CLAP Plumbing Heating & Cooling has been serving Los Altos and the wider Santa Clara County area since 2004. That is 22 years of showing up, doing the work right, and building a reputation one job at a time. We handle the full range of residential and commercial heating and cooling work, from a quick AC repair on a hot afternoon to a complete HVAC system installation for a commercial property manager who needs the job done without disruption. We live and work in this community, and our work shows it. We show up on time and ready to work, and we treat every home and business the way we would want our own treated.
We answer the phone. We dispatch the technician. We keep it simple.
Give us a call and we'll get the comfort back.
We built this business around HVAC work like this, starting in 2004 with a straightforward goal: give Los Altos homeowners and local businesses a heating and cooling contractor they could actually count on. The founder had spent years working for larger outfits and kept seeing the same problem. Customers were left waiting, prices shifted after the fact, and nobody called back. We started this company to do things differently, and that approach has kept us working in the same neighborhoods for more than two decades.
Over those 22 years, we have worked on just about every type of heating and cooling system you will find in Santa Clara County, from older central air setups in established neighborhoods to newer heat pump systems in recently renovated homes and small commercial spaces. The work has changed as equipment has improved, but the standard has not. Code-compliant HVAC work on every job is not a slogan for us; it is how we protect our customers and stand behind what we install and repair.
Call us and we'll walk you through your options.
Your home deserves heating and cooling that runs right, and that means having a contractor who can handle the full picture, not just one piece of it. We work on air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, ductwork, thermostats, and indoor air quality systems. We do seasonal tune-ups before the weather shifts, emergency calls when a system goes down without warning, and full system replacements when a repair no longer makes financial sense.
We serve both residential customers and commercial clients across the Los Altos area and surrounding communities. Whether you are a homeowner dealing with an AC that stopped cooling or a property manager coordinating HVAC service across multiple units, we bring the same level of care and the same qualified HVAC technicians to every job. One call brings a technician to your door.
A typical AC repair visit starts with a full diagnostic. We check refrigerant levels, inspect the condenser and compressor, test the evaporator coil, and look at airflow through the system. Common problems we see include an air conditioner not cooling properly, a unit that will not turn on, warm air coming from the vents, and refrigerant leaks that cause the system to underperform. In many cases a repair gets the system back to full capacity. When a unit is older and repairs are adding up, we will give you an honest assessment of whether a new AC installation makes more sense for your budget over the next few years.
For homeowners planning a system upgrade, we handle central air installation from start to finish. We size the system to your home, handle the equipment, and make sure everything is running correctly before we leave.
When the heat stops working, the symptoms are usually easy to spot: the furnace is not producing heat, cold air is coming through the vents, or the system will not turn on at all. We diagnose and repair both gas and electric furnaces, checking the air handler, blower, heat exchanger, and controls to find the root cause rather than guessing. A furnace tune-up before the heating season is one of the best ways to catch small problems before they become expensive ones, and we do those visits throughout the fall.
When a furnace has reached the end of its useful life, we walk you through your replacement options clearly, including what size and type of system fits your home and what the job will involve. No pressure, no upsell. Just straightforward information so you can make a good decision.
Heat pumps and ductless mini-splits are a strong fit for the Bay Area climate. Mild winters and warm summers mean these systems can handle both heating and cooling efficiently without the fuel cost of a gas furnace. For homes without existing ductwork, a ductless mini-split installation is often the most practical path to whole-home comfort.
We repair and install both ducted heat pumps and ductless mini-split systems. If your heat pump is not heating or not cooling the way it should, we diagnose the problem and get it working again. If you are considering heat pump electrification as an upgrade, we can walk you through what that involves for your specific home and what the installation looks like from start to finish.
Getting your comfort problem handled starts with a quick call. When you reach us, we ask the right questions upfront so we can give you a clear sense of what the job involves before a technician arrives. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any HVAC job is how we operate. That means you know what you are being quoted before work begins, and any changes get discussed with you before they happen.
We understand that HVAC costs can feel unpredictable, especially when a system fails without warning. Our goal is to make the pricing conversation straightforward, whether you are calling for a repair estimate, a replacement quote, or a seasonal maintenance visit. Call to request an estimate or schedule a service call and we will give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Good workmanship. Good pricing. Good technicians.
We'll get your comfort back on track.
We know schedules shift, so we keep your booking flexible, and when a system goes down completely, we treat it as the priority it is. A failed air conditioner in the middle of a Bay Area heat wave or a furnace that stops working on a cold night is not something you want to wait days to resolve. We offer same-day service options and work to get a qualified technician to you as quickly as possible.
