If you've never hired an HVAC company before, it can feel like a gamble. Vilchez Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving East Palo Alto and the surrounding San Mateo County communities since 2010, handling everything from a furnace that stopped working on a cold morning to a full cooling system installation in a home that never had air conditioning. We work with homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses. Repair, replacement, or a brand-new install, we cover it all. The technician who works on your home lives right here too. We answer the phone. We dispatch the technician. We keep it simple.
Call (650) 899-6391 for a quote or to schedule service.
Doing HVAC work right matters, and we'll help you get it right, whether you need a quick repair or a complete system overhaul. Work performed by qualified HVAC technicians, every job we take on is handled with care from the first call to the final check.
Here is what we handle:
Call us and we'll walk you through your options.
East Palo Alto sits in one of the Bay Area's milder coastal zones, but that mild reputation has been tested. Heat waves arrive with little warning, wildfire smoke drifts in from the hills and Central Valley corridor, and mild winters here make heat pump electrification a genuinely practical upgrade rather than a long-term aspiration. The three services below come up constantly in this area, and we have built real experience around each of them.
Here's what most people get wrong about their HVAC system: they assume a home without air conditioning can wait. Many homes in and around East Palo Alto were built during decades when the Bay Area's mild climate made central AC seem unnecessary. That calculus has shifted. When a heat wave pushes temperatures into the high 90s, there is no time to plan.
For homes without existing ductwork, a ductless mini-split is often the cleanest solution. We assess your space, recommend the right system size and configuration, and handle the full installation. For homes that already have ductwork in place, central AC installation is straightforward. Either way, we walk you through what to expect before we start and leave the system tested and running before we leave.
Smoke events from Bay Area and Northern California wildfires have become a seasonal fact of life. Standard one-inch filters do almost nothing to stop fine particulate matter, the particles that cause the most health concern. Upgrading to MERV-13 or higher filtration, or adding a whole-home air purifier integrated with your existing HVAC system, makes a measurable difference in indoor air quality during smoke events and throughout the year.
We take pride in the HVAC work we leave behind, and that includes air filtration upgrades done properly, not just a filter swap but a system-level assessment to make sure your equipment can handle the increased resistance of a higher-rated filter without straining the blower.
San Mateo County's mild winters are exactly the climate heat pumps were designed for. A heat pump moves heat rather than generating it, which makes it highly efficient when outdoor temperatures stay moderate, as they typically do here. We install new heat pumps, replace older gas heating systems with heat pump equipment, and service existing heat pump systems that need attention.
If you are considering moving away from gas heating, we focus on the equipment side of that transition: selecting the right heat pump for your home's size and layout, handling the installation, and making sure the system performs efficiently from day one. Right diagnosis. Right repair. Right on the first visit.
Noticing uneven temperatures or a spike in energy bills? Sometimes it's a slow problem. Other times the system simply stops, and you need help today. No heat in January, no cooling during a heat wave, a system down at a rental property or commercial space, these are not situations that can wait for a scheduled appointment next week.
When you call us for an emergency, we work to get a technician to you as quickly as possible. We diagnose the problem on-site, tell you what we found, and give you a clear path forward, whether that means a same-day repair or a temporary solution while parts are sourced. We handle emergency heating repair, emergency cooling repair, and system-down calls for both residential and commercial customers throughout the area.
Call us and we'll handle the rest.
Ready to get the comfort back? We work with all kinds of customers, and we understand that a homeowner and a property manager come to us with different priorities.
For homeowners, comfort and reliability are what matter most. You want the system fixed correctly the first time, and you want honest recommendations on repair versus replacement, never an upsell. We give you a straight assessment of what the equipment needs and what makes financial sense given its age and condition.
For landlords and property managers, the priority is minimal disruption and fast turnaround. A tenant without heat or cooling is a problem that needs to be resolved quickly. We work with property managers across East Palo Alto and San Mateo County on rental units, apartment buildings, and small commercial spaces. Office HVAC, retail HVAC, and multi-unit residential all fall within what we handle. We keep your home comfortable in every season, and we keep your tenants comfortable too.
