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Wall Heater Repair - Oakland, Berkeley & San Francisco
Need wall heater repair in Oakland, Berkeley, or San Francisco? Bay Area Climate Control specializes in repairing and servicing wall heaters throughout the East Bay and greater Bay Area. From pilot light problems to thermocouple replacement, our experienced technicians provide fast, reliable service for all wall heater brands and models.
Wall heaters are common in older Bay Area homes and apartments, especially in Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, and Richmond. When your wall heater stops working—whether the pilot won't stay lit, you smell gas, or the unit won't heat properly—you need a local HVAC company with experience servicing these systems.
Our licensed HVAC technicians are trained to diagnose and repair all types of wall heaters, including gravity-vented, direct-vent, and fan-assisted models. We carry common replacement parts on our trucks for same-day repairs whenever possible.
Common Wall Heater Problems We Fix
Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit
The most common wall heater problem. Usually caused by a faulty thermocouple, dirty pilot assembly, or incorrect positioning. We diagnose and fix it quickly.
Gas Smell or Safety Concerns
Any gas odor requires immediate attention. We respond quickly to safety issues, inspect gas connections, and ensure your wall heater operates safely.
Thermocouple Replacement
Thermocouples fail over time and prevent the pilot from staying lit. We carry replacement thermocouples on our trucks for fast same-day repair.
Gas Valve Problems
A faulty gas valve can prevent your wall heater from turning on or cause erratic operation. We diagnose valve issues and replace them when necessary.
Thermostat Issues
Wall heater not responding to temperature settings? The problem might be a faulty thermostat, loose wiring, or calibration issues. We'll find and fix it.
Strange Noises or Poor Heating
Rattling, whistling, or banging sounds can indicate blower motor issues, loose components, or combustion problems. We'll diagnose and resolve the issue.
Why Choose Bay Area Climate Control for Wall Heater Repair?
Wall heaters require specialized knowledge, especially older models common in Bay Area homes. Our technicians have the experience and parts to service wall heaters of all ages and brands.
Same-Day Service Available
We offer same-day wall heater repair service throughout the Bay Area when you call early in the day. Fast response for heating emergencies.
Experienced with Older Systems
We've serviced thousands of wall heaters in Bay Area homes, including many older models from the 1960s-1980s still in use today.
Upfront, Honest Pricing
You'll know the cost before we start the repair. No hidden fees, no surprises. Just fair, transparent pricing for quality work.
Parts On Truck
We stock common wall heater parts (thermocouples, pilot assemblies, thermostats) on our service trucks for faster same-day repairs.
Safety-Focused Service
We thoroughly inspect gas connections, venting, and combustion to ensure your wall heater operates safely. Your family's safety is our top priority.
Local Bay Area Expertise
We know the types of wall heaters common in Bay Area homes. From Oakland bungalows to San Francisco flats, we've seen them all.
Wall Heater Safety: What You Need to Know
Wall heaters are safe when properly maintained, but they do require attention to ensure continued safe operation. Here's what to watch for:
Warning Signs That Require Immediate Attention
- Gas odor: If you smell gas (rotten egg smell), turn off the heater, open windows, and call for service immediately. Do not use open flames or electrical switches.
- Yellow or orange pilot flame: A healthy pilot flame should be blue. Yellow or orange indicates incomplete combustion and potential carbon monoxide production.
- Soot buildup: Black soot around the heater or on nearby walls indicates incomplete combustion and requires immediate service.
- Frequent pilot outages: If your pilot light goes out frequently, it's a sign of a problem that needs professional diagnosis.
- Unusual noises: Loud banging, popping, or whistling can indicate serious issues with the heater or gas supply.
Proper Wall Heater Maintenance
- Annual professional service: Have your wall heater inspected and serviced annually before the heating season.
- Keep area clear: Maintain at least 3 feet of clearance in front of the heater. Don't place furniture, curtains, or combustible items near the unit.
- Visual inspections: Regularly check for soot buildup, verify the pilot flame is blue, and listen for unusual noises.
- Carbon monoxide detector: Install a CO detector in rooms with wall heaters and test it monthly.
- Professional repairs only: Wall heaters involve gas connections and combustion. Always use a licensed professional for repairs.
Concerned about your wall heater's safety? We'll inspect it thoroughly and ensure it's operating safely.