Whether it is a no-cool emergency in July or a no-heat situation in the middle of the night, you can reach us and get a real response. We handle emergency HVAC calls for both homeowners and commercial clients across Los Altos and the surrounding area.
One call brings a technician to your door.
Every job we take on, whether it is a minor repair or a full system installation, is completed to meet current code requirements for the area. The technicians who perform the work are trained and experienced across the range of heating and cooling systems we service. We do not cut corners on the installation details that matter, proper refrigerant handling, correct equipment sizing, secure ductwork connections, and accurate thermostat wiring.
This matters because HVAC work that is done right the first time protects your equipment warranty, your home, and your family. We take that responsibility seriously on every job.
We work with homeowners, landlords, property managers, and commercial clients throughout the Los Altos area and across Santa Clara County. Office buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, and multi-unit residential properties all have HVAC needs that require reliable scheduling and work that does not disrupt the people inside. We bring the same standards to a commercial job that we bring to a single-family home.
We protect your floors and finishes while we work. That means laying down drop cloths, being careful around furniture and equipment, and leaving the space the way we found it when the job is done. Commercial clients get the same transparent pricing and the same direct communication that our residential customers expect.
Call us and we'll walk you through your options.
Leaking or damaged ductwork is one of the most common causes of uneven temperatures and higher energy bills in a home. We repair and seal ductwork, replace damaged sections, and test airflow to make sure the system is distributing conditioned air the way it should. If one room is always too warm or too cold, the ductwork is often where the answer is.
On the indoor air quality side, we install air filtration systems, whole-home air purifiers, and MERV-13 and higher filters that are especially relevant for Bay Area households dealing with wildfire smoke season. These are practical upgrades that improve the air your family breathes every day without requiring a new HVAC system.
A smart thermostat is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to an existing HVAC system. We install programmable and smart thermostats, replace thermostats that are not working correctly, and handle thermostat wiring when the existing setup needs attention. A properly installed smart thermostat lets you control your system from anywhere and can help reduce energy use by running the system only when it is needed.
A seasonal tune-up is the most reliable way to catch a small problem before it becomes an emergency. In the spring, we check and service your air conditioning system before the cooling season gets underway. In the fall, we do the same for your heating system before temperatures drop. A maintenance visit covers the key components of the system, cleans what needs cleaning, checks refrigerant levels, tests controls, and gives you an honest picture of the system's condition.
Customers who schedule regular maintenance tend to get more years out of their equipment and face fewer unexpected repair bills. It is straightforward preventive care, and we make it easy to schedule.
We have been doing this work in Los Altos and Santa Clara County since 2004, which is more than 22 years of local HVAC service. Over that time we have worked on just about every type of heating and cooling system found in the area, from older central air setups to newer heat pump installations. That history means we know the equipment, the neighborhoods, and what local homes and businesses actually need.
The founder spent years working for larger operations and kept seeing the same problems: customers left waiting, prices that changed after the fact, and nobody following up. We started this company to do things differently, with straightforward pricing, reliable scheduling, and technicians who treat a customer's home the way they would want their own treated. That approach has kept us working in the same neighborhoods for more than two decades.
We are locally owned and operated in Los Altos. The people who answer the phone and the technicians who show up at your door are all part of the same local operation. We are personally accountable for every job we take on, and that accountability is what has kept customers coming back and referring their neighbors for over 22 years.
When you call during our operating hours, 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM every day, you reach us directly and we can typically schedule a visit the same day for urgent situations. For non-emergency calls, we work to get you on the schedule quickly and confirm the appointment before we hang up. We do not leave inquiries sitting without a response.
We stand behind the work we do. If something is not right after a repair or installation, we want to know about it and we will make it right. We complete every job to code, use qualified HVAC technicians on every visit, and do not cut corners on the details that affect long-term performance and reliability.
We protect floors and finishes before we start work, and we clean up thoroughly before we leave. That means laying down drop cloths, being careful around furniture and equipment, and removing any debris from the job. We leave the space the way we found it, or better.
Every job is completed to meet current code requirements for the area. Where a permit is required for the scope of work, we handle that as part of the job. Code-compliant work is not optional for us; it protects the equipment, the property, and the people living or working inside.
We schedule appointments with enough time built in to do each job properly without rushing. When we are running ahead or behind, we communicate with the next customer so they are not left wondering. Our goal is to show up when we said we would and give every job the attention it needs, regardless of how the day is running.
