AC Repair Services in Houston

It always seems like it’s “air conditioning season” in Houston since many of us use our central AC systems almost all year round. Considering the physical beating our outdoor units face during the hottest summers, from direct sunlight, excessive humidity, winds, rain, and hail, our air conditioners see it all. 

Now, that doesn’t mean that the indoor components of your HVAC system are living an easy life. Most indoor HVAC components are installed in the attic or garage, where temperatures in these untreated areas can top 140 degrees at summer’s peak. 

Owning a whole-house HVAC system is a highly convenient answer to our sometimes unbearable weather. Like any appliance that gets a lot of use, it will require regular AC maintenance to keep it running like new. However, occasional repairs may still be necessary. Some HVAC fixes are as simple as flipping a circuit breaker or changing an air filter that the homeowner can handle themselves. 

For more complicated issues, the skill of an experienced and licensed HVAC company like Nick’s Air Conditioning can save you thousands of dollars from mistakes. To ensure your home remains comfortable and your HVAC system operates efficiently, explore our residential AC repair services and get an instant system quote today.

When to Call for AC Repairs

When your air conditioner breaks, problems can spread throughout your household. From cold spots in certain rooms to rising monthly energy bills, recognizing the warning signs can help you determine when to call our experts to fix the broken AC unit in your home.

Common Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

• Your AC blowing hot air from the vents
• Unusual noises
• Frequent cycling or no start
• Water leaks
• Weak airflow

Common AC Issues That Require Professional Help.

Refrigerant Leaks

When your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, its ability to effectively cool your home greatly diminishes. Refrigerant leaks are common in older units, and if you don’t address them, they will eventually cause the compressor to fail, leading to costly AC repairs. Liquid refrigerant is the blood of your HVAC system, and the compressor is the heart that circulates it throughout the system. 

If you suspect a refrigerant leak in your HVAC system, call our team to book cooling service — adding refrigerant is not a do-it-yourself project. 

Faulty Wiring

Faulty wiring in an HVAC system is not only a safety hazard but can also be a nightmare for even the most experienced technician to diagnose. Any wiring that exists in your outdoor AC unit is exposed year-round to the elements, which can turn the wiring brittle, resulting in tiny breaks in the wire that creates short-circuiting. 

Without proper electrical training or the equipment to measure voltages and ohms, there is no benefit to the homeowner poking around and risking electrocution.

Compressor Problems

The compressor is the heart of your AC system and is responsible for pressurizing and circulating the liquid refrigerant that makes AC possible. Without the compressor’s participation, the air conditioning system will not function, and you’ll find that the air coming from your AC vents is warm. An air conditioning system with a failed compressor will also run continuously, yet fail to cool the house. 

HVAC compressors are not repairable. You can recycle housings and other parts into new compressors, but even your best HVAC tech cannot rebuild a compressor in the field. Once an AC compressor has failed, it needs to be replaced by a qualified AC repair technician near you.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

Frozen evaporator coils are a problem we see a lot more of during the peak usage months of air conditioners, as whole-house HVAC systems battle against 100-degree temperatures and 90% humidity. Usually, a frozen evaporator coil can be remedied by powering the system down for a few hours and allowing the coil and refrigerant lines some time to thaw. If the evaporator coil continues to freeze regularly, there are several possible causes your licensed HVAC technician can investigate. 

Low refrigerant levels, refrigerant leaks, restricted airflow in the ductwork, or clogged air filters are the most frequent causes of chronic evaporator coil freezing.

Dirty Condenser Coils

The job of the condenser coils is to release the heat that the liquid refrigerant collects from inside your home. When the coils — or the heat-conducting fins surrounding them — become dirty or clogged, the AC unit can run less efficiently, resulting in higher energy bills. Dirty condenser coils cannot effectively disperse heat, which causes the refrigerant to remain hot when it re-enters the system, making your unit work harder. 

Condenser coil fins are delicate and can easily bend or break. Damage, especially if concentrated in one area, can lead to reduced performance and increased energy bills. An HVAC professional should clean the condenser coil and fins to ensure they receive a thorough and careful cleaning. 

Blower Motor Problems

The blower motor is responsible for circulating air throughout your home; if it fails, there isn’t much your HVAC system can do to cool your home. Even if every other component of your air conditioner is working perfectly, without a blower motor, all of that treated air sits in the fan box of your ductwork, cooling nothing.  

Average Cost of AC Repairs in Houston 

It’s almost impossible to predict the cost of a home AC unit repair without knowing what the problem is in advance. Using the above examples, here are some estimates to repair the issues we described. If an unexpected AC repair isn’t quite within your budget, explore our financing offers to find a payment plan that works for you.

Cost to Repair Refrigerant Leaks

Those who choose only to top off their refrigerant levels expect to spend between $150 and $375, depending on the type of refrigerant needed for your system. For homeowners who opt to locate and repair their leak, the bill can range from $500 to $2000, depending on the number and difficulty of the leaks.

Cost for Wiring and Electrical Fixes

Electrical problems are challenging repairs to estimate without actually assessing your unit. Your HVAC system has wiring for high- and low-voltage, relay actuators, voltage regulators, and other things that can shock you. In older systems, rubber-jacketed wiring becomes brittle and cracks, exposing the internal wire, which can lead to short circuits. If an AC system is old enough that the wiring has begun to disintegrate, you must replace it entirely.

