Frequently Asked Questions

No. Valley HVAC Network is a referral service. We connect you with independent, licensed HVAC contractors who perform the actual work. Learn more about how this works →

No, our service is free for homeowners. We connect you with a contractor at no charge.

The contractors we refer you to may pay us a fee for each referral. That’s how we keep the service free for homeowners. You’re never obligated to hire the contractor we connect you with.

Only independent, licensed HVAC contractors who serve your area, and any licensed subcontractor they use for your job, so they can contact you about your request. We never sell your information to data brokers, marketers or lead resellers. You can opt out anytime on our Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information page. See our Privacy Policy for details.

You can verify any California HVAC contractor’s license for free at CSLB.ca.gov. We recommend checking this before authorizing any work, regardless of how you found the contractor.

Usually. On some jobs, a contractor brings in a licensed subcontractor for some or all of the work, which is common in the trades. They’ll let you know who’s coming, and you can check any license at CSLB.ca.gov.

Response times vary by contractor and current demand, but many can offer same-day service for urgent issues like no AC during a heat wave or no heat during a cold snap. Call to check current availability for your area.

Costs vary widely depending on the issue, from a simple capacitor replacement to a major component failure. A contractor can give you an accurate quote after diagnosing the specific problem. Get a written estimate before authorizing any work.

As a general guideline, if your system is over 12-15 years old and facing a costly repair, or if you’re repairing it more than once a season, replacement is often the better long-term value. A licensed contractor can help you weigh the specific numbers for your situation.

A standard residential system replacement typically takes one day, though more complex jobs (ductwork changes, multi-zone systems) can take longer. Your contractor can give you a specific timeline during the estimate.

A slight burning smell when a furnace runs for the first time after months of disuse (burning off accumulated dust) is common and usually resolves within an hour. A persistent smell, or any smell of gas, is not normal and should be checked immediately.

Leave your home immediately and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. This is a safety emergency, not a standard repair call.

We serve the whole San Fernando Valley plus nearby hillside communities: Arleta, Bell Canyon, Burbank, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Encino, Granada Hills, Hidden Hills, Lake Balboa, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacoima, Panorama City, Porter Ranch, Reseda, San Fernando, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, Tarzana, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Van Nuys, West Hills, Winnetka and Woodland Hills. Not sure if you’re covered? Call and we’ll check.