Vilchez Heating & Air Conditioning has been the go-to HVAC contractor for East Palo Alto homeowners, landlords, and businesses since 2010. We handle the full range of heating and cooling work: AC repair and service, heating and furnace repair, heat pump service, system installation and replacement, ductwork, thermostats, indoor air quality, seasonal maintenance, and emergency calls. The technician who works on your home lives right here too. That matters to us, and it shows in every job we take on.
We answer the phone. We dispatch the technician. We keep it simple.
Call (650) 899-6391 for a quote on any heating or cooling job in East Palo Alto or the surrounding San Mateo County area.
Here's what most people get wrong about their HVAC system: they wait until something breaks completely before calling for help. By then, a small refrigerant leak has become a failed compressor, or a dirty air handler has turned into a full system breakdown. Catching problems early saves money and keeps your home or building comfortable year-round.
We handle the everyday repair and service work that keeps systems running: AC repair, heating and furnace repair, heat pump service, thermostat troubleshooting, ductwork inspection and sealing, indoor air quality upgrades, and seasonal tune-ups. Our technicians diagnose airflow problems, uneven temperatures, condenser and compressor issues, blower and air handler faults, and refrigerant leaks. All work is performed by qualified HVAC technicians who know this equipment inside and out.
Whether your air conditioner stopped cooling, your furnace won't fire up, or you just want a pre-season tune-up before the weather shifts, we can get you scheduled quickly. Call us and we'll walk you through your options.
Noticing uneven temperatures or a spike in energy bills? Those are early warning signs. But when the system goes down entirely, no heat in the house on a cold night or no cooling during a summer heat spike, you need someone on the job the same day.
We offer same-day availability and respond to after-hours calls for both residential and commercial customers. A rental property with no heat, a restaurant with a failed rooftop unit, or a home where the AC quit in the middle of a heat wave all get the same priority treatment. We take pride in the HVAC work we leave behind, and that starts with showing up when it counts.
Right diagnosis. Right repair. Right on the first visit.
We keep your home comfortable in every season.
Doing HVAC work right matters, and we'll help you get it right, whether you are replacing a system that has run its course or installing equipment in a space that has never had it before.
We handle the full range of installation and replacement work: central air conditioning, gas furnaces, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, full HVAC system replacements, and thermostat and smart-control upgrades. For homeowners and property managers looking to improve comfort and cut energy costs, we can also help with zoning systems and energy-efficiency upgrades that match the actual demands of your space. Commercial building owners and facility managers get the same thorough approach: a proper load calculation, the right equipment for the application, and a clean installation.
We give honest recommendations on repair versus replacement, never an upsell. If a repair makes financial sense, we will tell you. If replacement is the smarter move, we will explain why. Call us and we'll handle the rest.
East Palo Alto's mild but variable Bay Area climate creates specific comfort and air quality demands that shape the HVAC work we do most often here. Winters are mild enough that heavy heating loads are rare, but summers can spike quickly, especially with inland heat pushing over the hills. Wildfire smoke has become a year-round air quality concern, and a growing number of homeowners are replacing aging gas equipment with modern heat pump systems. The three services below come up constantly in this area, and we handle all of them.
Many homes in East Palo Alto were built before central air conditioning was standard. For years, mild marine weather made it easy to get by without cooling. That calculus has changed. Recent heat events have pushed more homeowners to install their first cooling system, and the demand keeps growing.
The job starts with an honest look at your home's layout and existing ductwork, or the lack of it. For homes without ducts, a ductless mini-split system is often the cleanest and most cost-effective solution. We size the system correctly for the space, handle the full installation, and make sure the equipment is commissioned and running before we leave. If your home has existing ductwork that can support central AC, we will walk you through that option too.
Bay Area wildfire seasons push fine particulate matter indoors through every gap in the building envelope. Standard one-inch filters do very little to stop it. Upgrading to MERV-13 or higher filtration makes a measurable difference in the air your family or tenants breathe during smoke events.
