Yes, you still need heat here
People joke that San Diego doesn't have winter, and in the afternoon that's close to true. But once the sun sets in December and January, inland neighborhoods like Ramona, Santee, Alpine and Escondido regularly drop into the 30s and low 40s. Even along the coast, the marine layer brings damp, chilly mornings that make a cold house feel colder. In Orange County, Mission Viejo and the canyon communities see the same pattern.
Because the heater only runs a few months a year, it's easy to forget about until the first cold night, when it smells like burning dust, clicks without lighting, or doesn't come on at all. That's usually when people call us.
Furnace or heat pump?
Most homes in San Diego and Orange County heat with one of two systems.
Gas furnaces
A furnace burns natural gas and pushes warm air through your ducts. It's the most common setup in homes built from the 1950s through the 1990s, often sitting in a hall closet, the garage or the attic. Furnaces heat quickly and can last a long time with care. If yours is acting up, start with furnace repair. If it's reached the end of its life, see furnace installation.
Heat pumps
A heat pump is an electric system that moves heat instead of making it. It cools in summer and runs in reverse to heat in winter, so one piece of equipment replaces both your AC and your furnace. Our mild climate is close to ideal for them. Learn more on our heat pump installation page, or go to heat pump repair if yours isn't heating.
If you're replacing an old furnace and an old AC at the same time, it's worth pricing a heat pump. If your furnace is fairly new and your AC is what's failing, keeping the furnace often makes more sense. We'll show you both.
What we do
- Diagnose and repair gas furnaces, heat pumps and air handlers
- Replace worn-out furnaces with properly sized new ones
- Install heat pumps, ducted and ductless
- Seasonal tune-ups before the cold sets in
- Check the ducts that carry your heat, which are often leaking in hot attics
Why homeowners trust Sky Clean Air with their heating
We're family-owned and have been working in San Diego homes since 2018. Much of our work starts with duct cleaning or dryer vent service, and while we're there we give the whole HVAC system a look and let you know if the furnace is showing its age. Many systems we see are over 15 years old. Some need replacing. Plenty just need a repair and a cleaning. We'll tell you which.
We're licensed and insured (California license #1036543), 5-star rated on Google and Yelp, and we offer free estimates and financing on new systems. Our trucks cover San Diego County and Orange County. Call 619-304-8822 to schedule, or grab our $50 basic HVAC tune-up on the specials page.
What's Included in Our Heating Service
Furnace Installation
New gas furnaces sized to the home, installed with safe venting.
Furnace Repair
No heat, short cycling or odd smells — repaired with safety checks included.
Heat Pump Installation
Efficient heat pumps that heat and cool in one system — a strong fit for SoCal.
Heat Pump Repair
Repairs for heat pumps that won't heat, won't cool or won't switch modes.
Heating: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my heater smell like burning the first time I turn it on?
Dust settles on the burners and heat exchanger over the warm months, and it burns off when the furnace fires up. A light smell that fades in an hour or so is normal. A smell that lingers, or anything that smells like gas, is not. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.
Is a heat pump warm enough for San Diego winters?
Yes. Our winters are mild enough that a properly sized heat pump heats comfortably, even in inland areas that see cold nights.
How often should my furnace be serviced?
Once a year, ideally in the fall before you need it. A tune-up catches worn parts, dirty burners and airflow problems before the first cold night.
How old is too old for a furnace?
There's no single cutoff. We start paying closer attention around 15 years, especially if repairs are adding up. Age alone isn't a reason to replace a furnace that's running safely.
Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
If the thermostat is set to Heat and the fan is on Auto, cold air usually means the burners aren't lighting or aren't staying lit. A dirty flame sensor or worn igniter is the most common cause. Check your filter first, then give us a call.
Can a dirty filter really stop my furnace?
Yes. A clogged filter restricts airflow, the furnace overheats, and a safety switch shuts the burners off. Replace the filter and see if it helps. If it keeps shutting off, there's another problem.
Will a heat pump keep my house warm enough?
In San Diego and Orange County, yes. Our winters are mild, and a properly sized modern heat pump heats comfortably even on the coldest inland nights we get.
Can a heat pump replace both my AC and my furnace?
Yes. That's one of the biggest reasons people choose one. A single system handles both cooling and heating, with an indoor air handler taking the place of the furnace.
Where We Offer Heating
Our crews work in 188+ communities across Orange County and San Diego County.