When a furnace stops working in the middle of a Rock County winter, the call comes in fast. That is the most common urgent call we get from Janesville, and it is the one we move on quickly. Al's A/C & Heating handles heating and cooling work across the city, from a single furnace repair on a cold morning to a full system replacement for a home that has been running aging equipment for too long. The person who answers the phone knows the work firsthand, so the conversation that starts on the call carries straight through to what happens at your address.
We cover the full range of residential and commercial HVAC work in Janesville. Furnace and AC repair, heat pump installation, ductwork, thermostats, indoor air quality, seasonal maintenance, and emergency calls when the system is completely down. Whether you own the home, manage a rental property, or run a commercial space in the city, the process is the same: call for a quote, get the rate confirmed before anything is scheduled, and have a qualified HVAC technician handle the work from diagnosis through sign-off.
A lot of HVAC calls are not dramatic failures. The system is running, but something is off. A room that never gets comfortable, an AC that starts and stops without cooling the space, a furnace that takes too long to bring the temperature up. These are the calls that point to specific faults, and finding the right one is the first job on any visit.
When an AC unit will not start, the fault is usually electrical or mechanical rather than refrigerant-related. Capacitors fail, contactors wear out, and control boards develop faults that cut the start signal before the compressor ever tries to turn over. A diagnostic visit checks each of these in sequence before any part is ordered, so the repair addresses what actually failed rather than what seemed most likely.
These components handle the electrical side of starting and running the system. A weak capacitor causes hard starts and short cycles. A pitted contactor fails to close properly and leaves the compressor unable to run. A control board fault can produce almost any symptom, which is why it gets checked after the simpler components are ruled out. All three are common enough that a technician working in this region sees them regularly.
A cracked heat exchanger is a furnace problem that does not show up as a comfort issue. The system may heat the home normally while combustion gases find a path into the airstream. An inspection during a maintenance visit or a furnace service call checks the heat exchanger as part of the standard review, not as an add-on. If a crack is found, the options are explained before any work proceeds.
Uneven temperatures across a home or building are often a distribution problem rather than a fault with the main unit. Registers that were set years ago and never adjusted, additions that were connected to ductwork not sized for the extra load, and rooms that consistently run warmer or cooler than the rest of the building all point to airflow imbalance. Rebalancing adjusts what each zone receives and is often part of a broader ductwork review.
For spaces that cannot be served by existing ductwork, a ductless mini-split handles heating and cooling independently without tying into the central system. Additions, finished basements, detached garages, and rooms that have always been uncomfortable are common candidates. Installation covers the indoor air handler, the outdoor unit, and the refrigerant line set connecting them. Sizing is confirmed before installation begins.
Regional summers bring enough humidity that a central air conditioner alone does not always keep indoor moisture at a comfortable level. A whole-home dehumidifier integrates with the existing HVAC system and handles moisture control across the entire living space rather than one room at a time. On the other end, dry winter air is a furnace-season problem that a whole-home humidifier addresses by adding moisture back into the airstream as the system runs. Both are installed as part of a broader indoor air quality approach, not as standalone appliances.
A quote for HVAC work is built around what the job actually requires, and that cannot be fully known until a technician has looked at the system. The fault that needs to be corrected, how accessible the equipment is, and whether a repair makes sense or a replacement is the better answer all affect where the number lands.
For a repair call, the diagnostic finding drives the quote. A failed capacitor and a failed compressor are very different jobs, and the price reflects that difference. For a replacement, load calculations, equipment selection, and the scope of the installation all factor in. The rate is confirmed on the phone before anything is scheduled, and the price covers what was agreed the visit includes. You can ask what that covers and get a clear answer before the technician arrives.
What shifts a quote is straightforward: the severity of the fault, whether parts need to be sourced, whether the system needs a full replacement rather than a repair, and whether the job involves ductwork or controls beyond the main unit. None of those variables are hidden. They are explained as part of the call.
The outcome a Janesville homeowner or property manager wants is simple. A system that heats and cools the space reliably, runs without constant attention, and does not fail at the worst possible moment. How we get there depends on what the system needs.
A repair visit starts with finding the fault, not assuming it. Refrigerant leak diagnosis, condenser and compressor service, evaporator coil cleaning, and control component checks are all part of a thorough diagnostic. The system is tested and readings checked before sign-off, so the fix is confirmed before the technician leaves. For property managers handling a tenant call, that matters: one visit that resolves the problem is better than two.
