Your Trusted HVAC Contractor in Murrieta, CA, and Nearby Areas

Why Murrieta and Temecula Trust Above All Heating and Air

Above All Heating and Air Conditioning is a family-owned HVAC contractor that has served Murrieta, Temecula, and Riverside County since 1995. With over 30 years in the industry, owner Pete and his team have built a reputation for one thing above all else: honesty.

We've seen it hundreds of times — homeowners told they need a $8,000 system replacement when the real fix is a $250 repair. That's not how we operate. We diagnose the actual problem, explain your options clearly, and let you decide. No pressure, no upselling, no surprises on the bill.

What makes us different:

Most HVAC companies make their money on replacements. We make ours on repeat customers. When we show up, we diagnose the actual problem and tell you exactly what it will cost to fix — before we touch anything. If a $250 repair solves it, that's what we recommend. We've turned down thousands of dollars in unnecessary replacements because that's not how Pete built this business over 30 years ago, and it's not how we run it today.

• 30+ years of hands-on HVAC experience in residential and commercial systems
• 24/7 emergency service — we answer the phone day and night, weekends and holidays
• Honest diagnostics — we fix what's broken, not what's profitable
• All major brands — we service and install Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Rheem, Goodman, York, Ruud, American Standard, Bryant, and more
• Licensed and insured — California CSLB licensed contractor serving all of southwest Riverside County

We serve homeowners and businesses in Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Wildomar, Winchester, Sun City, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, and surrounding communities.

Call (951) 660-4242 or request a free quote online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does AC repair cost in Murrieta and Temecula?

Most AC repairs in the Murrieta and Temecula area range from $150 to $600, depending on the issue. Simple fixes like a capacitor or contactor replacement are on the lower end, while compressor or evaporator coil repairs cost more. Above All provides a diagnosis and upfront pricing before any work begins — you'll never be surprised by the bill.

Do you offer 24/7 emergency HVAC service?

Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency AC repair and furnace repair service to Murrieta, Temecula, and all surrounding cities. If your system goes down in the middle of the night or on a weekend, call (951) 660-4242 and a real person will answer.

What HVAC brands do you service and install?

We service and repair all major HVAC brands including Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Rheem, Goodman, York, Ruud, American Standard, Westinghouse, AC Pro, and Bryant. For new installations, we help you select the right system for your home's size, layout, and budget.

How often should I have my AC and furnace serviced?

We recommend professional HVAC maintenance twice a year — once in spring for your air conditioning and once in fall for your heating system. Regular maintenance catches small problems before they become expensive repairs, extends your system's lifespan, and keeps your energy bills lower. We offer customized planned maintenance programs for both residential and commercial customers.

What cities do you serve?

Above All Heating and Air Conditioning serves Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Wildomar, Winchester, Sun City, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, La Cresta, and surrounding communities in southwest Riverside County. We've been part of this community since 1995.

Should I repair or replace my AC unit?

If your system is under 10 years old and the repair costs less than half the price of a new unit, repair is usually the better call. If it's over 15 years old, uses R-22 refrigerant (which is no longer manufactured), or needs frequent repairs, replacement starts to make more sense. We'll give you an honest recommendation either way — we don't push replacements to pad our bottom line.

Why is my AC running but not cooling my house?

The most common causes are a dirty air filter, low refrigerant from a leak, a failing compressor, or a frozen evaporator coil. Sometimes it's as simple as a bad capacitor — a $150 to $250 fix. Before you assume the worst, call us for a diagnosis. More than half of our repair calls turn out to be minor fixes.

How much does a new AC unit cost in Murrieta?

A full AC replacement in the Murrieta and Temecula area typically runs between $4,500 and $12,000 depending on the size of your home, the brand, efficiency rating (SEER2), and whether ductwork modifications are needed. We carry Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Rheem, Goodman, and other top brands at a range of price points. We also offer financing options.

What's the difference between HVAC maintenance and repair?

Maintenance is preventive — a technician inspects your system, cleans the coils, checks refrigerant levels, tightens electrical connections, and catches small issues before they become big ones. Repair is when something is already broken. Regular maintenance reduces the chance you'll need an emergency repair and can extend your system's life by 5 to 10 years.

Why does my furnace keep turning on and off?

This is called short cycling, and it's usually caused by a dirty air filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, or an overheating heat exchanger. It can also mean your furnace is oversized for your home. Short cycling wastes energy and puts extra wear on your system. It's worth getting it diagnosed before it leads to a bigger failure.

Is it worth getting an HVAC maintenance plan?

Yes, especially in southwest Riverside County where your AC runs hard from May through October. Our planned maintenance program includes two tune-ups per year — one for cooling season and one for heating season. Customers on a maintenance plan get priority scheduling, discounted repairs, and systems that last years longer than neglected ones.

Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace?

In most cases, yes. The city of Murrieta and Riverside County require mechanical permits for HVAC replacements. This ensures the installation meets California energy code (Title 24) and safety standards. Above All handles all permitting as part of every installation — you don't have to deal with the city yourself.

How long does an AC unit last in Southern California?

