Air Conditioner Repair Service
Residential AC Repair Service near Columbia & Lexington, SC
When your Columbia area home’s air conditioning is not working, it can get really hot, really quickly! You want a residential air conditioner repair company that is affordable but high quality, with trained and certified technicians, that can fix your cooling system and will do the job correctly the first time.
For fast, reliable and reasonably priced residential air conditioner repair service near Lexington, Carolina Conditions is the company you are looking for! Our certified technicians are happy to work on any type of home air conditioning system, no matter the brand or age! Just contact us today.
Typical Air Conditioning Unit Problems
Your home’s air conditioning unit is a large system with a lot of moving parts. When it is working hard, especially during our hot summer months, there are a number of things that can cause an air conditioner to break down and needs to be fixed, fast!
Here are a few of the most common AC problems we see in the Lexington, SC area:
- Dirty Air Filter - Yep, something as simple as not replacing your air filter regularly can cause your system to break down! When air filters become clogged with dust, dirt and dander, your system can’t work properly. Replace your air filter regularly to avoid problems down the road.
- Broken Thermostat - If your thermostat is not working correctly, it means it is not communicating the right information to your system. Sometimes a simple battery change could be the solution to your AC problem.
- Low Refrigerant - Refrigerant runs on a loop circuit so does not need to be replaced regularly. Unfortunately, if you are low on refrigerant it most likely means you have a leak somewhere. Make sure to have a licensed technician repair the leak and refill the refrigerant for your safety and the functionality of your system.
- Clogged Drain Lines - When the drain line becomes clogged with dirt or something else, it could lead to a water backup in your system, causing the unit to fail.
- Tripped Breaker - this usually happens the hotter it is outside and your AC system is running more often. Here are some things that can that can trip your circuit breaker and they include a dirty air filter, your condenser coils may be dirty, a broken coil fan, your air compressor is old or you have some loose electrical wiring.
Air Conditioner Repair FAQs
A typical air conditioning unit has a 10- to 15-year lifespan. Your device can last even longer if it is properly maintained.
As a general rule, if your unit is over 10 years old, the warranty has expired, you're having more frequent difficulties or the repair bids you've gotten are excessive, buying a new unit may be the better option.
The "5,000 rule" is a broad guideline used by many HVAC professionals. Multiply the unit's age by the repair cost, and if the total surpasses $5,000, it's probably best to replace it. Repair it if it's less.
Make sure your thermostat is set to "cool" and the temperature you want. People sometimes switch on the fan but not the air conditioner by accident. This will not keep your home cool.
Inspect your filters! Dust, grime and airborne particles are caught in them. The airflow to your air conditioner might be restricted if your HVAC filter is blocked. Replacing the filter might be the answer.
If you've changed the filter but still don't get cool air, look inside your air conditioner. Your air conditioner may be frozen if you notice ice or excessive moisture. Run the fan only on the air conditioner or use a hairdryer to defrost. Restart the air conditioner once the ice has evaporated.
There are a few things that could be going on. The first thing you should do is check the breaker to make sure it hasn't been flipped off. If it has, flip it back on and see if the AC unit comes on. If it doesn't, there may be something wrong with the thermostat. Check that your thermostat is set to ON and COOL and that the temperature setting is lower than the temperature outside. If everything seems to be in order but your AC unit is still not coming on, there may be a problem with the unit itself and you'll need to call a technician.
You might suspect your air conditioner needs refrigerant if you notice the following signs:
Reduced Cooling: The unit struggles to cool your home effectively.
Longer Cooling Times: Takes longer than usual to reach the set temperature.
Ice on Coils: Ice formation on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coils.
Hissing or Bubbling Noises: Indicates a possible refrigerant leak.
High Energy Bills: Inefficiency due to low refrigerant levels can lead to increased energy consumption.
Warm Air from Vents: Even when set to cool, the air blown is warm.
AC repair costs can vary significantly based on the repair type and complexity, generally ranging from $150 to $500. Minor fixes, such as capacitor or fuse replacement, typically cost $150 to $300. More substantial repairs, like addressing refrigerant leaks or replacing compressors, may run from $200 to $1,500, depending on the parts needed and the technician's rates.
To prevent frequent AC repairs, schedule regular maintenance at least twice a year, typically before the cooling season begins and after it ends. Regularly replace or clean air filters to maintain proper airflow and prevent strain on the system. Keep the outdoor unit free of debris, and ensure there’s adequate clearance around it. Check for and promptly address any minor issues like unusual noises or reduced airflow. Additionally, consider having a professional inspect and tune-up your system annually to catch potential problems early.
All You Need Is AC Maintenance
In many many cases, an AC breakdown could have been avoided if the unit had undergone regular HVAC maintenance. Learn more about our annual maintenance service to get ahead of the game and avoid future costly air conditioner repair!
Get Residential Air Conditioner Repair Service Anytime
Ready to get your home’s air conditioning up and running again smoothly? Connect with the expert team at Carolina Conditions today at 803-233-7172 for residential air conditioning services near Lexington and the entire Columbia SC area! We can also help you replace or install an affordable new AC system when the time comes too.