A system that is running fine today can develop wear that is not obvious until it becomes a failure. A maintenance visit covers the filter, coils, refrigerant charge, blower condition, burner operation for furnaces, and thermostat calibration. Scheduling a tune-up before peak season, before the first real heat of summer or the first cold stretch of fall, is when it does the most good. The service page carries the full breakdown of what a maintenance visit includes.
When equipment has reached the end of its useful life, replacement is the practical answer. In this region, furnace and AC systems are often replaced together because both units are typically the same age. Replacing one while the other is near failure means a second installation job within a year or two. A full replacement is sized to the home using proper load calculations, installed to manufacturer specifications, and confirmed operational before the visit ends. HVAC work sized and installed the way the manual calls for avoids the efficiency and comfort problems that follow a shortcut installation.
A rated efficiency number describes how a unit performs under controlled test conditions, not necessarily what it delivers inside a specific home. The gap between the two is real and worth understanding before any equipment decision is made.
A system installed in ductwork that leaks significantly will lose conditioned air before it reaches the living space, regardless of the equipment's rated output. A unit that is oversized for the home it serves will short-cycle, which reduces efficiency and adds wear. A thermostat that is not calibrated correctly or positioned poorly will cause the system to run longer than it needs to.
Getting the rated efficiency in practice means the installation is done correctly, the duct system is reasonably tight, and the equipment is sized to the actual load of the home. Energy-efficiency upgrades, including zoning and comfort-control systems, make the most difference when the underlying installation is solid. We check those factors as part of any installation or replacement job, not as an afterthought.
Same-day service is often available for urgent repair calls, and we are open every day from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM. When a system is completely down, with no heat or no cooling at all, those calls are treated as the priority they are. A qualified HVAC technician is dispatched, the diagnosis is explained on arrival, and work does not begin until the scope and price are confirmed.
For rental properties and commercial spaces that need to stay operational, scheduling is coordinated around the property's situation. A tenant who needs to be present, a business that cannot close during the visit, or a building with multiple units all call for a conversation before the appointment is set. That conversation happens on the call, before anything is booked.
Planned maintenance visits are scheduled at whatever interval the system calls for. Calling ahead of the busy season means the appointment slot is available when you want it rather than when the schedule opens up.
Call and we will get your heat or AC back on: (779) 363-9289.
We serve Janesville and the communities throughout Rock County and the surrounding region. That includes Milton, Hanover, Shopiere, Footville, and Fulton, along with the rural areas and smaller communities in between. If you are in the area and unsure whether we reach your address, call and ask. We will confirm service to your location before anything is scheduled.
our system guide breaks the work down.
Short cycling means the system turns on, runs briefly, and shuts off before finishing a full heating or cooling cycle. It puts extra wear on the compressor and other components, and a system that short-cycles regularly will fail sooner than one that runs normal cycles. It is worth calling about rather than ignoring, because the underlying cause tends to get worse rather than better on its own.
Humid summers in this region can push indoor moisture levels high enough that the central air conditioner struggles to keep up on its own. If the home feels sticky even when the AC is running, or if condensation appears on windows and surfaces during warm months, a whole-home dehumidifier is worth a conversation. It works alongside the existing HVAC system and handles moisture control across the entire home rather than one room at a time. Call and we can talk through whether it fits your setup.
A photograph can be useful context, particularly for equipment condition or an obvious fault like ice buildup or physical damage. The most useful information when you call is a description of what the system is doing or not doing, how long it has been happening, and any model information you can find. The diagnostic happens on the visit, but the more detail you can give us on the call, the better prepared we can be.
A complete loss of heat is treated as an urgent situation, not a routine appointment. We take those calls seriously and work to get a technician out as quickly as scheduling allows. Same-day service is available when the schedule permits, and we are open every day from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM for exactly these situations.
We need someone present to provide access to the equipment and to authorize the work once the technician explains the diagnosis and the price. If nobody is available at the scheduled time, call us as early as possible to reschedule so the slot can be used for another call. For exterior-only work, we can discuss arrangements on the call, but indoor access requires someone to be there.
Yes. We work with managing agents and property managers who schedule service for properties they oversee. When you call, let us know who the invoice should go to and how access to the property will be arranged. We confirm those details before the visit so there are no gaps on the day.
Make sure the area around the air handler, furnace, or indoor unit is accessible without moving heavy items. If the equipment is in a utility closet, a crawl space, or a mechanical room, clear a path to it. Pets should be secured away from the work area as well. A few minutes of preparation before the visit helps the technician get straight to work.