The work involves evaluating your existing HVAC system and air handler to confirm it can support a higher-resistance filter without starving the system of airflow. We install or upgrade to MERV-13-capable filtration, and where the system calls for it, we can add whole-home air purifiers or air scrubbers for an additional layer of protection. Regular evaporator coil cleaning is part of keeping a high-filtration system running efficiently over time. If indoor air quality is a concern for your household or property, this is a practical and genuinely useful upgrade.
Mild Bay Area winters make heat pumps one of the most efficient all-season solutions available. A single heat pump handles both heating and cooling, performs well in the temperature range East Palo Alto actually sees, and replaces aging gas furnace equipment that many homeowners are ready to move away from.
The job starts with a load calculation to size the system properly for your home or building. We help you choose between a ducted heat pump and a ductless configuration based on your existing setup. From there, we remove or repurpose the old equipment, install the new unit, and commission the system. Any electrical circuit work required for the installation is handled by a licensed electrician on your project. We own the heating-and-cooling unit and its installation from start to finish.
If you've never hired an HVAC company before, or you've had mixed results with contractors who don't prioritize commercial work, we want to change that experience. We serve offices, restaurants, retail spaces, and multi-unit residential properties across East Palo Alto and the broader Peninsula.
Commercial clients have different priorities than residential homeowners. Downtime costs money, tenants notice when the system is down, and scheduling has to work around business hours. We handle commercial AC repair, commercial heating repair, rooftop unit repair and replacement, and ongoing commercial HVAC maintenance with scheduling that respects how your property operates. We keep your home comfortable in every season, and we bring that same commitment to every commercial account we serve.
Ready to get the comfort back? Before that can happen, most people want to know what the job is going to cost. That is a fair question, and we answer it directly.
HVAC pricing varies by job type. A repair call, a seasonal tune-up, and a full system replacement are priced differently, and the right number depends on what your equipment actually needs. We provide a clear estimate before any work begins, and we do not add surprise charges after the fact. Residential homeowners and commercial property managers both get the same straightforward approach: a look at the system, an honest assessment, and a quote that reflects the actual scope of work. Call us and we'll walk you through your options.
We are based in East Palo Alto and serve residential and commercial customers throughout San Mateo County and the surrounding Peninsula. Our regular service area includes Menlo Park, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Atherton, Belmont, San Carlos, and Foster City. If you are nearby and not sure whether we cover your area, give us a call. Chances are we do.
Call us at (650) 899-6391 and describe what your system is doing or what you need. We will ask a few questions, give you a clear sense of what the work involves, and schedule a visit so we can provide a firm estimate before anything begins.
We are based in East Palo Alto and serve customers throughout San Mateo County and the surrounding Peninsula, including Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Atherton, Belmont, San Carlos, and nearby communities. If you are not sure whether we cover your location, give us a call and we can confirm quickly.
Yes. We work with homeowners, renters, landlords, property managers, and business owners. Whether the job is a home AC repair or a rooftop unit replacement at a commercial property, we bring the same thorough approach to every call.
Call us at (650) 899-6391. We will ask about your system and the problem you are experiencing, check our schedule, and get a technician dispatched as quickly as possible, often the same day for urgent calls.
We provide a clear estimate before any work begins. Pricing varies by job type, so a repair call, a seasonal tune-up, and a full system replacement are each quoted based on what the work actually involves. There are no surprise charges added after the fact.
Weak or no airflow, warm air coming from the vents when the AC is running, the system short cycling on and off, or unusual noises like banging or squealing are all signs something is wrong. The sooner you call, the better the chance of catching a small problem before it becomes a larger repair.
Check your thermostat settings and make sure the unit has power, but do not attempt to force a system on if it is tripping repeatedly. Call us and describe what you are seeing. We will help you figure out whether it is something simple or whether a technician needs to come out.
