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AC Repair Buyer’s Guide: What You Need to Know

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At Horne Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., we understand how crucial a reliable air conditioning system is for your comfort, especially during those sweltering summer months in the Carolinas. A sudden AC breakdown can be stressful, but knowing what to expect and how to manage repairs can make the process smoother. 

When problems emerge, this guide will help you maintain your composure and keep your cool by walking you through everything you need to know about repairing your air conditioner.

Understanding Your AC System

Before diving into the specifics of AC repair, it’s helpful to understand the basics of how your air conditioning system works. Your AC unit consists of several key components:

  • Compressor: Circulates refrigerant between the indoor evaporator and the outdoor condenser.
  • Evaporator Coil: Absorbs heat from your home’s air.
  • Condenser Coil: Releases absorbed heat outside.
  • Refrigerant: The chemical that transfers heat from your home to the outside.
  • Air Ducts: Channels through which cooled air is distributed.
  • Thermostat: Controls the temperature settings of your AC system.

Knowing these parts helps you understand potential issues and communicate effectively with your HVAC technician.

Common AC Problems

AC systems can experience a variety of issues, but some problems are more common than others:

  • Refrigerant Leaks: If your AC is low on refrigerant, it may indicate a leak. This not only reduces efficiency but can also harm the environment.
  • Frozen Evaporator Coils: A dirty air filter or low refrigerant can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, reducing airflow.
  • Dirty Condenser Coils: Accumulated dirt and debris on condenser coils can decrease your system’s efficiency, forcing it to work harder.
  • Faulty Thermostat: If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it might misread the temperature, causing your AC to run continuously.
  • Electrical Issues: Problems with wiring or components like capacitors and contactors can lead to AC failure.
  • Drainage Problems: A clogged condensate drain can cause water damage and affect your AC’s performance.
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Signs Your AC Needs Repair

Being conscious of the indicators that indicate a malfunctioning device AC can prevent minor issues from becoming major repairs:

  • Warm Air: If your AC blows warm air, it could indicate a refrigerant leak or a compressor issue.
  • Insufficient Airflow: Weak airflow might suggest that there is an issue with the ductwork or that the air filter is clogged.
  • Frequent Cycles: Rapid cycling, or the AC turning on and off frequently, can point to an oversized system or a thermostat issue.
  • High Humidity: Your AC should regulate humidity levels. If you notice increased humidity indoors, your AC might need to be fixed.
  • Water Leaks: Any moisture around your AC system can be an indication that the drain tube is broken or obstructed.
  • Unusual Noises: Banging, rattling, or squealing sounds can signal mechanical problems or loose parts.
  • Foul Odors: Musty or burnt smells from your AC system could indicate mold growth or burned-out wire insulation.

DIY Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan air conditioning system and lessen the likelihood that it may require repairs. Here are some simple maintenance tips:

  • Change Air Filters: If you want to maintain optimal airflow and system efficiency, you should replace your air filter every one to three months.
  • Clean the Coils: Gently to remove dirt and debris, the coils of the evaporator and the condenser should be cleaned once a year.
  • Check the Thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is functioning correctly and set to the desired temperature.
  • Inspect Ductwork: Look for any visible leaks or blockages in your air ducts.
  • Clear Debris: Keep the area around your outdoor unit free from leaves, grass, and other debris.
  • Schedule Professional Maintenance: Have a Horne Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. technician inspect and tune up your system at least once a year.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY maintenance can help, some issues require the expertise of a professional HVAC technician. If you encounter any of the following, it’s time to call Horne Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.:

  • Persistent Problems: If you’ve tried basic troubleshooting and the issue persists, it’s best to call a professional.
  • Complex Repairs: Issues like refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, or significant mechanical failures should be handled by a certified technician.
  • Lack of Cooling: If your home isn’t cooling properly despite the AC running, there could be a more serious underlying problem.
  • High Energy Bills: A sudden increase in your monthly energy expenditures without any explanation a change in usage could indicate an inefficient AC system that needs repair.
  • Unusual Smells or Sounds: Persistent bad odors or strange noises should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage.

Choosing the Right HVAC Company

Selecting the right HVAC company for your AC repair is crucial for ensuring quality service. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a company:

  • Experience and Certification: Ensure the company has certified and experienced technicians.
  • Reputation: Keep an eye out for testimonials and reviews that are positive from previous customers.
  • Response Time: Make sure you pick a business that provides swift service, especially for emergencies.
  • Transparent Pricing: A reliable company provides clear, upfront pricing with no hidden charges.
  • Warranty and Guarantees: Check to see if the company provides warranties on both the parts and the labor purchased.

At Horne Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., we take great pleasure in offering exceptional service with a particular emphasis on customer satisfaction. Our experienced technicians are certified, and we offer transparent pricing, prompt response times, and warranties.

