If You’ve Lost Your Cool, Here’s Who to Call to Fix the AC

You step inside, hoping to feel that sweet, cold AC after spending a few hours in the backyard, only to be greeted with warm, stuffy air. It’s clear that your cooling system is broken, but what could be wrong? And who do you call to fix the AC? While it’s tempting to DIY for a quick fix or even hire a handyperson to come take a look, there are many reasons (including legal ones) why these may not be the best choices. Instead, review this guide to learn who to call to fix an AC system.

Benefits of Hiring an HVAC Repair Company to Fix AC Problems

Hiring a local HVAC repair company is the best solution to a faulty AC system. Whether you notice uneven cooling in the home, rattling sounds in the ductwork, or leaking coming from the AC unit, HVAC repair pros know how to pinpoint exactly what’s causing your specific AC concerns. Trying to DIY or hiring someone who isn’t trained in HVAC repairs could be costly if the problem is misdiagnosed or the wrong parts are replaced.

Aside from having the training and experience to properly diagnose AC problems, the pros are also equipped with the skills and tools needed to fix the problem as quickly as possible. The faster you schedule an appointment, the sooner the pros will get your air conditioner back up and running (so you can stop sweating a broken AC).

Depending on your location, it may be the law to hire someone licensed or certified in HVAC repairs to handle any AC issues. That’s because working on AC units involves risky tasks, like working with electrical wiring and refrigerant, that are best left to trained professionals.

Can I DIY AC Repair?

Unless the repair is just switching out the AC filter, make sure to hire an HVAC repair company for any repairs. Cooling systems run on many parts, and it can be challenging to figure out the culprit behind common AC problems, like condensation or an AC that’s freezing up. The untrained eye will have a more difficult time finding and solving the problem.

Not only that, but it may be illegal in some cities or states to perform work on the air conditioner without certification. This is because AC systems use refrigerant for cooling, and refrigerant poses toxicity, fire, and asphyxiation risks, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Instead, it’s best to save $130 to $2,000 for the cost of HVAC repairs to be handled professionally.

Can I Hire a Handyperson to Fix My AC?

While there are many household projects a handyperson can tackle, fixing an AC is best left to those who are specifically trained and certified to handle AC repairs. For one, some cities and states require certifications for AC repair work, and a handyperson may not meet those qualifications. In many cases, HVAC warranties will also become void if someone who is not trained or licensed to perform AC repairs does any work on your system.

How Do HVAC Repair Pros Fix an AC?

Your local pro will troubleshoot the AC to diagnose the problem. For instance, if they feel air coming out of your vents but it isn’t cold, it narrows the issue down to a few common culprits, including dirty evaporator coils, old AC filters, or low or leaking refrigerant.

How they fix the AC will depend on the issue. They may need to clean the coils or the outdoor AC unit. Additionally, they may have to replace a certain part that has broken, or, for severe damages, they may recommend installing a new AC unit entirely.

Because there are so many potential reasons for your AC to stop working properly, it’s best to have an HVAC repair pro handle diagnosis, repairs, or AC replacement to get your home feeling comfortably cool as soon as possible.