Few things are as frustrating as an air conditioning repair. But before you call a technician, try these tips to see if you can fix the problem yourself.
First, clean the compressor coils. You can do this by shutting off power to the unit, opening the access panel, and removing the fan blade. Then, use a shop vac to suck out the debris. Call All Temp Air Conditioning & Refrigeration professionals if you don’t know where to start.

Cost
Several factors determine how much it costs to fix an AC unit. Some repairs are more expensive than others, and it can be difficult to estimate how long a repair will take. Nevertheless, there are some general rules of thumb to help homeowners make an informed decision. For example, it is generally recommended that homeowners replace their AC unit if the cost of repairs exceeds 50 percent of the price of a new one.
The type of air conditioner and the problem requiring repair are also determining factors in the overall repair cost. Small problems like a damaged thermostat or air filter can be fixed at a relatively low cost, while other issues may be more expensive. Some common problems include a clogged condensate drain line or a damaged evaporator coil.
Homeowners who experience a problem with their air conditioning unit should check to see if it has a warranty policy. A good home warranty company will provide a service call fee and cover the cost of most AC repairs, including labor and parts. Some companies will also offer maintenance plans to keep your system in good working order.
While it is tempting to try and save money by making DIY repairs, this can be a risky proposition. Many AC units require specialized tools that only licensed technicians have access to, and haphazard DIY repairs can damage the unit further and increase its repair costs. Additionally, attempting to make DIY repairs can void any warranty that the unit might have. Instead, it is best to hire a professional. A qualified HVAC technician will be able to diagnose and repair the problem correctly and quickly.
Time of Year
Just like you take your car in for routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly, and hit the gym regularly to stay in shape, your air conditioning system needs regular checkups as well. This preventative work will keep your unit in peak operating condition and help avoid costly repairs down the line.
During a preventative service appointment, your air conditioner will be cleaned and any minor problems can be repaired before they become serious. A good technician will also look for early warning signs of major issues that might need to be addressed soon, such as a strange noise or a loss of cooling capacity.
It is important to schedule your air conditioning maintenance appointments in the fall and spring before extreme temperatures hit. These are the off-season times when contractors are less busy and can offer you a better deal.
If you wait until summer, your AC might need a repair on the first really hot day, which can lead to long waits and high emergency service fees. Also, during the summer, your AC will have to work harder to cool your home because of increased use, which can shorten its lifespan and increase your energy bill.
On the other hand, if your old air conditioning system is constantly breaking down, it may be time to invest in a new replacement. Sometimes it’s clear when it’s time to buy a new AC system, such as when the tech tells you that your unit is on its last legs and just can’t be fixed anymore. At other times the decision isn’t so clear, such as when your system is still working but is expensive to operate.
Age
A typical AC unit will last for 15 years if it is properly maintained and serviced. However, there are certain points in time where it simply makes more sense to replace the system instead of continuing to pay for repair costs on an older model.
A repair technician will often provide the customer with two options: repair or replace. It’s normal for air conditioners to need repairs regularly, but as the unit gets older, this can become more frequent. If you’re finding that your air conditioning repairs are becoming more frequent, it may be time to consider replacing the unit with a new one.
Often, it’s easy to forget how old an air conditioner is, especially when it works well for the most part. This is why it’s important to schedule a repair service in the spring so that your specialist can give the system a checkup before summertime. This can prevent a minor problem from becoming a major headache.
As the air conditioner ages, it will also start to lose efficiency, meaning that it takes longer for the system to cool your home. This can be a sign that it is time to invest in a replacement unit that is more efficient and will save you money on your energy bills.
Accessibility
An air conditioner is an important investment, and it’s crucial to keep it in good working order. If you notice that your AC isn’t working as well as it should, or if it is making loud noises, there may be an issue with the system’s accessibility. This can be a problem with both window units and central air conditioners. In general, a technician will have to work harder to access the equipment in a difficult-to-reach location, so it’s important to make sure your home is a good fit for this type of repair service.
When it comes to quick air conditioning repairs there are many different factors at play -most importantly how complex or severe the issue is that needs addressing – However, a quality service provider should always be able to provide clear and transparent timelines upfront so that customers can feel confident about what kind of turnaround times they can expect based upon their circumstances & location – with any component replacements included in the overall job scope where needed – for maximum peace of mind throughout the process.
Sometimes it is possible to identify the root cause of your air conditioning issue yourself, especially if you are experienced in basic troubleshooting. For example, if your AC isn’t turning on, try checking that the thermostat settings are set to cool and that the power switch has been turned on. Also, if you are using a programmable thermostat, check that the programmed schedule matches your regular routines. If you still can’t figure out what the problem is, then call your local expert for help. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have and ensure that your HVAC system is running at peak performance.