CLAP Plumbing Heating & Cooling is ready to help with any heating or cooling job in Los Altos and the surrounding communities across Santa Clara County. Whether you are a homeowner looking for a fast repair, a property manager coordinating service across multiple units, or a business owner whose system needs attention, we are the team to call.
Not the biggest outfit in town. Just the most reliable. Always on time.
Reach us at (650) 955-4592 to request an estimate or schedule a service call. We serve Los Altos and the neighborhoods and towns throughout the county, and we are ready to get to work for you.
We handle the full range of residential and commercial heating and cooling work in Los Altos and across Santa Clara County. Whether you need a same-day repair, a seasonal tune-up, or a full system replacement, our qualified technicians show up on time with the tools to get the job done right. Every service comes with a clear estimate before work begins and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Browse the table below to find the service that fits your situation, then call us for a quote.
| Service | What It Covers | When You Need It | Helpful Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermostat & Smart-Control Installation | programmable thermostat installation, Wi-Fi smart thermostat setup, zoning control installation, thermostat diagnostics and replacement | anyone who wants better control over comfort and energy use without a full system change | A smart thermostat upgrade is one of the fastest ways to improve system efficiency and comfort. |
| Heat Pump Electrification | heat pump installation replacing gas furnace and AC, residential and commercial heat pump replacement, system performance guidance for the Bay Area climate, qualified technician installation throughout | Los Altos homeowners and landlords moving away from gas heating or replacing aging dual systems | With mild winters in the area, heat pumps are a strong fit and handle both heating and cooling efficiently from a single system. |
| Emergency HVAC Service | same-day no-heat and no-cool response, weekend and urgent call availability, rapid diagnostics on arrival, first-visit repair when parts allow | any situation where the system has stopped working and waiting is not an option | We take emergency calls seriously and dispatch technicians prepared to diagnose and repair on the first visit. |
| Heat Pump Repair & Service | heating and cooling mode diagnostics, refrigerant and coil service, defrost cycle checks, seasonal tune-ups | homes with a heat pump that is not heating, not cooling, or cycling too often | Because heat pumps handle both seasons, a problem affects year-round comfort, so prompt service matters. |
| AC Repair & Service | refrigerant diagnosis, evaporator and condenser coil service, compressor and capacitor checks, same-day repair availability | homeowners or businesses with an AC that is not cooling or is short-cycling | Most AC repairs can be diagnosed and completed in a single visit when parts are on hand. |
| Heating & Furnace Repair | gas furnace diagnostics, emergency no-heat response, igniter and heat exchanger inspection, furnace tune-up and maintenance | any home or building that has lost heat or is heating unevenly | Same-day furnace repair is available for urgent no-heat situations throughout the area. |
| Seasonal Maintenance & Tune-Ups | refrigerant level check, coil cleaning, filter replacement, controls and safety testing | any homeowner or property manager who wants to extend equipment life and avoid emergency calls | Annual maintenance helps keep manufacturer warranties intact and catches small problems early. |
| First-Time AC & Ductless Cooling Installation | ductless mini-split sizing and installation, central AC installation for ducted homes, zoned cooling setup, code-compliant installation throughout | Los Altos homes built without central air conditioning or existing ductwork | Mini-split systems deliver efficient zoned cooling and heating with no duct runs required, making them the practical choice for older Bay Area homes. |
| Ductwork Repair & Sealing | duct leak inspection, duct sealing and repair, full duct replacement, airflow balancing | homes with uneven temperatures, high utility bills, or visible duct damage | Leaking ducts can waste a significant portion of conditioned air before it ever reaches the living space. |
| Wildfire-Smoke Air Filtration (MERV-13+) | MERV-13 and higher filter upgrades, whole-home air scrubber installation, UV air purifier installation, system compatibility assessment | households that want cleaner indoor air during wildfire smoke events and year-round | Standard HVAC filters are not rated to capture the fine particulates in wildfire smoke; a MERV-13 or higher upgrade addresses that gap. |
| Indoor Air Quality & Air Filtration | whole-home air purifier installation, air scrubber and UV purifier installation, advanced filter upgrades, whole-home humidifier installation | households concerned about allergens, dust, wildfire smoke, or dry indoor air | Improved filtration is especially relevant during wildfire smoke season across the Bay Area. |
| Full System Installation & Replacement | central AC installation, furnace and heat pump replacement, complete HVAC system sizing and install, code-compliant work on every job | homeowners or property managers whose existing system is aging, failing, or beyond repair | Most full system replacements are completed in a single day by our qualified HVAC technicians. |
How do I know if my HVAC system needs repair or full replacement?
