AC Repair Time Estimates | Aire-Flo Heating, Cooling & Generators

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Americans replace three million heating and cooling systems annually and spend $14 billion on HVAC repairs and services.

If the air conditioner in your Columbus home is also acting up, you may worry that you need to replace it. The good news is that your local HVAC technician can still repair and save it unless it’s over a decade old. However, you must schedule the service ASAP to ensure prompt and efficient cooling repair and prevent the issue from worsening.

But how long does AC repair take? Is there anything you can do to help speed things up?

The experts at Aire-Flo Heating, Cooling & Generators have shared insights answering those questions in this HVAC repair duration guide, so please read on.

How Long Does AC Repair Take?

Air conditioner service time depends on the exact problem. Minor concerns can take under an hour, while more severe issues can take several hours.

Here’s an AC repair timeline for some of the most common HVAC problems.

Clogged Filters

A clogged filter is a minor problem that usually takes less than an hour to fix. However, this still depends on the number of HVAC filters you have installed. It will take longer if you have more than one filter (for example, if you have a larger home with multiple air handlers and return ducts).

Miscalibrated Thermostat

As the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) points out, thermostats can last up to 35 years. However, they can become miscalibrated over time, causing their sensors to fail to read the temperature correctly.

Fortunately, a miscalibrated thermostat is a minor issue; recalibrating it takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Dirty HVAC Condensate Drain Pan

Clearing a dirty HVAC condensate drain pan, if done by a highly experienced AC repair professional, usually takes an hour or less. However, if the tray or pipe is significantly clogged, it may take longer.

Broken Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils cool the refrigerant so that the chemical can absorb heat and moisture from the air. Over time, these metal loops can accumulate dirt, dust, debris, and grime, reducing their:

• Cooling ability
• Performance
• Energy efficiency

So, the dirtier the coils, the harder they must work to cool the refrigerant. The extra workload can speed up their degradation and contribute to premature breakdowns.

Fixing broken evaporator coils can take two to four hours. However, if they have iced up, the repairs may take longer.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks can occur due to:

• Improper installation
• Wear and tear
• Corrosion

Such leaks can force your air conditioner to work harder than it should, reducing the system’s efficiency. An inefficient AC will do little to make your home comfortable, yet it can still cause your electricity bills to skyrocket.

You don’t want any of that, especially since Columbus, OH, residents already spend around $224 on monthly electricity bills, which is 15% more than the national average, per Energy Sage. If your AC’s efficiency has drastically dropped due to refrigerant leaks, your bills could be much higher than this.

Luckily, your local HVAC technician can fix minor, isolated refrigerant leaks within a few hours. However, if your air conditioning system has multiple large-sized leaks, expect the repairs to take several hours.

Busted Compressor

The compressor, the heart of your air conditioning system, compresses refrigerant vapor. It removes and transfers heat from the refrigerant so that your AC can cool your home seamlessly.

Age and lack of maintenance can all lead to compressor breakdowns. If yours has failed, your local HVAC technician can still fix your air conditioner by:

• Removing and disposing of remaining refrigerants
• Disconnecting and removing the busted compressor
• Installing the replacement compressor with proper fittings
• Recharging the refrigerant

With all those steps, repairing a busted compressor could take about four to six hours.

What Can You Do to Help Speed Up AC Repairs?

Regardless of why you need a professional to fix your air conditioner, your goal should be to help the HVAC technician get to work as soon as they arrive. The sooner they can begin working on your AC, the faster they can accurately diagnose and correct the problem, and the sooner they can make your home comfy again.

Here are some ways to prepare for the service schedule and help speed up the AC repair process.

Make a List of All Your AC Woes

Prepare a list of all the signs, symptoms, and problems you experience with your air conditioner. Some examples are: 

• Insufficient cooling or not cooling at all 
• Weird sounds and odd smells
• Warm instead of cool air 
• Increased or prolonged cycling 
• High indoor humidity levels 
• Water leaks or moisture from the unit

Give the list to the HVAC technician when they arrive. It can help the professional diagnose your AC problems faster.

Keep the Job Site Clear

Clearing the area around your air conditioning unit allows HVAC technicians to access the repair site quickly. If you have furniture near the air vents, move it out of the way and cover it with sheets to protect it from dust. If you have kids and pets, have them stay in a different room for their safety and to prevent them from interfering with the repairs.

Check your outdoor AC unit for any obstructions, too. For instance, you should move potted plans near the unit to a different place.

Let the Air Conditioner “Thaw”

If your AC problem involves frozen evaporator coils, please turn the system off several hours or even the day (if possible) before the service schedule. It can give the ice enough time to thaw and make the coils accessible to the technician. 

Ready for Reliable and Efficient AC Repair Services?

Now that we’ve answered the question, “How long does AC repair take,” the next step is to ensure you partner with a reliable, highly experienced HVAC service provider.

Fortunately, you don’t have to look further than Aire-Flo Heating, Cooling & Generators. For over 70 years, our company has provided high-quality HVAC services to Columbus and the surrounding Central Ohio communities. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced in servicing most makes and models, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Contact us today, and we’ll happily give you a free estimate!