AC repair in the Valley: who to call before July

AZ Business Directory lists local AC and heating companies around the Phoenix area, each with a phone number. The best time to call for AC service is spring, before the first 100-degree days, when companies have more openings. If your system quits in July, ask about emergency service, which some companies offer around the clock.

How do you choose an AC company?

Ask the same questions of every company you call.

• Do you service my type of system? Ask about your brand, age and whether it is a heat pump or a gas unit.
• Are you licensed? Check with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at roc.az.gov.
• Do you offer emergency service? Ask what hours and what extra charges apply.
• How is the visit priced? Ask whether there is a service fee and if it applies to the repair.
• Will you give me a written quote before work? You should know the cost first.
• Do you offer maintenance plans? Some companies set up yearly visits.

Why get a tune-up in spring?

Your AC runs far more in the Valley than in most places, often for months without much rest. A spring check can catch small problems like a weak part, a dirty coil or a clogged drain before they turn into a breakdown on a 110-degree afternoon. A tune-up also gives you a chance to ask the technician how your system looks.

Between visits, change your filter on schedule, keep leaves and debris away from the outdoor unit, and make sure the vents inside are open.

What does a service call check?

Technicians differ, but a typical visit looks at:

• the thermostat and settings
• the air filter
• the indoor and outdoor coils
• the refrigerant level and pressures
• electrical parts such as the capacitor and contactor
• the drain line that carries away condensation
• airflow at the vents, and the temperature difference across the system

Ask the technician to explain what they found, in plain words. Never feel rushed to approve a large repair on the spot, unless the system is unsafe.

When should you replace instead of repair?

Ask for the number. A fair technician can tell you how old the system is, what the repair costs and what the alternatives are. If you have had several repairs, if the system is old, or if your electric bills are climbing, a replacement may be worth pricing. Get a second opinion on any large estimate.

Different companies in the directory offer different mixes of work. A Quality HVAC and Plumbing Services in Goodyear is family-owned and lists 24-hour service across the West Valley. Diamond AC & Heating in Phoenix lists AC and furnace repair, installs, tune-ups, heat pumps and duct work, with 24/7 emergency service.

Not sure who to call? Ask the directory helper or browse every listing in Phoenix.

Questions people ask

How often should I change my AC filter in Arizona?

Check it monthly during the long cooling season, since dust and heavy use clog filters faster here. Replace it when it looks gray and clogged, or follow the schedule on the filter or from your technician.

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

Common causes include a clogged filter, a frozen coil, low refrigerant or a failing part. Turn the system off, check the filter and call a technician if it does not help. Do not keep running a unit that has iced up.

How do I find an AC repair company that works nights and weekends?

Look at the listing details and call. Some companies list emergency or 24-hour service, but ask what the after-hours fees are before you agree to a visit.

See every AC and heating company in Phoenix