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Central Heating & Air
Electrical for Home Addition or Remodel - Install, Electrical for Home Addition, Electrical Wiring or Panel Upgrade,
About us
Central Heating and Air Conditioning has been in business in San Diego County since June 16, 1983. I perform my own work.We are experts in residential and light commercial work. Our California Contractors State License Number is 441801. I offer free estimates and when you hire me for the job, I'll be the one installing it as well. Call Toll free 1-800-443-9136. I perform all associated work like; electrical and Plumbing Cost is determined by the job. No travel charges.
Business highlights
Emergency services offered
42 years of experience
Services we offer
Heating & AC. Sheet Metal
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
5.0119 Reviews
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Showing 1-25 of 119 reviews
John V.
Jul 2020
Our a/c was making a terriible noise during the hot weather, so we shut it off. Charlie offered the earliest appointment (next day) for a service call. When he arrived and a/c was again turned on, it ran fine. He checked both mechanical and electrical functionality and found no problems. Would definitely use him again for his quick response, integrity and professionalism.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"Thanks for kind words [Member Name Removed]. I love it when a service call is fast and easy. Allows me to keep my charge to a minimum."
Stephen B.
Feb 2020
Thorough and professional inspection done.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"Thank you [Member Name Removed] for the work. Thank you for the grade."
Ida R.
Oct 2017
He fixed our AC quickly. Had the exact part that was needed.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"Thank you [Member Name Removed]...I carry most common parts so I can complete the work without running around."
Bill D.
Oct 2017
Found out about Charlie Collins of Central Heating and Air from an electrician I had used, so I phoned him and he responded with an approximate time/day he could come at check it out. When he was delayed by prior appointment, he phoned me to advise of delay, showed up as promised, diagnosed problem as kaput capacitor (actually had to wire in two capacitors (which he had with him to get right amount for my unit), charged me $185--was so delighted with his no-nonsense service I wrote him a check for $200! He also responded to my questions about what a new A/C unit would cost and what a whole new heating and air unit would cost, including the potential for a air duct leak detection test if installing a whole new unit. Service above and beyond, felt he was wholly honest and knowledgeable.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"The larger companies would have charged double. All my work is word of mouth or word of Angie's list. Allows me to save my customers money that would go towards advertising for these other companies"
Mary S.
Dec 2016
Service is always flawless!
Response from Central Heating & Air
"Thanks for the kind words. When you are a small contractor you really need referrals and the only way to get them is to do a good job for a fair price."
Camille M.
Sep 2016
Great, he arrived early, was the quickest to come out, and did excellent work. Value for what we paid. We had a bad fuse, and he replaced that and also found that our fan was not running in the right direction and corrected that. He also eliminated a noise from our unit from some escaping air. He fixed it with some A/C tape. Very pleased and would recommend, and hire him again.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"It's not always how much money one can make. It's pleasing the customer and doing a good job."
Rodney A.
Aug 2016
Awesome. Charles came out the same day, Checked out the problem, which was a collapsed return air duct. He had to leave to get a replacement air duct, returned and and made the repair. While he was here he also checked my whole house fan, which was cutting out after being on 2-3 minutes. Determined the fan was overheating, and the safety switch was turning fan off. Didn't charge any extra for checking it out. VERY PLEASED with the service Charles provided. We highly recommend him and will never call anyone else for our HVAC service.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"At Central Heating we get more joy saving people money than we do taking it."
Donna N.
Jul 2016
Charlie was extremely responsive, even though it was the weekend, he responded to messages and let me know when he thought he could help me. I contacted at least 5 contractors, and Charlie was the only one to respond on a Saturday. It was helpful to know that someone heard me & help was on the way. It was 112 degrees when my a/c decided to go out. Charlie repaired it & made sure everything was in good working order before he left.
Maria P.
Jul 2016
Charlie and his assistant John did an OUTSTANDING Job! Very professional and excellent quality work. Left everything clean after they were done. Answers questions in a thorough and honest way. I will recommend Central Heating and Air Conditioning to all of my friends! Great Job Charlie and John!!!
