to affect cooling. A diagnostic identifies the root cause — adding refrigerant without finding the leak is not a repair.
Can any HVAC company repair my AC, or does it need to be the original installer?
Any licensed HVAC contractor can repair your AC regardless of who installed it. You are never locked into the original installer. Aarvaks services all residential and commercial brands — Carrier, Bosch, Mitsubishi, Lennox, Trane, Goodman, Rheem, American Standard, Daikin, and more. CSLB #1146520.
How long does an AC repair take?
Most repairs are completed in a single visit. A capacitor or contactor replacement typically takes under an hour once the fault is confirmed. A coil repair or compressor replacement requires more time and may involve a return visit if parts need to be ordered. The written quote will include an estimated timeline before any work begins.
My AC is leaking water indoors — is that an emergency?
Water near the indoor air handler usually means the condensate drain line is clogged or the drain pan is overflowing. Shut the system off to prevent water damage and schedule a service call. If the leak is threatening flooring, walls, or ceiling material, call us immediately at 510-848-5010 for priority service.
How do I know if my AC needs repair or replacement?
If the repair cost approaches or exceeds half the cost of a comparable new system, replacement is usually the better investment — especially on a system over 15 years old. A failed compressor on an older unit is often the threshold. We give you both figures — repair cost and replacement cost — so you can decide without pressure. AC installation starts at $10,000 if replacement is the right call.
AC Not Cooling?
$79 diagnostic. Written repair quote before any work begins. All brands serviced. Serving Berkeley and the East Bay since 1929.