Older homes in Janesville were often built with duct systems sized for equipment that is no longer manufactured, which can create airflow and sizing challenges when it is time to replace. A load calculation and a duct inspection as part of the replacement process identify those issues before new equipment is installed. The goal is equipment that fits the home as it actually exists, not as it was originally designed.
Having the make and model of the equipment available helps, but it is not required. More useful is a clear description of what the tenant reported and how long the problem has been happening. That information lets us give a more accurate rate on the phone and helps the technician arrive prepared for what is most likely wrong. Pricing is confirmed before the visit is scheduled, so there are no questions about what the call covers.
Al's A/C & Heating handles heating and cooling repair, installation, and maintenance across Janesville and Rock County. The most avoidable HVAC problems are the ones that follow a system that needed attention before the season started. A furnace that was running rough in October is a no-heat call in January. An AC that was low on refrigerant in April is a breakdown in July.
Call today. Scheduled tomorrow. Comfortable by the weekend.
Reach us at (779) 363-9289. We are open every day from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Booking planned maintenance now costs less than an emergency call later.
We also take work in: Beloit, South Beloit, Rockton. There is more on our list of communities.
Heating and cooling work covers a wide range of jobs, and knowing which service fits your situation makes scheduling easier. The table below lays out what we handle, who each service is best suited for, and a practical note to help you plan. If you have questions about a specific job or want to talk through your options, call for a quote and we will walk you through it.
| HVAC Service | What It Covers | Best For | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ductwork Repair & Sealing |
| homes with uneven temperatures, higher energy use, or a system that runs longer than it should | Leaky ducts waste conditioned air before it reaches the rooms it is meant to serve. Sealing gaps restores airflow and reduces the load on the main unit. |
| Emergency HVAC Service |
| any situation where a heating or cooling system has failed and waiting is not an option | Emergency calls are answered every day from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM. You get a diagnosis before any work starts, not a guess. |
| Furnace & AC System Replacement |
| Janesville homeowners whose furnace and central air system are both nearing the end of their useful life | Janesville winters are long enough that furnace reliability is not optional. Pairing a furnace and AC replacement lets both systems be sized to the home at the same time. |
| Heat Pump Repair & Service |
| homes running a heat pump as the primary heating and cooling source | Heat pumps work both seasons, so faults can appear in summer or winter. The system is tested and readings checked before sign-off. |
| Whole-Home Dehumidification & Humidity Control |
| Janesville homes that feel sticky or uncomfortable even when the AC is running during humid summer months | High indoor humidity makes a space feel warmer than it is and strains the cooling system. A whole-home unit handles moisture as part of the system, not as a standalone fix. |
| Indoor Air Quality & Air Filtration |
| households concerned about air quality, allergens, or how the home breathes day to day | Whole-home filtration works through the existing air handler, treating air moving through the system rather than just one room. |
| Thermostat & Smart-Control Installation |
| homeowners with an outdated or malfunctioning thermostat, or those wanting remote scheduling and control | Compatibility with the existing heating and cooling equipment is confirmed before installation. Zoning controls can also be discussed if different areas of the home need independent temperature management. |
| AC Repair & Service |
| homeowners and property managers with a struggling or failed air conditioner | Most common faults are identified on the first visit. Same-day service is available when scheduling allows. |
| Full System Installation & ReplacementMost Popular |
| homeowners replacing aging or failed HVAC equipment in a home or rental property | Replacing both the furnace and AC at the same time avoids sizing mismatches and is often the more practical path when both systems are aging. |
| Seasonal Maintenance & Tune-Ups |
| homeowners who want to catch developing problems before the heating or cooling season begins | Pre-season scheduling, before the first hot week of summer or the first cold snap of fall, is the best time to avoid an emergency call at peak demand. |
| Heat Pump Installation |
| homes adding a heat pump for the first time, including additions and rooms needing independent comfort control | Cold-climate heat pump models now perform well in northern Illinois winters. Ductless mini-splits are a clean option where no existing ductwork is available. |
| Heating & Furnace Repair |
| any home or building that has lost heat or is heating unevenly | Calls are answered every day from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM, including weekends, so a Saturday morning no-heat situation does not have to wait. |
Every job is different, and the right answer for your home or building depends on the equipment, the situation, and what you are trying to solve. Call for a quote and we will talk through it with you: (779) 363-9289.
(779) 363-9289