Response from Central Heating & Air
"I had a lot of fun doing this job. Honesty is always the best policy. Always has and always will be."
Alan H.
Jun 2016
Charles did what 2 other AC contractors could not understand how to do. After spending hundreds of dollars with the original highly rated company Charles had the problem solved in less than 30 mins.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"I always enjoy coming in after another contractor fails to repair the problem. It gives me motivation to give the customer satisfaction in my work. Thank you"
Christina M.
Mar 2016
unknown
Response from Central Heating & Air
"I actually enjoy it when the owner gets involved. Saving me time equates to you saving me money. Thanks for your help"
Daniel O.
Dec 2015
- Responded quickly to my call and showed-up on time. We were told from a previous inspection that the air conditioner did not work.
Charles took a look at it and got it running for no charge. Showed-up on time to replace furnace and the workmanship was excellent.
Robert Y.
Sep 2015
unknown
Bob C.
Aug 2015
After calling several other HVAC companies on a hot August day and being told it would be a couple weeks before they would come out. Having several animals in our home--that would not do. We called Central after a day of sweltering and he said he could come out that same day! In fact, he called some time later and said he could come out even sooner!
He got here and in no time at all located the problem and performed the repairs. He was a very pleasant person and charged us a very reasonable rate. We will definitely use Center for any heater and AC problems in the future. We need to get out ducting cleaned soon and Central will be my first call!
He got here and in no time at all located the problem and performed the repairs. He was a very pleasant person and charged us a very reasonable rate. We will definitely use Center for any heater and AC problems in the future. We need to get out ducting cleaned soon and Central will be my first call!
Response from Central Heating & Air
"At Central Heating we may not have fancy gloves, in fact our hands will probably be a little dirty but our aim is to save you money. Thanks for the kind words."
STEPHEN H.
Jun 2015
After discussing our planned AC usage with Charlie, (estimated 10 - 14 days per year), he said it did not make sense to spend thousands of dollars replacing the old unit for the limited use we expected in the future. Charlie checked out both of our units and found one needed a Freon charge. Since then, we have used the fixed unit several times and we are glad we opted not to replace it.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"It's important to understand your customers needs. Most companies would have told you that new systems was in order. There are two basic desires when people consider their heating and air conditioning systems. Some people want to keep the system as long as it will last, knowing they don't use it very often and then there are people who want to upgrade to a higher efficiency because they use their heater or ac quite often. Either way I want to give the customer what they want and not try to make extra money on them. Thank you."
Lora M.
Jun 2015
unknown
Response from Central Heating & Air
"Thank you for the kind words. What a pleasure it was working with you. Your new system should last 30 years."
Karen L.
May 2015
I am a new home owner in this area as well as being new to area itself (San Diego). I knew noone. I am VERY skeptical and h****** contractors as I dont trust any of them. Once I find a good one though I am extremely loyal. Central Heating and Air is my GO Air conditioning guy FOREVER as long as I stay in area.