Turn the system off and call us. A burning smell can indicate an electrical issue within the equipment or dust burning off after a long off-season, and a loud noise can signal a mechanical problem that will get worse if the unit keeps running. We will advise you on next steps over the phone and schedule a visit.
You call us, describe the issue, and we schedule a visit. A qualified HVAC technician arrives, inspects the system, explains what was found, and gives you a clear estimate. Work begins only after you approve it, and we test the system before we leave.
Repeated breakdowns are a signal that the equipment may be at the end of its useful life. We will give you an honest assessment of whether repair still makes financial sense or whether a replacement is the smarter investment given the age and condition of the system.
For routine maintenance or non-urgent repairs, booking a few days ahead is usually enough. During busy periods like the start of summer, lead times can stretch. For urgent calls and emergencies, we work to get a technician out the same day whenever possible.
Vilchez Heating & Air Conditioning has served East Palo Alto and the surrounding area for more than 16 years. We bring qualified technicians to every job, offer same-day availability for urgent calls, and give you a clear, honest estimate before work begins. We take pride in the HVAC work we leave behind, and every job we complete is a reflection of that standard.
One number. One call. One HVAC tech at your door.
Call (650) 899-6391 to schedule service or request an estimate on any heating or cooling job, residential or commercial.
We handle the full range of heating and cooling work for East Palo Alto homeowners, landlords, and businesses. Whether you need a quick repair, a seasonal tune-up, or a full system replacement, our qualified HVAC technicians are ready to help. Use this table to find the service that fits your situation, then call us for a clear estimate before any work begins.
| System Service | What's Included | Best Suited For | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Time AC & Ductless Cooling Installation |
| East Palo Alto homes built before central air was standard that are adding cooling for the first time | Recent heat events have pushed demand for first-time cooling installations; a ductless mini-split is often the cleanest solution for homes without existing ductwork. |
| AC Repair & Service |
| Homeowners or tenants with an AC that is not cooling properly | Catching a small refrigerant leak early prevents compressor failure and a much larger repair bill later. |
| Emergency HVAC Service |
| Any situation where the system is completely down and waiting is not an option | We prioritize urgent calls and work to get a technician out the same day whenever possible. |
| Full System Installation & ReplacementMost Popular |
| Homeowners or property managers replacing aging or failed equipment | A proper load calculation prevents oversizing, which causes short-cycling and higher energy bills over the life of the system. |
| Indoor Air Quality & Air Filtration |
| Households concerned about allergens, dust, or wildfire smoke indoors | Bay Area wildfire seasons make high-efficiency filtration a practical upgrade, not just a comfort one. |
| Seasonal Maintenance & Tune-Ups |
| Homeowners and property managers who want to prevent breakdowns before peak season | Scheduling a tune-up before summer or before the first cold stretch is the most cost-effective way to avoid emergency calls. |
| Heating & Furnace Repair |
| Households or buildings with a gas furnace that will not fire or is heating unevenly | Even in mild Bay Area winters, a furnace that short-cycles or runs cold should be addressed before temperatures drop further. |
| Thermostat & Smart-Control Installation |
| Homeowners looking to improve comfort and reduce energy waste | A smart thermostat paired to the right system can meaningfully reduce runtime and monthly energy costs. |
| Ductwork Repair & Sealing |
| Buildings with uneven temperatures or higher-than-expected energy bills | Leaky ducts can waste 20 to 30 percent of conditioned air before it reaches the living space. |
| Heat Pump Electrification |
| Homeowners ready to replace aging gas furnace equipment with an all-season heat pump | Bay Area mild winters fall squarely in the operating range where heat pumps perform most efficiently; any electrical circuit work required is handled by a licensed electrician on your project. |
| Wildfire-Smoke Air Filtration (MERV-13+) |
| Peninsula households that experience smoke infiltration during wildfire events | Standard one-inch filters do very little to stop fine particulate matter; upgrading to MERV-13 makes a measurable difference in air quality during smoke events. |
| Heat Pump Repair & Service |
| Homes already running a heat pump that is losing heating or cooling output | Heat pumps handle both seasons, so a problem in summer often signals the same fault will affect winter comfort. |
How do I know if my AC or furnace needs to be replaced rather than repaired?
