Who Repairs Air Conditioners?

Utah summers can be sweltering, leaving you no choice but to retreat inside and blast the air conditioner. If your AC unit breaks down, you need a knowledgeable professional to get it back up and running as fast as possible! Learn more about who you should call to perform AC repair.

Who Can Repair an Air Conditioner?

A person who works on malfunctioning air conditioners is called an air conditioning repair contractor. Similarly, a professional who repairs broken heating systems is called a heating repair contractor. Usually, if someone is trained to repair air conditioners and heaters, they can also install, replace, and maintain these systems. Such as professional is called an HVAC technician.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It consists of all the components involved in heating and cooling a building, including the air conditioner, furnace, boiler, heat pump, venting system, ductwork, and more. Some professionals also service refrigeration systems found in commercial settings. In this case, the abbreviation HVACR is sometimes used.

Can Electricians Fix Air Conditioners?

Many times, air conditioning problems are electrical in nature. This may have you wondering if an electrician is the right person to fix your air conditioner. However, while good electricians can tackle issues related to HVAC electrical wiring, they lack the training and tools required to repair mechanical problems. For that, you need an air conditioning repair technician. Therefore, to ensure you receive the services you require, it’s best to call an HVAC contractor from the get-go.

What Training is Required to Become an HVAC Technician?

Anyone can claim the ability to fix a broken air conditioner, but to ensure safety and a job well done, look for an HVAC contractor with the following credentials:

• NATE certification: North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is the country’s largest independent HVAC certification organization. Being NATE-certified means a technician has passed rigorous, hands-on training and exams, demonstrating a working knowledge of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. NATE certification isn’t required to be an HVAC technician, so professionals with this distinction have gone above and beyond.
• RMGA certification: All HVAC contractors in Utah are required by law to have Rocky Mountain Gas Association (RMGA) certification to install or service gas-fired equipment. While air conditioners run on electricity, you may have a gas furnace you want your technician to look at as well. This certification ensures they’re qualified to do so.
• EPA certification: To become qualified to handle air conditioning refrigerant, technicians must pass an exam set forth by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Refrigerant leaks are a common AC problem, so it’s important to work with a contractor who has this distinction.
• Continuing education: NATE requires HVAC technicians to recertify every two years. They must submit proof of 16 continuing education hours with their renewal application to be considered for recertification. This ensures that professionals in the HVAC industry remain up-to-date with the latest techniques and best practices.

What are Some Common Home AC Repairs?

Air conditioners are robust machines, but they may stop working properly for several reasons. Some problems are easy to troubleshoot without any HVAC knowledge or training.

Before calling a professional for help, make sure your thermostat is set to “cool” with the fan on “auto.” Then, check that all the air registers are open and unblocked. If these tips don’t resolve the problem, call an air conditioning repair contractor for help.

Here are some common home AC repairs that certified technicians can handle:

• Refrigerant leak: Refrigerant is the foundation of air conditioning. If the system leaks, performance may drop. An EPA-certified technician can measure the refrigerant level, locate and repair the leak, and recharge the system to restore energy-efficient operation.
• Frozen evaporator coils: A low refrigerant charge or poor airflow over the evaporator coils may cause them to freeze. If you see ice on the coils, turn off the air conditioner to avoid further damage. An HVAC professional can pinpoint the issue, resolve it, and help you safely thaw the coils before turning the air conditioner back on.
• Drainage issues: The air conditioning process generates condensation. Normally, this moisture drips into a condensate pan and flows away. However, if the drain line clogs, water may back up into the air conditioner and cause damage. An AC repair contractor can inspect the drain lines, clear the clog, apply algaecide to prevent future clogs, and repair any water damage your system sustained.
• Broken compressor fan: The outdoor unit contains a large fan that helps exhaust heat to the exterior. If the fan stops working, your air conditioner will start blowing warm air into your home. What’s more, the compressor may overheat, triggering the system to shut off. Your technician will assess the problem, diagnose a solution, and conduct the necessary repair.

What Does AC Repair Cost?

The cost to repair a broken air conditioner can vary widely depending on the extent of the problem. Expect an estimate from your contractor before work begins. If the price approaches 50% of the cost to replace the unit, installing a new air conditioner is probably the more cost-effective option.

You can reduce air conditioning breakdowns and minimize repair costs by servicing your unit once a year. Preventative maintenance provides a chance to catch and fix developing problems before they result in system failure. Such routine tune-ups cost much less than emergency repairs, and they provide priceless peace of mind all summer long.

Schedule Air Conditioning Repair in Utah County or Washington County

At Triple T Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we offer 24-hour emergency AC repair when you need us most! Call to request a visit, and you’ll always reach a live person, not a recording. This is just one of the many ways we provide top-notch service to our customers. For fast, reliable air conditioning repair at any time of day or night, please contact us at 801-790-0460 if you live in Utah County or at 435-216-1608 for Washington County residents.