I noticed my secondary air conditioner pipe that sticks out side of house was leaking. I googled this and found out that generally means there is a problem with primary. I called a few air conditioner people and they either didnt call back, couldnt see me until end of week and most demanded i pay them a "fee" for just showing up. I have watched enough 20/20 to cause me to be sick to my stomach with folk's lieing and charging for service we dont need - so I was very nervous and non trusting to have to call someone to come out. I had already had one bad experience calling someone when i first moved in to replace my thermostat as the person that was sent charged me over $200 and was clueless. Anyway, I was on the defensive and called several companies. Central was my 3rd or 4th call- Charlie answered my call and this was after 6p during work week!! He scheduled me the very next day and I didnt even have to take off work as he texted me when he was on his way so I could leave my work when I needed too without even having to get time off (I work only 15min from my home so could do this). Charlie and his business partner were already at my house when I arrived. Charlie and his partner ended up going into my attic and discovered my central air piping (or hoses) were never set up correctly. My secondary was set up as primary but they also found other mistakes by the original installerr (the prior owners had this installed before me). Charlie promptly fixed it on the spot. They cleaned everything up and also inspected and replaced a filter that I couldnt get too without me asking!!!! They are so awesome and I wasnt even gone an hour from work (I think entire process was 30min). The price was very reasonable and I will use them as my "go too" air conditioner guys from now on (but I hope I dont have to call them that much since my unit should last me) - :-}
BTW, I also was extremely impressed that Charlie didnt sell me- as is the case with so many "other" air conditioner firms that try to sell you maintenance - I thought I needed the maintenance and asked him if they would be my maintenance if needed. Charlie told me that I shouldnt have to have any maintenance for a very long time - which made sense to me as I never had my old home's central air maintenanced until after living there for over 18 years (I only went with the maintenance on that unit the last 2 years when someone talked me into it). Only thing those guys did was come out and waste my time and charge me. Charlie is a guy NOT trying to sell me something I dont need).
He is awesome. Cant say enough good about him and his partner. Hightly recommend.
I noticed my secondary air conditioner pipe that sticks out side of house was leaking. I googled this and found out that generally means there is a problem with primary. I called a few air conditioner people and they either didnt call back, couldnt see me until end of week and most demanded i pay them a "fee" for just showing up. I have watched enough 20/20 to cause me to be sick to my stomach with folk's lieing and charging for service we dont need - so I was very nervous and non trusting to have to call someone to come out. I had already had one bad experience calling someone when i first moved in to replace my thermostat as the person that was sent charged me over $200 and was clueless. Anyway, I was on the defensive and called several companies. Central was my 3rd or 4th call- Charlie answered my call and this was after 6p during work week!! He scheduled me the very next day and I didnt even have to take off work as he texted me when he was on his way so I could leave my work when I needed too without even having to get time off (I work only 15min from my home so could do this). Charlie and his business partner were already at my house when I arrived. Charlie and his partner ended up going into my attic and discovered my central air piping (or hoses) were never set up correctly. My secondary was set up as primary but they also found other mistakes by the original installerr (the prior owners had this installed before me). Charlie promptly fixed it on the spot. They cleaned everything up and also inspected and replaced a filter that I couldnt get too without me asking!!!! They are so awesome and I wasnt even gone an hour from work (I think entire process was 30min). The price was very reasonable and I will use them as my "go too" air conditioner guys from now on (but I hope I dont have to call them that much since my unit should last me) - :-}
BTW, I also was extremely impressed that Charlie didnt sell me- as is the case with so many "other" air conditioner firms that try to sell you maintenance - I thought I needed the maintenance and asked him if they would be my maintenance if needed. Charlie told me that I shouldnt have to have any maintenance for a very long time - which made sense to me as I never had my old home's central air maintenanced until after living there for over 18 years (I only went with the maintenance on that unit the last 2 years when someone talked me into it). Only thing those guys did was come out and waste my time and charge me. Charlie is a guy NOT trying to sell me something I dont need).
He is awesome. Cant say enough good about him and his partner. Hightly recommend.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"Your right, I don't try to sell my customers something they don't need just to make a few extra dollars. I'm glad it was easy to figure out your problem and was an easy fix. Thank you"
Stephen B.
Apr 2015
I had a new air conditioner and a new furnace put in when we moved in and it was done by Central Heating & Air. I did use Angie's List to get him, it was Charlie. It took him about 3 days for him to do all of that for us. He left the area perfect when he was finished. Outstanding work and he also was able to complete additional items that we wanted done as we moved along in the process. He was fine. He was good.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"I don't mind doing extra work for customers. I'm there anyway and can save you money that it would cost to hire another contractor. Your job was a bit challenging, and I'm glad it worked out for both of us. Thank you"
ANN G.
Mar 2015
Charlie is simply the BEST.
