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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions we hear from commercial property owners and managers before scheduling service.

What Clients Say

Reviews from Businesses

★★★★★ 5.0 Average Rating
"
★★★★★

Our rooftop unit went out during a heat wave in July. It was over 105°F outside and we couldn't stay open. I called Matson and Josh had a technician out within a few hours. They diagnosed a failed compressor, explained the options clearly, and had us back up and running the next morning. Absolutely saved us. I won't use anyone else for our commercial HVAC.

MR
Marcus R. Restaurant Owner · Roseville, CA
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★★★★★

We've been on Matson's preventive maintenance plan for two years now and the difference is night and day. Before, we were calling for emergency repairs two or three times a summer. Since starting the quarterly program, we haven't had a single unplanned outage. Energy bills are noticeably lower too. The technicians are professional, show up when they say they will, and always explain what they're doing.

SP
Sandra P. Property Manager · Sacramento, CA
Know Before You Call

Common Questions

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General Service

What types of commercial equipment do you service? ▾
We specialize in commercial HVAC systems, including rooftop package units, split systems, ductless mini-splits, variable refrigerant flow systems, furnaces, and heat pumps. We service all major brands including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Rheem, and others.
What areas do you serve? ▾
We serve commercial clients in Roseville, Rocklin, Sacramento, Folsom, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Lincoln, Auburn, Granite Bay, Fair Oaks, and surrounding communities in the greater Sacramento region. If you're unsure whether we cover your location, give us a call and we'll confirm.
Are you licensed and insured? ▾
Yes. Matson Mechanical Service is fully licensed for commercial HVAC work in California and carries comprehensive liability insurance. We're happy to provide documentation upon request for your records or tenant/property management requirements.
Do you offer emergency repair services? ▾
Yes. We understand that HVAC failures don't follow business hours. Emergency repair services are available for commercial facilities facing critical system failures, including no-heat situations in winter or complete cooling loss during Sacramento's summer heat waves. Call us directly for urgent requests: (916) 619-0964.
What are your regular service hours? ▾
Our standard service hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Emergency services are available outside these hours for critical situations. We do not have regular Saturday or Sunday hours, but please call if you have an urgent need and we will do our best to assist.

Commercial HVAC

Why does my system struggle more on hot Sacramento afternoons? ▾
High outdoor temperatures reduce the efficiency of refrigerant heat exchange. When outdoor temps climb above 100°F, undersized or aging condensers cannot reject heat quickly enough to maintain your indoor setpoint. Dirty condenser coils make this worse. Regular coil cleaning and proper refrigerant charge can significantly improve performance on extreme heat days.
What causes uneven temperatures between rooms or zones? ▾
Uneven temperatures in a commercial building most commonly result from imbalanced airflow, often caused by damper settings that have drifted out of calibration, blocked return air vents, or ductwork that's undersized and can't deliver sufficient air volume to distant zones. We use airflow meters to measure each zone and diagnose the real cause before recommending a fix.
When should a business replace rather than repair its HVAC system? ▾
A few reliable indicators: if repair costs approach 50% or more of the system's replacement value, if the unit is 15+ years old and experiencing repeated failures, or if it uses R-22 refrigerant (which is no longer manufactured and has become very expensive). We give you an honest recommendation rather than pushing toward the more expensive option. Sometimes a repair is the right call; sometimes replacement delivers better long-term value.
What tools do technicians use to diagnose refrigerant problems? ▾
We arrive with manifold gauges to measure high and low side pressures, electronic refrigerant leak detectors to pinpoint loss locations, infrared thermometers to check temperature differentials across the system, and airflow meters to verify supply and return volumes. This equipment lets us measure actual system performance rather than guessing from symptoms.
Do you handle multi-tenant buildings where zones control different units? ▾
Yes. In multi-tenant buildings, we verify that each thermostat controls the correct zone and that no cross-connections exist between units. We test each zone individually and document our findings. Proper zone isolation prevents billing disputes and ensures every tenant gets what they're paying for.

Preventive Maintenance

How often should commercial HVAC systems be serviced? ▾
Most commercial systems benefit from quarterly inspections, four times per year. This is especially important for systems running year-round or in environments with high dust, grease, or particulate exposure (such as restaurants or industrial facilities). At minimum, we recommend bi-annual service: once before summer cooling season and once before winter heating season.
What's included in a preventive maintenance visit? ▾
A standard commercial maintenance visit includes filter inspection and replacement, refrigerant level check, electrical connection tightening and testing, belt tension inspection and adjustment, condenser and evaporator coil cleaning, condensate drain clearing, economizer damper operation check, and controls/thermostat calibration. We provide a written service report after each visit.
Does a maintenance plan cover repairs if something breaks? ▾
Our maintenance plans cover the scheduled service visits described above. If a repair is needed beyond routine maintenance, such as replacing a failed component, that work is quoted separately. However, maintenance plan customers receive priority scheduling and preferential rates on repair work. Think of the plan as insurance and prevention, not repair coverage.
What isn't covered by your maintenance service? ▾
Our commercial service does not cover tenant-owned portable equipment, ductwork modifications that require structural changes to the building, or equipment installed by tenants without proper permits. We also don't service residential equipment. Our focus is commercial systems only.

Process & Costs

What's your process for a repair service call? ▾
Here's what to expect: (1) You call or contact us to describe the issue and schedule a visit. (2) Our technician arrives with diagnostic equipment, tests the system thoroughly, and identifies the root cause. (3) We provide a written estimate for the recommended repair. (4) With your approval, we complete the work and verify the system is running correctly before leaving. We don't start repairs without your sign-off on the estimate.
How much does a service call cost? ▾
Service call and diagnostic costs vary depending on the scope of the visit and equipment type. We'll quote you a service call fee when you schedule, and provide a full repair estimate on-site after diagnosing the issue. There are no hidden fees. The estimate you approve is the price you pay. For general questions about pricing before scheduling, call us at (916) 619-0964.
Do you offer warranties on repairs? ▾
Yes. We stand behind our work with a warranty on both parts and labor. Specific warranty terms depend on the repair type and parts used, and we'll detail these in your service documentation. If a repair we completed fails within the warranty period, we come back and make it right.
What payment methods do you accept? ▾
We accept check, major credit cards, and ACH bank transfer for commercial accounts. For ongoing maintenance plan customers, we can set up invoicing. Please contact us to discuss payment arrangements for larger projects or multi-property accounts.

Scheduling & Contact

How do I schedule a service appointment? ▾
The easiest way is to call us directly at (916) 619-0964, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can also reach us by email at josh.helderman@matsonmechanicalservice.com. When you call, we'll ask about your equipment type, the issue you're experiencing, and your location to schedule the most appropriate technician.
How quickly can you respond to a service request? ▾
Response times vary based on current demand and your location, but we aim to respond to all service inquiries promptly. For standard service calls, we typically schedule within a few business days. Emergency repairs are prioritized. Call us directly if your situation is urgent, especially during peak summer or winter periods when demand is high.
What information should I have ready when I call? ▾
Having the following ready will help us schedule the right technician and give you an accurate quote: (1) Equipment type and brand (if known, usually on the nameplate), (2) Age of the system if you know it, (3) Description of the problem, what's happening, when it started, any error codes showing, (4) Your property address and type of facility, (5) Whether this is a new issue or a recurring problem. Don't worry if you don't have all of this. We'll help you figure it out.

Still Have Questions?

Call Josh directly. We'll give you straight answers, no automated menus, no runaround.

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