The AC Repair Process

When you schedule an AC repair with Horne Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., you can expect a thorough and professional process:

  • Initial Assessment: Our technician will perform a comprehensive inspection to diagnose the issue.
  • Estimate: We’ll provide you with a detailed estimate of the repair costs and discuss your options.
  • Repair: Our technician will proceed with the repairs once you approve the estimate.
  • Testing: After the repair, we’ll test your system to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
  • Follow-Up: We’ll follow up to ensure you are content with the repair, and you will respond to any queries you might have.

Preventative Maintenance Plans

Think about signing up for a preventive maintenance plan to keep your AC system running smoothly and prevent unexpected breakdowns. Horne Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. provides comprehensive maintenance plans that cover regular inspections, cleaning, and tune-ups. Our plans are designed to extend the lifespan of your system, enhance efficiency, and give you peace of mind.

Contact us!

At Horne Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., we’re dedicated to keeping you comfortable all year round. Whether you need a quick repair, routine maintenance, or a complete system overhaul, our team is here to help. By understanding your air conditioning system, recognizing signs of trouble, and knowing when to call a professional, you can ensure your home stays cool and comfortable, even on the hottest days.

Don’t let an AC problem ruin your day—contact Horne Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. at (704) 321-4173 for all your AC repair needs. We’re here to keep you cool!

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Hear What Our Clients Have to Say

John GretesJohn Gretes
20:30 04 Apr 24
Horne HVAC has installed 5 systems for me over more than 20 years. They have always provided quality service and support.On this latest new heat pump and air handler system thefollowing Horne Employees were involved.Ernie R. was our salesperson and gave us estimates on severaloptions for our replacement system. He came to the house andinspected the old system and provided us with detailed information regarding the system options and cost. He also spent time answering all our questions. Ernie was very knowledgeable and professional. He did everything he could to accommodate our needs for the replacement system.It was a pleasure working with Ernie.As always, this experience with Horne HVAC was a pleasure. Thanks for being our HVAC company for more than 20 years.
A SchollA Scholl
17:27 04 Apr 24
Johnathan was thorough, courteous and very professional. I have always had excellent service from Horne Heating & Air. I’ve been doing business with this family owned business for 12 years.
Stephanie ParkerStephanie Parker
17:04 04 Apr 24
Wonderful service that is timely and valuable- won’t use anyone else!
diane haasdiane haas
14:27 04 Apr 24
Nick and Jose replaced 2 old ac units at my home. They were prompt, professional, friendly, knowledgeable and neat. Good job!!! Horne is my go to business for HVAC needs.
Steven LucenteSteven Lucente
19:59 03 Apr 24
Great experience! Would recommend!
Mike FarnhamMike Farnham
00:29 27 Mar 24
Tony was excellent. He helped in explaining the whole house system and how to best design our comfort settings. He gave us great options for maintenance and updates for our system. We enjoyed the whole process and are happy with his service.
Nancy WeeksNancy Weeks
21:10 25 Mar 24
Andrew was extremely thorough, took many pictures and videos and reviewed the checkup steps with me. Even though some additional work is needed it was nice to actually understand the reasons why and the proof to back up the work needed. He also shared some previous work that was completed by the vendor used before I switched to Horne that was done incorrectly and frankly I’m not surprised. That vendor was just terrible and so glad I switched. A few days later, parts received earlier that expected. Andrew returned today and all is good. It was really nice to have the same technician return to complete the repairs. Thank you.
Christopher GreenChristopher Green
14:16 22 Mar 24
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing top-notch service from Colby Horne! My heat went out and I was frustrated but Colby was friendly, attentive, and very efficient. I appreciated his meticulous approach in diagnosing the real cause of the issue. Tony was also very professional and knowledgeable.They got everything fixed up and I’m back to relaxing!Overall great experience and highly recommend!
Jeremy kayJeremy kay
01:04 06 Mar 24
Horne heating and air has always taken care of us. They make you feel like you are the only customer they have.Their Technician Billy Cole was here tonight to service our unit. He was amazing and very friendly. He is one of the best, you could he tell he cared about our needs and kept me informed about everything during the service.Thanks again Horne Team
Courtney PattersonCourtney Patterson
03:52 03 Nov 23
We had a fantastic experience with Horne! We purchased a home knowing the furnace (from 1982!) would need to be replaced pretty immediately. Our initial consultation with Nick was incredibly helpful. As first time home buyers he was patient and explained every detail to us and even pointed out things that didn’t need to be replaced immediately so we definitely did not feel like we were being sold to or pushed. Our installers Alex and Nick arrived on time, had the furnace installed within half a day and were courteous and respectful of our space and super accommodating on limiting disruptions considering my husband works from home. Even the reception staff I spoke to were kind and helpful and were super responsive and easy to communicate with via text or phone. We will absolutely continue using Horne for our HVAC needs. As first time home buyers it can be overwhelming trying to know what is the right and wrong call for big purchases, and honestly what some of the maintenance needs even are, so we are thrilled with the experience we had and would absolutely recommend them to anyone!
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