Most HVAC companies refuse to publish prices. We don't play that game. Here's what things actually cost in North County, and what affects the number.
Pricing transparency
What it costs.
Replacement costs depend on your home, your system, and the equipment you choose. Use our instant estimator for a realistic range in about a minute — your exact price comes from a free in-home visit.
What affects your price
· Home size and tonnage required
· Equipment brand and efficiency rating (SEER2 / AFUE)
· Existing ductwork condition
· Electrical work (panel upgrades, new disconnects)
· Permits (always included in our quotes — no surprise fees)
· Coastal corrosion-resistant equipment for beach-area homes
What we'll never charge for
· “Trip fees” on top of a service call within our 30-mile radius
· Diagnostic fees if you proceed with the repair
· “Premium” weekend/evening rates for normal-hours service
· Hidden disposal or hauling fees on replacements
General questions
Everything else.
How fast can you get out for a repair?+
Most North County repair calls get same-day or next-morning service. On hot summer days, queues fill up early — call before 10am for the best chance of same-day. Maintenance plan members go to the front of the queue.
Do you charge a service fee?+
Yes — a flat diagnostic fee covers the visit and the diagnosis. If you proceed with the repair, the fee is waived and rolled into the repair cost.
Are you licensed and insured?+
Yes. CA C-20 HVAC contractor license, EPA Section 608 certification, bonded and fully insured. License number is in the footer of every page.
Do you only work on residential homes?+
Yes. We focus on residential to do it well — single-family homes, condos, ADUs, and small multi-unit residential properties. We don't do commercial.
What brands do you install?+
Carrier, Trane, Goodman, and Daikin for split systems and heat pumps. Mitsubishi and Daikin for mini-splits. We'll tell you honestly which fits your home and budget — we don't push the brand with the highest margin.
What's your warranty?+
Manufacturer warranties on equipment (typically 10 years on parts for major brands), plus our labor warranty (1 year minimum, longer on full system installs). Specifics on your written quote.
Can you handle rebates and tax credit paperwork?+
Yes. We file SDG&E rebates and provide the documentation you need for federal tax credits. We track current rebate programs so you don't leave money on the table.
Mini-Splits
Mini-Split Installation questions.
How long does a mini-split installation take?+
Most single-zone installs are a one-day job. Multi-zone systems (2–4 heads) usually take 1–2 days.
Will a mini-split heat my home in winter?+
Yes. Modern mini-splits are heat pumps — they cool in summer and heat in winter. In our region's mild climate, they handle our coldest nights without breaking a sweat.
How loud is a mini-split?+
Indoor heads run around 19–25 decibels — quieter than a whisper. The outdoor compressor is louder but still significantly quieter than a central AC condenser.
Are mini-splits eligible for rebates?+
Often, yes. SDG&E and federal tax credits both offer incentives for high-efficiency heat pump mini-splits.
Central Home
Central Home Installation questions.
How long does a full system replacement take?+
Most installs are 1 day. If we're also upgrading ductwork or running new line sets, plan on 2 days. We'll give you a firm timeline before we start.
Do I need to replace the furnace and AC together?+
Not always — but if both are 12+ years old, replacing them together is usually the right call. Mixing a brand-new AC with a dying furnace often shortens the new unit's life.
What's SEER2 and what should I look for?+
SEER2 is the efficiency rating — higher is more efficient. Code minimum in California is 14.3 SEER2. We usually recommend 16–18 SEER2 for our area — the savings on your bill pays back the upcharge in a few years.
Will you haul away the old equipment?+
Yes. Removal and disposal of the old system is included in every replacement quote.
Heat Pumps
Heat Pump Installation questions.
Will a heat pump really keep my home warm in winter?+
Yes. Heat pumps are extremely effective here. You'll notice the heat feels gentler and more even than a gas furnace, which blasts hot air in short bursts.
Is a heat pump right for my home?+
Heat pumps are an excellent choice for many homeowners looking for an all-in-one heating and cooling solution. The best option depends on factors such as your home's size, insulation, existing HVAC system, and comfort goals. Our team can help determine the right system for your needs.
My heat pump is icing over — is that bad?+
Some frosting in winter is normal — the unit defrosts itself periodically. But heavy ice that doesn't go away usually means a refrigerant or sensor problem. Call us before you damage the compressor.
How long do heat pumps last?+
15–20 years with regular maintenance. Skip maintenance and you might get 10. Coastal homes (Carlsbad, Encinitas) need extra coil cleaning to fight salt corrosion.
AC Repair
AC Repair questions.
How quickly can you repair my AC system?+
Many AC repairs can be completed during the same visit. Our technicians arrive prepared with common parts and diagnostic tools to resolve most issues as quickly as possible and restore your comfort.
How do I know if it's worth repairing vs replacing?+
Rule of thumb: if your unit is under 10 years old, repair it. 10–15 years, depends on the cost. 15+ years, replacement is almost always the better long-term move. We'll show you the math.
Why is my AC freezing up?+
Usually airflow restriction (dirty filter, blocked return) or low refrigerant. Turn the system off, let it thaw, and call us — running it iced will damage the compressor.
Can I just add refrigerant if it's low?+
Topping off without finding the leak is a waste of money — it'll just leak out again. We find the leak, fix it, then recharge.
Heating Repair
Heating Repair questions.
Why is my heater blowing cold air?+
This could be caused by thermostat settings, airflow issues, ignition problems, dirty filters, or other system malfunctions. A professional inspection can identify the cause.
How often should a furnace be serviced?+
Once a year, usually in the fall before you need it. Our maintenance plan handles this automatically.
Why does my heater keep turning on and off?+
This issue, known as short cycling, can be caused by a dirty air filter, thermostat problems, airflow restrictions, overheating, or an improperly sized system. A professional diagnosis can identify the root cause.
What's the lifespan of a gas furnace?+
15–20 years with annual maintenance. Without maintenance, more like 10–12.
Maintenance
Maintenance Plans questions.
What is included in the Comfort Kings Maintenance Plan?+
Our maintenance plan includes scheduled HVAC tune-ups, system inspections, performance testing, safety checks, priority scheduling, and recommendations to help keep your equipment operating at peak performance.
How often will my system be serviced?+
Most maintenance plans include two visits per year—one before the cooling season and one before the heating season. This helps ensure your system is prepared for year-round comfort.
Can I cancel?+
Anytime. We don't do contracts that lock you in. If you're not getting value, cancel — no hassle.
Will the tune-up turn into a sales pitch?+
No. We tell you what we find — good or bad — and let you decide. We hate the high-pressure HVAC playbook as much as you do.
Duct Work
Duct Work questions.
Do I really need my ducts cleaned?+
Probably not as often as the ads suggest. Most homes don't need cleaning unless there's visible mold, rodent infestation, or major construction debris. We'll tell you honestly.
Can leaky ducts increase my energy bills?+
Yes. Leaky or poorly sealed ducts can allow conditioned air to escape into attics, crawl spaces, or walls, causing your HVAC system to work harder and increasing energy costs.
How long does duct replacement take?+
Most homes are 1–2 days. We tarp work areas and clean up before we leave.
Will new ductwork improve my home's comfort?+
In many cases, yes. Properly designed and installed ductwork can improve airflow, eliminate hot and cold spots, reduce system strain, and create more consistent temperatures throughout the home.
Ready When You Are
Still have questions?
Call us — we'll talk through your situation honestly.