The average lifespan of an air conditioning system in our area is 12 to 17 years with proper maintenance. However, the extreme summer heat in Murrieta, Temecula, and the Inland Empire means your system works harder than units in milder climates, which can shorten that lifespan. Annual maintenance is the single biggest factor in how long your unit lasts.

What is a SEER2 rating and why does it matter?

SEER2 stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2. It measures how efficiently your AC converts electricity into cooling. The higher the number, the lower your energy bills. As of January 2023, all new AC units sold in California must meet a minimum SEER2 rating of 13.4. Higher-efficiency units (SEER2 16 to 20+) cost more upfront but can save hundreds per year on electricity — a real difference when your AC runs six months out of the year.

Why is my electricity bill so high in summer?

If your energy bills spike every summer, your HVAC system is usually the biggest factor — it can account for 50% or more of your electricity use during peak months. Common causes include an aging or undersized AC unit, dirty coils or filters, leaking ductwork, poor insulation, or a refrigerant leak forcing the system to work harder. A tune-up and efficiency assessment can often identify $50 to $200 per month in savings.

Do you offer financing for new HVAC installations?

Yes. We understand that a new AC or furnace is a significant investment. We offer financing options with approved credit so you can get the system you need without paying the full cost upfront. Ask us about current financing terms when you call for a free estimate.

What's the difference between central AC and a mini-split system?

Central AC uses ductwork to cool your entire home through vents in every room. A mini-split (also called ductless) mounts on the wall and cools individual rooms or zones without ducts. Mini-splits are ideal for room additions, garages, older homes without ductwork, or areas of your home that are always too hot or cold. We install and service both types.

How long does it take to replace an AC unit?

A standard residential AC replacement typically takes one day — usually 4 to 8 hours depending on the complexity of the job. If ductwork modifications, electrical upgrades, or a full system changeout (AC and furnace together) are needed, it may extend to two days. We'll give you an accurate timeline before work begins.

Why does my AC smell bad when I turn it on?

A musty or moldy smell usually means moisture has built up on the evaporator coil or in the ductwork, allowing mold or mildew to grow. A burning smell can indicate an electrical issue or dust burning off after the system has been idle. A rotten egg smell could signal a dead animal in the ductwork or, in rare cases, a gas leak near the furnace. Any persistent odor warrants a professional inspection.

Can you work on commercial HVAC systems?

Yes. Above All Heating and Air Conditioning has over 30 years of experience with commercial HVAC systems including rooftop units, split systems, package units, and VRF systems. We serve office buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, warehouses, and industrial facilities across Southern California and Arizona. We also offer customized planned maintenance programs for commercial properties.

What is a heat pump and should I get one?

A heat pump works like an air conditioner in summer but reverses the process in winter to heat your home. Because it moves heat instead of generating it, a heat pump can be two to three times more efficient than a traditional furnace. In the Murrieta and Temecula area where winters are mild, a heat pump is an excellent option that can significantly reduce your heating costs. We can help you determine if a heat pump makes sense for your home.

How do I know what size AC unit I need?

AC systems are measured in tons (one ton equals 12,000 BTUs of cooling). The right size depends on your home's square footage, ceiling height, insulation, number of windows, sun exposure, and layout. An undersized unit runs constantly and never fully cools your home. An oversized unit short cycles, wastes energy, and creates humidity problems. We perform a Manual J load calculation to determine the correct size — not just a guess based on square footage.

Why is one room in my house always hotter than the others?

Uneven cooling is one of the most common HVAC complaints in Murrieta and Temecula homes. Common causes include undersized or disconnected ductwork to that room, a duct run that's too long, poor insulation in that area of the house, excessive sun exposure through windows, or a closed or blocked supply vent. Sometimes adding a duct booster fan or a mini-split unit to that room is the most cost-effective fix.

How can I improve the air quality in my home?

Indoor air quality is a real concern in the Inland Empire, especially during wildfire season and Santa Ana wind events. Options include upgrading to a higher-rated MERV filter (MERV 11 to 13), installing a whole-home air purification system, adding UV germicidal lights inside your ductwork, and sealing leaky ductwork that pulls in dust and allergens from your attic or crawlspace. We offer air quality assessments and can recommend the right solution for your home.

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes, we offer free estimates for new AC and heating installations. For repair work, we charge a diagnostic fee which covers the technician's visit, inspection, and a detailed explanation of the problem and repair cost. If you move forward with the repair, the diagnostic fee is typically applied toward the total cost of the job.

What cities do you serve?

Above All Heating and Air Conditioning serves Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Wildomar, Winchester, Sun City, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, La Cresta, and surrounding communities in southwest Riverside County. We've been part of this community since 1995.

• Murrieta: Known for its warm summers, Murrieta residents rely on Above All Heating and Air to fix "my AC is not cooling" issues quickly and effectively.
• Temecula: With its bustling wine country and hot temperatures, Temecula homeowners trust us to keep their AC systems in top shape.
• Lake Elsinore: From lakeside homes to inland properties, we provide fast AC repairs to keep Lake Elsinore residents cool.
• Sun City: Our team specializes in serving Sun City's active adult communities, ensuring reliable cooling for every home.
• Hemet: Hemet's desert climate demands a dependable AC system, and we're here to deliver expert repairs when you need them most.

Contact Above All Heating and Air Conditioning Today