Schedule Safety Inspection: (510) 391-5597What Bay Area Homeowners Say About Our Wall Heater Repair Service
Our old wall heater in our Oakland bungalow stopped working completely. Bay Area Climate Control came out same day, diagnosed a failed thermocouple, and had us warm again in less than an hour. Great service on an older system!
— Patricia Morrison
Wall heater pilot light kept going out in our Berkeley apartment. Technician was knowledgeable about these older units, replaced the thermocouple and cleaned everything thoroughly. Works perfectly now. Very professional service.
— David Chen
Fast response for our wall heater in Richmond. Pilot wouldn't stay lit and they diagnosed a bad gas valve. Honest pricing and completed the repair the same day. Really appreciate their expertise with these older heating systems.
— Sandra Williams
Our wall heater was making strange noises and the room wasn't heating evenly. Bay Area Climate Control diagnosed a blower motor issue and fixed it quickly. Tech explained everything and gave us maintenance tips. Excellent service!
— Michael Torres
Wall Heater Repair Service Areas
We provide professional wall heater repair service throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including:
Don't see your city? Call us at (510) 391-5597 - we may still service your area!
Frequently Asked Questions About Wall Heater Repair
Do you offer same-day wall heater repair service?
Yes. Bay Area Climate Control provides same-day wall heater repair service throughout the Bay Area when you call early in the day. We understand that wall heater problems can leave rooms uncomfortably cold, so we prioritize heating repairs. Call (510) 391-5597 for fast service.
Why does my wall heater pilot light keep going out?
The most common cause is a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether the pilot flame is lit. If it's defective, dirty, or positioned incorrectly, it will shut off the gas supply even when the pilot is burning. Other causes include drafts, a clogged pilot orifice, or low gas pressure. Our technicians can diagnose and fix the problem quickly.
Are wall heaters safe?
When properly maintained, wall heaters are safe and reliable. However, they do require regular service to ensure safe operation. Warning signs that require immediate attention include: gas odors (rotten egg smell), yellow or orange pilot flame (should be blue), soot buildup around the heater, difficulty keeping the pilot lit, or unusual noises. If you notice any of these, turn off the heater and call for service right away.
Can you repair old wall heaters?
Yes. We service and repair wall heaters of all ages, including older gravity-fed and direct-vent models common in Bay Area homes. Many wall heaters from the 1960s-1980s are still running strong with proper maintenance. We can often find or fabricate replacement parts for older units. However, if a unit is beyond economical repair, we'll give you honest guidance about replacement options.
Should I repair or replace my wall heater?
If your wall heater is working but needs a minor repair (thermocouple, thermostat, cleaning), repair usually makes sense. Consider replacement if: The unit is extremely old and parts are unavailable, Major components like the heat exchanger are failing, You're experiencing frequent breakdowns and mounting repair costs, or You want to upgrade to a more efficient heating system. We'll give you honest advice about the best option for your situation and budget.
Do I need a permit to replace a wall heater?
Yes. In most Bay Area cities, replacing a wall heater requires a permit to ensure the installation meets current safety codes for gas connections, venting, and clearances. Bay Area Climate Control handles all permitting for replacement installations. Simple repairs typically don't require permits.
What is a direct-vent wall heater?
A direct-vent wall heater draws combustion air from outside through a special vent pipe and exhausts combustion gases directly outside through the same vent. This makes them more efficient and safer than older gravity-vented models because they don't use indoor air for combustion and don't rely on a chimney. Most modern wall heater replacements use direct-vent technology.
How often should a wall heater be serviced?
We recommend annual service before the heating season (fall). Annual maintenance includes: Cleaning the pilot assembly and burner, Testing and adjusting the thermocouple, Inspecting gas connections for leaks, Checking and cleaning the venting system, Testing safety controls, and Verifying proper combustion (blue flame). Regular service prevents breakdowns and ensures safe operation.
Can a wall heater heat an entire house?
Wall heaters are designed to heat individual rooms or zones, not entire homes. They work well for: Bedrooms, bathrooms, or offices, Supplemental heat in specific areas, Homes with multiple wall heaters in different rooms, or Studios and small apartments. For whole-house heating, a central furnace or heat pump system is more effective. We can discuss all your heating options and help you choose the best solution for your home.
Need Wall Heater Repair Today?
Don't let a broken wall heater leave you cold. Bay Area Climate Control provides fast, professional wall heater repair service throughout Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, and the greater Bay Area. Our experienced technicians diagnose problems accurately and carry common parts for same-day repairs.