It became painfully obvious something was seriously wrong with my air conditioner yesterday evening -- there was a weird noise coming from the HVAC closet inside the house and the compressor was not kicking in. I had to unplug the entire unit to get the noise to stop.
The temperature outside was sitting at 89?, the temperature inside was heading in that direction in a hurry, and it's supposed to get even hotter today. ARGH. I called Charlie in a panic. He offered to come out at 8:30 this morning. He arrived a few minutes early, and within twenty minutes had the AC purring like a kitten. The company that had installed it had buried the end of the condensate drain in the ground, and the drain had become clogged. The pump could no longer pump no matter how hard it tried, the condensate had backed up, and the overflow safety switch prevented the AC from starting.
He's not only good at his job, he's the nicest guy you'll ever meet. He explains exactly what he's doing and why, and doesn't seem to mind it when I hover and ask inane questions. (I know nothing when it comes to HVAC, and it shows.) I found out he has worked as a general contractor in the past, and he even took the time to discuss some repairs I've been considering, inspect the problems, give me some suggestions, and recommend several repairmen he's worked with and considers to be reliable.
I've used Charlie several times before and concluded he walks on water. And when he says he likes to save his customers money, it's true. He'll never try to talk you into something you don't need, or charge you too much. He could easily have convinced me I needed a new condensate pump -- as I'm sure other HVAC companies I've used in the past would have.
It became painfully obvious something was seriously wrong with my air conditioner yesterday evening -- there was a weird noise coming from the HVAC closet inside the house and the compressor was not kicking in. I had to unplug the entire unit to get the noise to stop.
The temperature outside was sitting at 89?, the temperature inside was heading in that direction in a hurry, and it's supposed to get even hotter today. ARGH. I called Charlie in a panic. He offered to come out at 8:30 this morning. He arrived a few minutes early, and within twenty minutes had the AC purring like a kitten. The company that had installed it had buried the end of the condensate drain in the ground, and the drain had become clogged. The pump could no longer pump no matter how hard it tried, the condensate had backed up, and the overflow safety switch prevented the AC from starting.
He's not only good at his job, he's the nicest guy you'll ever meet. He explains exactly what he's doing and why, and doesn't seem to mind it when I hover and ask inane questions. (I know nothing when it comes to HVAC, and it shows.) I found out he has worked as a general contractor in the past, and he even took the time to discuss some repairs I've been considering, inspect the problems, give me some suggestions, and recommend several repairmen he's worked with and considers to be reliable.
I've used Charlie several times before and concluded he walks on water. And when he says he likes to save his customers money, it's true. He'll never try to talk you into something you don't need, or charge you too much. He could easily have convinced me I needed a new condensate pump -- as I'm sure other HVAC companies I've used in the past would have.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"It's always a pleasure saving my customers money. I guess there must be something wrong with me because I do enjoy saving my customers money. It brings joy saving my customers money rather than seeing how much I can take. A lot of companies like to "size up" their customers to see how much money they can take. I just couldn't sleep at night doing that. Thank you for your continued confidence in me."
Thomas H.
Jan 2015
unknown
Response from Central Heating & Air
"Thank you for the work. A big job or small it doesn't matter..my aim is to make my customer happy with the outcome."
Peter T.
Jan 2015
I called on Friday evening, without too much hope that I would be able to get an appointment until at least the next Monday. I was delighted that Charlie said he could come out the next day (Saturday). Just from the brief phone call though, I was already happy with my choice - I liked him. He arrived within the agreed time frame and got to work. I told him that the air con had never been maintained in over 10 years of being in service so I think he expected the filter to be in bad shape and it was. In fact, the filter was in such bad shape that animal hair was covering most of the control unit too so Charlie had to pull the hair out and clean it off. Even after that though, the furnace was not igniting so Charlie identified a part with a defect. He didn't have the exact part with him but had a similar one that he then adapted to work (adaptation is the clearest sign of expertise). He reconnected the parts, added in a new filter, and the house had heat again!