Age and repair history are the two biggest factors. If the system is more than 15 years old and has needed multiple repairs in recent seasons, replacement often makes more financial sense than continuing to patch aging equipment. We give honest assessments on repair versus replacement based on what we actually find, and we will explain the reasoning either way.
How often should I schedule a maintenance tune-up?
Once a year is the standard recommendation for most systems. For homes running a heat pump year-round, a tune-up before summer and a check before winter is a reasonable approach. Regular maintenance catches small problems before they become expensive repairs and keeps the system running at its rated efficiency.
What does a seasonal tune-up actually cover?
A typical tune-up includes coil cleaning, a refrigerant level check, blower and electrical component testing, filter inspection or replacement, and an airflow check. The goal is to confirm the system is ready for peak demand and to flag anything that could turn into a breakdown mid-season.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
When the system is down and waiting is not an option, we work to get a qualified technician to your door the same day. Urgent residential and commercial calls get the same priority response.
Why is one room in my home hotter or colder than the rest?
Uneven temperatures usually come from one of a few causes: duct leakage, a blocked or undersized supply register, an airflow imbalance in the distribution system, or equipment that is oversized for the space. We inspect the system and ductwork to find the actual cause rather than guessing.
What are the signs of a refrigerant or airflow problem?
Weak airflow from the vents, warm air coming out when the AC is running, ice forming on the refrigerant lines or coil, or a system that runs constantly without reaching the set temperature are all signs worth calling about. Refrigerant issues do not resolve on their own and tend to get worse the longer the system runs in that condition.
Can you get a technician out the same day?
Yes, for urgent calls we work to dispatch a technician the same day whenever our schedule allows. If your system is completely down, no heat on a cold night or no cooling during a heat event, call us and we will get you on the schedule as quickly as possible.
Transparent Upfront Pricing
We provide a clear estimate before any work begins and do not add charges after the fact. You know what the job costs before we pick up a tool.
Do I need to be home for the work?
For the initial inspection and estimate, yes, someone should be present so the technician can access the equipment and walk you through the findings. For follow-up work at commercial properties or rentals, we can coordinate with a property manager or on-site contact if the owner cannot be there.
What causes a system to short-cycle, and is it serious?
Short-cycling means the system turns on and off more frequently than it should, often without completing a full heating or cooling cycle. It can be caused by an oversized system, a refrigerant charge issue, a dirty filter restricting airflow, or a failing component like a pressure switch or thermostat. It puts extra wear on the equipment and should be diagnosed before it leads to a larger failure.
Work Performed by Qualified HVAC Technicians
Every job, from a routine tune-up to a full system replacement, is handled by technicians who know this equipment and this climate. We take pride in the work we leave behind.
How do ductwork leaks affect my energy bills?
Leaky ducts let conditioned air escape into unconditioned spaces like attics or wall cavities before it reaches the living area. Studies consistently show that leaky duct systems can waste a significant portion of the energy the equipment produces. Sealing the ductwork is one of the more cost-effective improvements available in homes with older duct runs.
What does a heat pump electrification project involve?
It starts with a load calculation to size the system correctly for your home. We then help you choose between a ducted and a ductless configuration based on your existing setup, remove or repurpose the old gas equipment, install the new heat pump, and commission the system. Any electrical circuit work the installation requires is handled by a licensed electrician on your project; we own the heating-and-cooling unit and its installation from start to finish.
How do estimates and pricing work?
We provide a clear estimate before any work begins. Pricing varies by job type, so a repair call, a seasonal tune-up, and a full system replacement are each quoted based on what the work actually involves. There are no surprise charges added after the fact, and work does not begin until you have approved the estimate.
Every home and building is a little different, and the right answer depends on your specific system and situation. Call us and we will walk you through your options.
(650) 899-6391