Cost to Replace an AC Compressor

On average, a compressor replacement on a mid-level quality system can run between $800 and $2,500, plus labor costs. However, prices can vary significantly from brand to brand for the cost of the part itself. Always remember, if any air conditioner repair costs more than 50% of the cost to install a new system, replacing it is a good idea. Failures of major components, such as the compressor, often indicate that other air conditioner problems will soon follow.

Cost to Resolve Evaporator Coil Issues

Frozen evaporator coils occur when the AC system works under tremendous stress from excessive heat and humidity. If your AC system’s coil freezes up in the middle of a 105-degree day with 90% humidity, it’s not necessarily a reason to panic. Turn off the air conditioner — but leave the system in “fan only” mode — and the frost should clear up in a few hours.

If your coil is freezing up on average temperature days or whenever you fire up the air conditioner, several issues could be at play. Crimped refrigerant lines, failing compressors, and faulty thermostats could all be at play, which your HVAC technician will assess.

Having your HVAC evaporator coil cleaned every couple of years will help prevent dirt and grime from building up on your coil fins. Depending on the level of dirt and grime in your unit, the cost should range between $350 and $750.

Cost to Repair or Replace a Blower Motor

Screeching and rattling noises are never sounds you want to hear from an HVAC system, as it could signal the end of your blower motor. The blower motor is the component of your HVAC that circulates treated air through the ductwork. Without the blower motor, there’s no air conditioning or heat.

Sometimes, solving the noise is as simple as cleaning and lubricating the motor bearings, which shouldn’t cost more than $150 to $200. If the bearings are in extremely poor condition or have already seized, replacing the blower motor is the only viable solution. You can buy blower motor units for between $400 and $800. Depending on the location of your HVAC system and ease of access, you may only require one or two hours of labor.

Repair vs. Replace — How to Decide

In HVAC, as in life, everything must come to an end, and that time may be when you’re facing a hefty AC or heating repair bill. 

The 50% Cost Rule

At Nick’s Air Conditioning, we advise our customers to opt for a new system if any HVAC repair service costs more than 50% of the cost of installing a new system. Once an HVAC system reaches a stage in its life cycle where one major component has failed, it is likely that others will also begin to fail. 

The 7-Year Lifespan Guideline

The seven-year rule is another helpful guideline for resolving the “repair or replace” dilemma. If your HVAC system requires major repairs and is over seven years old, it’s in your best interest to replace it.

When Replacing Makes More Sense

In general, it’s best to replace your air conditioner if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, is severely damaged, or the repair bills outweigh the cost of a new unit. Upgrading to a new, high-efficiency unit prevents future problems and helps you save on repairs and utility bills.

Why Choose Nick’s Air Conditioning for AC Repairs?

Heating and air conditioning repair is not a project for even the most technically gifted do-it-yourself type of homeowner. These complex systems require advanced training, specialized tools, and in-depth knowledge of HVAC operations. At Nick’s, our team of licensed HVAC technicians brings years of experience to every repair, restoring comfort with minimal interruption.   

Licensed, Continuously Trained Technicians

The licensed and experienced professional technicians at Nick’s Air Conditioning are continually learning and improving their trade. We train our technicians on the latest equipment using state-of-the-art tools, and we often have the manufacturers of the equipment we install visit our facility for hands-on training.

Local, Reliable, and Safety-First Approach

When something goes wrong with your AC, you need a team with reliable, lasting solutions that can be there fast. At Nick’s, we have the skills and expertise to handle every repair with the efficiency and precision it deserves. When you hire our team, you’ll receive service from a trusted local AC repair contractor who prioritizes your safety and comfort. 

We Work on All Major Brands and Systems

Cooling systems aren’t one-size-fits-all for Houston homeowners. Our technicians work with all brands and models, from central air repairs to ductless split systems, providing expert solutions tailored to your home’s unique needs.

If your HVAC system shows signs of trouble, call Nick’s for air conditioner repair near you. We proudly offer same-day and emergency AC repair services in the Houston area, as well as top-notch air conditioning repairs that keep your home cool and comfortable for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my outdoor AC unit making loud or strange noises?

If you hear loud buzzing, banging, or other strange noises from your outdoor AC unit, there may be a loose component, a problem with the fan motor, or an electrical issue. Without repair, these issues can worsen, potentially leading to the complete breakdown of your unit.

Why does my AC keep turning on and off so frequently?

If your air conditioner is constantly turning on and off without reaching the desired temperature, a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, or improper sizing is likely causing it to short-cycle. Call our team for inspection, and we’ll determine the best action. 

Why does my house feel humid even though the AC is running?

If your AC is running but the house still feels humid, dirty condenser coils, leaky ducts, or a clogged air filter may be to blame. Our experts can assess your unit to determine the underlying cause and quickly repair it, restoring your home’s comfort.

How do I know if my thermostat is the problem?

If your AC won’t turn on or off, you are having trouble reaching your set temperature, or you are experiencing short cycles, there may be an issue with the thermostat. To rule out other problems, try adjusting the settings, replacing the batteries, or checking the circuit breaker. If the issue persists, call our team for repair.