In addition to the work performed, Charlie also answered my questions and gave me step-by-step instructions on how to access and replace the filter every six months (a good prompt, he explained, is when we first start using the air conditioning each year, and then when we start using the heating each year.)
Through Angie's List over the last couple of years, I've built up a trusted group of experts who I can always rely on - I'm adding Charlie to that list now; he will be my first call with anything relating to air conditioning and heating.
In addition to the work performed, Charlie also answered my questions and gave me step-by-step instructions on how to access and replace the filter every six months (a good prompt, he explained, is when we first start using the air conditioning each year, and then when we start using the heating each year.)
Through Angie's List over the last couple of years, I've built up a trusted group of experts who I can always rely on - I'm adding Charlie to that list now; he will be my first call with anything relating to air conditioning and heating.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"When it comes to heating people need it on as soon as possible, especially when they have children. Working Saturday's is often required. Your air filter is the number one job the homeowner needs to perform to keep his equipment running efficiently. It was a pleasure working for you and hope to do so in the future. Thank you"
Abby A.
Nov 2014
We had a tenant who was picky and she was complaining that the A/C was broken. He went out and said that nothing was wrong with the unit. He taught her how to use it better. He was honest.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"I know it's an old cliche' but, honesty is still the best policy."
Abby A.
Nov 2014
He was great. Not the fact that he replaced it but he came out the first time. I like his knowledge.
Mary H.
Oct 2014
Had Charlie come out to give a second quote after receiving a $10,000. quote for replacement of all units by a competitor. So glad that we got a second quote. Charlie from Central Air fixed the air conditioner for just $350. by adding some freon. Nothing was wrong with them, just low levels of freon.
He ordered parts and came back to repair the furnace units. Mostly they needed a good cleaning. He worked hard in very hot conditions in an attic with difficult access. He had quoted $1,200. for the furnace repair (total for both), but lowered the charge to $1,000. when he left. He said that it took him less time than he had planned. Not only was he professional, he was so nice to be around. Felt completely comfortable with him in my home.
Cleaning furnaces, rather than replacing is messy. He was coated in soot. He looked like an old fashion chimney sweep. This did make a bit of a mess in the attic access area. Would have laid some old sheets below the attic opening and moved some of the clothes from the closet if I had known. However, a little extra laundry and floor cleaning is well worth the saving of $10,000.00. Everything works like new. All I can say is THANK YOU CHARLIE, WHAT A GREAT JOB.
He ordered parts and came back to repair the furnace units. Mostly they needed a good cleaning. He worked hard in very hot conditions in an attic with difficult access. He had quoted $1,200. for the furnace repair (total for both), but lowered the charge to $1,000. when he left. He said that it took him less time than he had planned. Not only was he professional, he was so nice to be around. Felt completely comfortable with him in my home.
Cleaning furnaces, rather than replacing is messy. He was coated in soot. He looked like an old fashion chimney sweep. This did make a bit of a mess in the attic access area. Would have laid some old sheets below the attic opening and moved some of the clothes from the closet if I had known. However, a little extra laundry and floor cleaning is well worth the saving of $10,000.00. Everything works like new. All I can say is THANK YOU CHARLIE, WHAT A GREAT JOB.
Response from Central Heating & Air
"The furnaces were sooted far more than I anticipated and traveled further than I thought it would. I should have done more to prevent the soot from drifting through the crawl hole. I am very happy I could save you thousands of dollars by doing this instead of replacing the furnaces. Thank you for the great review."
Neal B.
Oct 2014
unknown
Response from Central Heating & Air
"Thank you for the great review. There were a couple of challenges on your job and they worked out great. Hope your dryer vent is working properly."
Licensing
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FAQ
Central Heating & Air is currently rated 5.0 overall out of 5.
Central Heating & Air accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
Yes, Central Heating & Air offers free project estimates.
No, Central Heating & Air does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Central Heating & Air does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, Central Heating & Air offers emergency services.
No, Central Heating & Air does not offer warranties.