How does AC repair work, step by step?
Short answer: a proper AC repair runs in five steps — you describe the symptom, the technician runs a diagnostic ($129 published rate), you get a written quote before any work, the failed part gets replaced, and the system is re-tested to prove it holds. Here is exactly what happens at each step.
Step 1 — The call and the symptom
"Not cooling", "running but warm air", "iced up" or "tripping the breaker" each point to different parts. Telling the dispatcher which one you have (and whether the unit is coastal-exposed) shortens the visit.
Step 2 — The diagnostic
The technician measures, not guesses: capacitor microfarads, contactor condition, refrigerant pressures, temperature split across the coil, compressor and fan amp draw, and the condensate drain. Our published diagnostic rate is $129.
Step 3 — The written quote
You get the finding and the price in writing before any repair starts — what failed, what it costs, and whether a repair or replacement makes more sense on an older system.
Step 4 — The fix
Common repairs — capacitors, contactors, float switches, drain clears, thermostats, relays — are same-day parts-on-truck fixes. Bigger jobs (compressors, coils, refrigerant) are scheduled with the right equipment and permits.
Step 5 — Prove it holds
After the repair the system is re-tested: temperatures drop, amps come back into range, the drain runs clear. You see the numbers before the tech leaves.
FAQ
How long does an AC repair take?
Most common-part repairs finish in about an hour once the diagnostic is done; bigger component jobs are scheduled.
Why does the diagnostic cost money?
Because measuring beats guessing — the $129 diagnostic is what turns "probably the capacitor" into a written, warranted answer.