Age and repair history are the two biggest factors. If the system is more than 15 years old and has needed multiple repairs in recent seasons, replacement is often the more cost-effective path. A system that struggles to maintain temperature, runs constantly, or is producing noticeably higher energy bills is working harder than it should. We give you an honest assessment of the system's condition and walk you through what the options look like before any decision is made.
What are the signs of a refrigerant or airflow problem?
Warm air coming out when the AC is running, ice forming on the evaporator coil, a system that runs but never quite cools the space, and unusually high energy bills are all common signs. Weak or uneven airflow from the vents can point to a duct problem, a dirty coil, or a failing blower. These issues do not improve on their own, so calling sooner rather than later usually limits the damage.
How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance?
Once a year is the standard recommendation for most systems. A spring tune-up before cooling season and a fall tune-up before heating season is ideal if the system handles both. Annual maintenance catches small problems before they become expensive repairs, keeps the equipment running efficiently, and helps maintain manufacturer warranty coverage. It is the simplest thing you can do to extend the life of your equipment.
Transparent Upfront Pricing
Before any repair or installation begins, we give you a clear estimate so you know exactly what the work costs and why. There are no hidden fees and no surprise charges added after the fact.
What does a seasonal tune-up actually include?
We check refrigerant levels, clean the evaporator and condenser coils, inspect and replace filters, test all controls and safety switches, check electrical connections on the equipment, and verify that the system is operating within its rated specifications. We also note anything that looks like it could become a problem before the heavy-use season begins and walk you through what we found.
Why is one room in my home hotter or colder than the rest?
Uneven temperatures usually point to a duct problem, a zoning issue, or equipment that is not properly sized for the space. Leaking or disconnected ducts can redirect conditioned air before it reaches certain rooms. A thermostat in the wrong location can also cause the system to cycle off before the whole home reaches the set temperature. We diagnose the root cause rather than guessing, so the fix actually addresses the problem.
What can strange noises from my HVAC unit mean?
Banging or clanking often points to a loose or broken component inside the unit. Grinding can indicate a failing motor bearing. Squealing sometimes means a belt or blower issue. A clicking sound that continues after startup can point to a control or relay problem. Any noise that is new or getting worse is worth a call, since running a system with a mechanical problem usually leads to more extensive damage over time.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
When the heat goes out or the AC fails, we respond quickly. Same-day service is available for urgent situations throughout Los Altos and Santa Clara County.
How does a dirty filter or coil affect system performance?
A clogged filter restricts airflow, which forces the blower to work harder and reduces the amount of conditioned air reaching the living space. Over time, restricted airflow causes the evaporator coil to ice over, which shuts down cooling entirely. A dirty coil cannot transfer heat efficiently, so the system runs longer cycles and uses more energy to reach the same result. Keeping filters clean and scheduling annual coil cleaning are two of the most effective ways to protect the equipment.
What is involved in a thermostat or smart-control upgrade?
We remove the existing thermostat, verify that the wiring at the wall is compatible with the new unit, and install and configure the replacement. For Wi-Fi smart thermostats, we connect the device to the home network and walk you through the basic settings. Zoning controls involve additional hardware and a bit more setup time, but the process is straightforward. In most cases, a thermostat swap is completed in under an hour.
Code-Compliant Work on Every Job
Every installation and repair we perform meets current code requirements. Our qualified HVAC technicians handle the work correctly the first time, with no shortcuts.
Do I need to be home when the technician arrives?
For repairs and installations, yes. Someone needs to be present to provide access to the equipment and to review what we find before any work begins. We do not start repairs without your approval. If your schedule is tight, call us and we can talk through how to handle access. We keep scheduling flexible and operate from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily to work around your hours when we can.
What causes a system to short-cycle?
Short-cycling, where the system starts and stops more frequently than it should, is often caused by an oversized unit, a refrigerant problem, a dirty filter, or a failing thermostat. An oversized AC cools the space too quickly, shuts off before completing a full cycle, and then restarts shortly after. This puts extra wear on the compressor and reduces the system's ability to control humidity. We diagnose the specific cause before recommending a fix.
Is same-day or emergency service available for a system that has completely stopped working?
Yes. We offer same-day availability for no-heat and no-cool situations throughout Los Altos and the surrounding area. Our technicians arrive prepared to diagnose and, in most cases, repair on the first visit. Calling early in the day gives you the best chance of a same-day appointment, especially during peak heating and cooling seasons. We take these calls seriously and respond as quickly as we can.
Every home and building is a little different, so call us at (650) 955-4592 and we will give you honest, straightforward advice based on your specific system and situation.
(650) 955-4592