What to Expect During an AC Repair Appointment

So, without notice your A/C needs repair at your Saint Charles home and you’re not sure what to expect. It’s nerve-wracking enough to let an AC repairman into your home, but then to not know what exactly they’re going to do can add a whole other level of concern. But fear not! Golden Seal Service Experts is here to fill you in on the basic AC repair process so you’ll be prepared when an expert A/C system service technician needs to visit your home. 

AC Repair Starts Simple 

When the service tech arrives, the first thing they should do is ask to see the thermostat. It might sound silly, but they need to check it to make sure that it’s not simply a thermostat settings error. The service tech will confirm the thermostat is set to cool and then lower the temperature to see if that will trigger the air conditioning system. A faulty or improperly connected wire could be all that’s preventing you from having a comfortable home. 

If there is still an issue, the technician may ask you to see the circuit breaker box. They may set the circuit switches to off and then back to on to see if that resets the system. 

Getting to the nitty-gritty of AC Repair 

The service tech will then most likely ask to see the air conditioning equipment. Like a doctor, the service tech will begin their trial and error discovery process. There are many things that could be the reason for an air conditioning system that isn’t running properly, and it’s up the service tech to look into all the possible reasons starting from the most typical issues to the least. The process could take anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes or more. 

During the AC diagnosis, they will probably check the air filter to make sure it’s not clogged or in need of replacing. They will check the AC refrigerant levels, make sure the air condenser fan is rotating properly, confirm that the size of your air conditioning system is appropriate for the size of your home, and check the wiring, electronics and safety controls. 

Once the AC technician has determined the issue, they should explain all your options to you. The conversation will usually start with the service tech explaining what the issue is, what part (if any) failed, how or why it failed, and A/C system operate}. 

The technician will then go into your options, which will include changing out the part and correcting the problem, but could also include upgrading parts of the air conditioner, the AC itself, or your complete heating and AC system. In certain cases, it may make more sense to purchase a whole new heating and AC system, especially if the AC is past its prime, or susceptible to breaking down again and end up costing you more for A/C system repairs in the long run. The service tech will explain how much time, effort, and cost it will take to fix the problem. 

The service tech might at this point explain what could have been done to prevent the issue or part failure and how to prevent a future problem from happening. This usually includes being proactive with annual maintenance, which not only helps stop an A/C system breakdown, but in most cases also keeps your air conditioner’s warranty valid. Most expert AC repair companies will offer an annual maintenance plan so you don’t have to stress about making future HVAC tune-up appointments for your home. 

Finally, they will explain the process for repairing the failed part or fixing the issue. If you decide that AC repair is better for you than buying an upgraded A/C system, the service tech will order any parts necessary and set up your next appointment to repair the AC. Or, if the part required is already available on their truck, they will go ahead and start the AC repair work with your permission. 

Keep in mind that throughout Saint Charles you’re in good hands with Golden Seal Service Experts. Our service techs are ACE-certified and have undergone extensive background checks so you can feel comfortable with the people we send into your home. If you ever think of any questions about your air conditioning system or what to expect with your AC repair, give us a call day or night at 630-246-2698 and we’ll be happy to explain the process.