AC Repair FAQ — Garland, TX

The cost depends on what's broken and what it takes to fix it. A capacitor swap is a short job with a cheap part. A refrigerant leak repair or a compressor problem is a longer job with more expensive parts. The age of the system and how easy it is to access the components also affect the number. Call for a free estimate.

If the system is under 10 years old, repair usually makes sense. Garland summers run systems hard, and units installed in the early 2000s are often worth fixing if the compressor is still good. If it's 15 years old and needs a major part, replacement is usually the smarter move. We'll tell you honestly which way it goes after we look at it.

Warm air when the thermostat is set low, the unit cycling on and off every few minutes, ice forming on the refrigerant lines, or a loud grinding or clanking sound are all warnings. Garland homes with systems from the 1990s that haven't been serviced regularly tend to show these signs before the unit quits completely. Don't wait until it stops working on a 103-degree afternoon.

Most repairs take one to three hours once we know what's wrong. The diagnostic check takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If we need to order a part that isn't on the truck, it adds time. We'll tell you upfront if that's the case so you're not left guessing.

Most standard repairs — replacing a capacitor, recharging refrigerant, swapping a blower motor — don't require a permit. Full system replacements and some major repairs do. The City of Garland requires permits on those jobs, and skipping the permit can create issues if you sell the house or file an insurance claim later.

Close your blinds and curtains to block direct sun, especially on south and west-facing windows. Set your thermostat fan to ON instead of AUTO so it keeps air moving. Avoid running the oven or other heat-producing appliances. If anyone in the house is elderly or very young, move to a cooler room or a neighbor's house until the repair is done.