Frequently Asked Questions

We offer HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance; electrical services including panel upgrades and EV charger installation; water heater repair and installation; and appliance repair for all major household brands.

We serve Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, San Leandro, Hayward, Fremont, Castro Valley, Union City, Newark, and San Carlos throughout the East Bay and Tri-Valley.

Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency HVAC, electrical, and water heater service. Call (916) 299-7778 any time for emergency dispatch.

Yes, every PCG Climate technician is fully licensed, insured, and background-checked. Our HVAC technicians hold EPA certifications and our electricians are licensed for residential and commercial work.

We provide free estimates for installation projects including new HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panel upgrades. Service calls for diagnosis and repair have a service fee that is waived if you proceed with the recommended repair.

Standard 1-inch filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days depending on factors like pets, allergies, and household size. 4-inch media filters typically last 6 to 12 months. Check monthly and replace when visibly dirty.

For comfort and efficiency, 72-76F in summer and 68-72F in winter works well for most households. Every degree you adjust away from these ranges saves about 3% on energy costs.

A well-maintained central AC unit typically lasts 15 to 20 years. Gas furnaces average 15 to 20 years. Heat pumps typically last 12 to 15 years since they run year-round.

In California, the minimum for new installations is 15 SEER. We typically recommend 16 to 20 SEER for the Tri-Valley area, where high cooling demands make the efficiency investment worthwhile.

Consider replacement if your system is over 15 years old and repair costs exceed 50% of a new unit price, if you are facing frequent repairs, or if your energy bills are climbing despite maintenance.

It depends on your current panel capacity. A Level 2 EV charger requires a dedicated 40-60 amp circuit. If your 100-amp or 150-amp panel is already near capacity, an upgrade to 200 amps may be necessary.

Signs include frequently tripping breakers, inability to add new circuits, a fuse box instead of breaker panel, panel capacity under 200 amps, or knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring.

Most electrical work in California requires a permit, including panel upgrades, new circuit installation, and EV charger installation. We pull all necessary permits and schedule inspections as part of our service.

Tank water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years. Tankless units can last 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance including annual descaling.

Tankless water heaters save 24-34% on water heating energy and last longer than tank models. They work well for households that use a lot of hot water or want to free up floor space. The higher upfront cost is offset by energy savings and longer lifespan.

Annual flushing is recommended for tank water heaters to remove sediment buildup. Tankless units should be descaled annually to maintain heat exchanger efficiency.

Service call fees vary by service type. We always communicate pricing upfront before any work begins. For installation projects, we provide free estimates.

Yes, we offer flexible financing options for major installations including HVAC systems, water heaters, electrical panel upgrades, and EV charger installations.

Most routine appointments are scheduled within 24 hours. Emergency calls are dispatched as quickly as possible, often within 1-3 hours.

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, checks, and cash. Financing is available for qualifying installations.