Three checks before you call (5 minutes)
- Thermostat: set to "Cool", several degrees below room temperature, with fresh batteries if it uses them.
- Air filter: a clogged filter is one of the most common causes of weak cooling. Replace it if it looks grey.
- Breaker and outdoor unit: check that the breaker hasn't tripped and that leaves or debris are not blocking the outdoor unit.
If the system still doesn't cool, or you notice ice on the lines, a burning smell or water leaking, switch it off and call a licensed technician.
Questions to ask before anyone comes out
- Are you licensed and insured in this state? Can you send proof?
- Is there a call-out or diagnostic fee, and is it deducted from the repair?
- Will I get a written quote before any work starts?
- Do your parts and labour come with a warranty, and for how long?
- Can you give an arrival window, and will you call before arriving?
What drives the price
Costs vary by region, the age of the system, the part that failed, and whether it is an emergency call. Always get a written quote before work starts.
- Repairs (capacitor, contactor, fan motor) usually cost far less than a replacement.
- Refrigerant problems usually mean a leak, which has to be found and fixed; topping up alone is not a fix.
- Replacement makes sense when repairs are frequent, the system is old, or efficiency is poor. Ask for two written quotes.
Red flags
- Pressure to replace the whole system without showing you the failed part.
- Cash-only deals with no written quote or invoice.
- No licence number, or one that doesn't match the company name.
- "Today-only" discounts that expire before you can compare.