Summertime in Columbia City, IN, means heatwaves and blistering sun rays. A working air conditioner is one of the only factors standing between your family and a sweaty, uncomfortable summer. So what do you do when this vital equipment breaks down in the middle of the hottest season?
Call Flow-Tech Plumbing & Heating! Our certified repair experts get your air conditioner back in working order in a timely manner. Our full range of AC repair services addresses a variety of air conditioning problems from minor issues to system-wide shutdowns.
AC Repair in Columbia City
Since 1991, our team of NATE-certified HVAC technicians has proudly provided Columbia City and the surrounding areas with friendly, professional services that won’t break the bank.
Contact Flow-Tech Plumbing & Heating, Inc. to address all of your AC system repair needs today.
When Do You Need Air Conditioning Repair?
Sometimes it’s obvious your AC unit needs repair. But if your air conditioner is experiencing a minor issue or a mechanical issue deep within its equipment, you may not know until it is too late.
The experts at Flow-Tech Plumbing & Heating have compiled the following list of common signs to look out for that indicate your AC needs repair.
Inefficient Cooling
It may seem obvious, but the first sign of trouble with your air conditioner is uneven or warm temperatures in your home. If your thermostat is working properly, then a lack of cool air most likely means you need a repair to your air conditioner.
Strange Noises
It’s normal for some AC units to make minimal noise when running. But if you begin to notice unusual or excessively loud noises from your air conditioner, call a repair technician for an inspection.
Unusual Odors
Air conditioners that are functioning normally won’t produce any scents. If you smell an odd or unusual odor coming from your vents or ducts, it could be caused by mold, mildew, or other dangerous contaminant. When these contaminants build up, they can affect the operation of your AC unit, so it’s important to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.
Energy Cost Increases
When your energy bills skyrocket without a clear reason, your AC unit may be the cause. If there is a problem with your air conditioner, it will likely work harder to still try and reach your desired temperature. As a result, your energy costs will increase until the issue is addressed by a professional repair tech.
Ice on the Outdoor Unit
It’s never normal to see ice buildup outside during the heat of summer, especially not on your outdoor unit. This buildup could be the result of low refrigerant levels, or a dangerous refrigerant leak. Both issues can be swiftly rectified by our qualified contractors.
Don’t wait for a complete system breakdown. Take note of these warning signs and contact Flow-Tech Plumbing & Heating right away for repairs if you recognize these issues with your air conditioner.
Why is Routine Maintenance Important?
No one wants to spend time or money scheduling repairs to their air conditioner. If you want the cooling systems in your Columbia City home to last longer, run stronger, and require fewer future repairs, take part in Flow-Tech Plumbing & Heating’s Service Maintenance Agreements.
Our premium maintenance program provides Columbia City residents with automatic annual maintenance appointments. Each visit includes an inspection, cleaning, and tune-up of your air conditioner to prepare it for the upcoming heat waves. We offer annual, biannual, quarterly, and monthly billing options for all our SMAs.
Benefits of Routine Maintenance
Scheduling our professionals to perform regular air conditioning maintenance on your indoor and outdoor units has a host of benefits, including:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Improved indoor air quality
- Lower utility bills
- Prolonged equipment life
- Annual & monthly payment options to best suit your budget
Call Flow-Tech Plumbing & Heating, Inc. to build a customized maintenance plan for your air conditioner.
Emergency AC Repair Services
Your busy household runs on its own schedule – so does your HVAC equipment. When your air conditioner breaks down outside of typical business hours, don’t suffer through the brutal Columbia City heat. Take advantage of Flow-Tech Plumbing & Heating’s high-quality emergency AC repair.
We offer the promptness and low cost of our 9-5 services for after-hour emergencies late at night, on weekends, and holidays. Our award-winning team lives and works locally, so you’re never too far from expert help.
Air Conditioning Repair FAQs
A fault capacitor is the most common AC repair. The capacitor is responsible for starting and running the compressor and its fan motors. When this goes out, your AC will struggle to cool your home, as it won’t be able to turn on or create cool air. Some other common problems include refrigerant leaks, clogged drain lines, and dirty coils.
Air conditioners can last from 10-15 years before needing to be replaced. To keep your air condition running as long as possible, be sure to provide it with regular maintenance and inspections. This will ensure it remains efficient and helps you catch small issues before they turn into more expensive AC repairs down the road.
The $5,000 rule is a simple way to decide whether to repair or replace your AC. The rule states that if you multiply the cost of the AC repair by the age of your unit, the total should be less than $5,000—if the total is more than $5,000, replacement might be the better option. For example, if your 12-year-old AC needs a $500 repair, that equals $6,000, meaning it may be time for a new system. Consult with a professional, like Flow-Tech Plumbing & Heating, before making a final decision.
The duration of an air conditioner repair can vary depending on the severity of the damage, the specific issue, and whether any replacement parts are needed. Simple fixes, like a capacitor replacement or refrigerant recharge, can often be done in under an hour. More complex AC repairs, such as fixing a refrigerant leak or replacing a compressor, may take several hours or even a full day. Ask your technician for a time estimate accurate to your project.
If your air conditioner hasn’t been running while it’s been dealing with problems, it can take some time for your home to cool down to the set temperature. The exact time depends on factors like the size of your home, the outdoor temperature, and how long the AC was off. In most cases, you should start feeling cooler air within 30 minutes to an hour, but it may take several hours to reach your desired temperature.
When your air conditioner is broken down, the best way to affordably cool your home down is to close any blinds or curtains and use fans to improve airflow. Make sure to keep doors closed for any unused rooms to keep heat from spreading. When the temperature is lower in the morning and at night, you can open windows to let cooler air into your home.
Yes, but it’s not a perfect solution. Placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan can create a cooling effect as the air passes over it, making the breeze feel cooler. However, it’s only a temporary fix and won’t actually lower the room’s temperature like an AC would. When your system experiences problems, we recommend calling for AC repairs ASAP to have it restored and to bring cool temperatures back to your home.
Contact Flow-Tech for Air Conditioning Repair in Columbia City, IN
At Flow-Tech Plumbing & Heating, we’ve been locally owned and operated since 1991. We’re your neighbors, friends, and family. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring the safety and happiness of your Columbia City household with our air conditioning repair services. Our team is eager to provide our full range of dependable plumbing, HVAC, and indoor air quality solutions to your family.
Call Flow-Tech Plumbing & Heating today or go online to schedule your next appointment.