We have been doing this work in East Palo Alto since 2010. That is 16 years of showing up for local homeowners, landlords, and businesses, building a reputation one job at a time. When you call us, you reach someone who knows this area, knows the housing stock, and knows the kinds of HVAC problems that come up here.
We are locally owned and personally accountable for every job we take on. The technician who shows up at your door is not a stranger. We stand behind the work, and we are here if something needs attention after the job is done. Call us and we'll walk you through your options.
We are based in East Palo Alto and serve customers throughout San Mateo County and the surrounding Peninsula communities. If you are nearby, we can help.
Turn the system off if it is making unusual noises, smelling strange, or behaving erratically, and leave it off until the technician arrives. Do not try to reset or bypass controls repeatedly, as that can make a diagnosis harder. Keep the area around the indoor and outdoor units clear so the technician can get to work immediately on arrival.
Uneven temperatures are usually caused by duct leaks, blocked or undersized supply vents, poor system zoning, or an HVAC unit that is not properly sized for the home. We inspect the system and the ductwork to find the actual cause rather than guessing, because the fix depends on what is driving the problem.
A failing or degraded HVAC system works harder to deliver the same level of comfort, which drives up energy use. Common causes include refrigerant loss, dirty coils, duct leaks, and aging equipment losing efficiency. A diagnostic visit can identify the source and give you a clear picture of what the repair or upgrade would cost versus what you are spending on wasted energy.
The technician inspects the indoor unit, air handler, and outdoor equipment, checks refrigerant levels and airflow, tests controls and thermostat communication, and looks for anything that could cause a problem down the road. After the inspection, we walk you through what was found and what, if anything, needs attention before work begins.
We check the blower motor and fan, evaporator coil condition, filter status, drain pan and condensate handling, refrigerant line connections, and control wiring. Anything that looks worn, dirty, or out of spec gets flagged and explained before we recommend a repair.
Banging can indicate a loose or broken component inside the unit. Squealing often points to a worn blower belt or motor bearing. Rattling can mean debris in the system or a loose panel or fastener. None of these should be ignored, because a small mechanical issue left running can become a more expensive failure.
A burning smell at startup is sometimes dust burning off after a long off period, but a persistent burning odor can indicate a problem with the blower motor or other components inside the equipment. A musty smell usually points to mold or mildew growth in the evaporator coil or ductwork. Both are worth having checked promptly.
Frequent breakdowns, rising energy bills, rooms that never reach the set temperature, a system that runs almost constantly, and equipment that is more than 15 years old are all indicators. An undersized system shows similar symptoms: it runs without ever quite getting the home comfortable. We assess both the equipment condition and the sizing when we evaluate a system.
When repair costs are approaching half the cost of a new system, when the equipment is 15 or more years old, or when the same components keep failing, replacement is usually the smarter financial decision. We give you an honest comparison so you can make the call with full information.
We remove the old equipment, install the new system sized correctly for your space, and commission it fully before we leave. We walk you through the new equipment, confirm everything is operating properly, and make sure you know how to use the thermostat and controls.
Leaky ducts allow conditioned air to escape into unconditioned spaces like attics and crawl spaces, so the system works harder to maintain the temperature you set. Undersized ducts restrict airflow, which reduces comfort and puts strain on the equipment. Both problems show up as higher energy bills and rooms that never feel quite right.
Fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke is small enough to pass through standard one-inch filters and circulate through the home. Over time, it also coats the evaporator coil and blower, reducing system efficiency. Upgrading to MERV-13 or higher filtration helps protect both the air your family breathes and the equipment itself.
One number. One call. One HVAC tech at your door.
Whether you need a repair today, a system replacement, or a first-time cooling installation, Vilchez Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to help. Call (650) 899-6391 to get a quote or schedule service today.
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