Frequently Asked questions
Your HVAC cheat sheet for Murrieta, CA. Fast answers on AC repair, maintenance, and furnaces from Airtime Heating & Cooling.
Murrieta’s HVAC FAQ hub.
What is the $5000 AC Rule?
The “$5,000 AC Rule” is a quick way to decide if your Murrieta, CA air conditioner should be repaired or replaced. Multiply the repair cost by the age of your AC unit: if that number is over $5,000, replacement is usually the smarter long-term move. For example, a 10-year-old AC that needs a $600 repair equals $6,000, which points toward replacement. While it’s a solid guideline, other factors like energy efficiency, comfort, and repair frequency matter too. Read our full breakdown of the $5,000 Rule here and call Airtime Heating and Cooling to schedule your AC repair or replacement today.
What are the most common HVAC repairs?
In Murrieta, CA, the usual HVAC troublemakers are dirty air filters, thermostat hiccups, tripped breakers, and grimy condenser or evaporator coils. We also see refrigerant leaks, blower motor problems, electrical issues, and on gas systems, ignition or pilot light failures. Keep it simple: change filters, watch for short-cycling, and call a pro before a small issue becomes a comfort-killer. Read the full guide, then call Airtime Heating and Cooling to schedule your AC service today.
How much does AC service cost?
In Murrieta, CA, a routine AC service typically runs $120 to $250 per system, depending on size, condition, and access. Costs can increase if you need coil cleaning, specialty filters, or deeper diagnostics. Regular maintenance helps prevent surprise breakdowns and keeps energy bills steady. Read the full pricing guide and schedule your AC service today with Airtime Heating & Cooling.
Is furnace repair covered by homeowners insurance?
In Murrieta, CA, homeowners insurance may cover furnace repair or replacement if the damage comes from a covered event such as sudden tearing, cracking, or burning. Normal wear, age, or poor maintenance are not covered. If your furnace suddenly stops working, have it inspected by a licensed HVAC professional before filing a claim. Read our full breakdown and call Airtime Heating & Cooling for expert furnace repair in Murrieta today
What is the life expectancy of an AC unit?
In Murrieta, CA, most air conditioners last between 10 and 20 years, with many well-maintained systems running closer to 15 years or more. Factors like regular maintenance, quality installation, and local climate have a big impact. Coastal and high-heat areas can shorten the lifespan, while annual tune-ups help extend it. If your system is over 15 years old, needs frequent repairs, or struggles to keep rooms cool, it may be time to consider a replacement. Read our full guide
What’s the average life of an HVAC system?
In Murrieta, CA, most HVAC systems last between 15 and 25 years, depending on how well they’re maintained, how often they’re used, and the quality of installation. Air conditioners and heat pumps typically run 10 to 15 years, while furnaces often last 15 to 20 years. Regular maintenance, filter changes, and annual inspections are the key to keeping your system efficient and long-lasting. Read our full guide and call Airtime Heating & Cooling to schedule your HVAC service in Murrieta today: Read our full guide
Is it better to repair or replace a furnace?
Whether it’s better to repair or replace your furnace depends on its age, efficiency, and the cost of repair. If your furnace is under 15 years old and the fix costs less than half of a new unit, repair usually makes sense. But if it’s over 15 years old, struggles to heat evenly, or needs expensive parts, replacement is often the smarter long-term choice. In Murrieta, CA, where heaters get moderate use but still need reliability on chilly winter nights, homeowners can count on AirTime Heating & Cooling for honest furnace repair and replacement advice. Read our full guide here
What is the most common circuit found in HVAC?
The most common circuit you’ll find in HVAC systems is a series circuit, especially in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. Series circuits keep components connected along a single electrical path, which makes them the simplest to read, test, and troubleshoot. Because every part depends on the next, a single failure can shut down the entire system—one reason accurate diagnostics matter. Homeowners in Murrieta, CA can rely on AirTime Heating & Cooling for expert furnace and AC service backed by proper electrical testing.
Read the full blogHow to know if an AC compressor is bad?
You can often tell an AC compressor is going bad if your system blows warm air, airflow feels weak, or the outdoor unit starts making grinding, rattling, or clicking noises. Frequent breaker trips, a compressor that never seems to kick on, or signs of refrigerant leaks or moisture around the outside unit are other strong red flags. Because the compressor is the heart of your cooling system and an expensive part to replace, it is important to have a licensed HVAC technician test the unit, verify refrigerant levels, and check electrical components before you keep running it. Homeowners in Murrieta, CA can call AirTime Heating & Air for expert diagnostics and ac repair if they suspect a failing compressor.
Read the full blogWhat does AC tune up include?
An AC tune-up includes cleaning the coils, checking electrical connections, testing the thermostat, inspecting ductwork, and verifying refrigerant levels to keep your system running at peak performance. Technicians also clear the condensate drain, lubricate moving parts, and test safety components to catch issues early. A full tune-up ensures stronger airflow, better efficiency, and fewer breakdowns during the summer. Homeowners in Murrieta, CA can trust AirTime Heating & Cooling to perform a thorough ac service that keeps their system operating reliably all season long.
Read the full blogWhat Our Customers Say
Prompt, friendly & competitively priced. My mother-in-law’s 25yo heater stopped working. We called a number of companies for bids. We chose to work with Airtime and the next morning they had the new heater installed. Highly recommend ~ great company 👍
Decided to call Airtime for their AC and Heating tune up special. Dylan and Brayton came out to my home, and were very thorough and polite. They explained all of the items they checked. They also noticed the insulation on my unit outside was tore up, and they took care of it as part of their service. (Hey, it’s the little details that count). Overall I had great service and will definitely be in touch with Airtime for any of my heating or AC needs in the future.
Just had my heating tuneup. Wayne is always a pleasure to work with. He scheduled me for the day and time I requested. Brayten did the tuneup and was very personable, respectful, and knowledgeable. Did an awesome job. He also took a look at my AC and made a few recommendations for the future. Signed up for their Scheduled Service Plan.
We Serve All Major Brands
