Water leaking from the air handler
Usually a clogged condensate drain, which is common in Florida's humidity. Turn the system off to avoid ceiling and floor damage, and call.
AC Repair in Orlando, FL
When your AC stops cooling in Orlando, the cause is usually something specific and fixable: a clogged condensate drain, a failed capacitor or contactor, a dirty coil, a refrigerant leak or a failing motor.
We find the real cause, explain it in plain terms and give you the price before any repair begins. Emergency service is available 24/7.
The price in plain numbers
Most Orlando AC repairs run about $150 to $450, with larger repairs such as a coil or compressor running $1,200 to $3,000. A diagnostic service call is typically $49 to $89.
Clearing a clogged drain is at the low end. Our AC repair pricing guide shows the numbers for every city we serve.
Examples of our work
Common AC problems in Orlando
Not cooling, or only slightly cool
Often a dirty filter, a frozen indoor coil, a failed capacitor, a dirty condenser coil or low refrigerant. If you see ice, turn cooling off and run the fan to thaw it.
The outdoor unit hums or will not start
A failed capacitor or contactor is common, and storm surges make them more likely. Do not keep forcing it.
Short cycling
The system turns on and off every few minutes. Causes include an oversized system, a dirty coil, a failing sensor or low refrigerant. It wastes energy and wears out parts.
Musty smell or a clammy house
A drain that is not clearing, a dirty coil or a system that is not running long enough to dry the air. Worth fixing before it turns into a mold concern.
Strange noises
Rattling, grinding, buzzing or squealing each point to different parts. Tell us what you hear and when.
Why humidity changes how an AC fails
In dry places, an AC fails mostly from heat and electrical wear. In Orlando it fails from those too, plus water.
The indoor coil is constantly wet, so it collects dust, pollen and algae. The drain pan and line carry gallons of condensate, which slimes up over months.
When the drain slows, water rises into the pan, trips the safety switch or spills over.
Code generally requires a safety float switch or secondary drain pan on attic installations for exactly that reason, and many technicians recommend flushing the drain line on a schedule. Older homes, especially those built before about 2005, may also have refrigerant line sets that are aging and can leak.
What happens on an AC repair visit
- You tell us what the AC is doing. When it stopped, what you heard, whether there was a storm or a power flicker.
- We check the basics. Thermostat mode and setting, the filter, the breaker and airflow at the vents.
- We test the system. We test electrical parts with a meter, check refrigerant pressures, measure the temperature drop across the coil, check the blower and fan motors, and look at the condenser coil and the condensate drain.
- We check the moisture side. Drain line, pan and safety switch, since a drain problem can cause or hide other problems.
- We tell you why it failed. If a capacitor failed because a motor is overheating, replacing only the capacitor would not last. We tell you about related wear before we replace anything.
- You get options and a price. Before any work begins. If the system is old and the repair is large, we give you a replacement price too.
- We repair it and test it. We run the system and confirm it is cooling before we leave.
AC repair prices in Orlando
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Service call (Orlando) | $49 to $89 |
| Average minor repair (Orlando) | $150 to $450 |
| Average major repair (Orlando) | $1,200 to $3,000 |
| Condensate drain clearing | $120 to $280 |
| Capacitor replacement | $150 to $350 |
| Contactor replacement | $150 to $400 |
| Condenser fan motor | $380 to $750 |
| Blower motor | $450 to $950 |
| Refrigerant leak search and repair | $400 to $1,600 |
| Evaporator coil replacement | $1,100 to $2,800 |
| Compressor replacement | $1,500 to $3,000 |
These are typical ranges across our service areas.
Seven ways to keep your Orlando AC from costing a fortune
- Pick a steady thermostat setting. Dropping it far below your target does not cool faster. It keeps the system running.
- Block the afternoon sun. Close blinds or curtains on west and south facing windows during the hottest hours.
- Change the filter on schedule. Every one to three months, and check it monthly in summer.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear. Trim plants back and keep anything stacked away from it.
- Run ceiling fans in rooms you are using. Turn them off when you leave, since they cool people, not rooms.
- Keep supply vents open. Closing vents in unused rooms can raise duct pressure and cause problems.
- Get a spring checkup and flush the drain. Catching a weak part or a slow drain early is the cheapest repair there is.
Repair or replace your Orlando AC?
We look at the whole picture:
- Age. Systems commonly start to fail between 10 and 15 years in Florida's long cooling season.
- What failed. A capacitor, contactor, drain or thermostat on a healthy system is a simple repair. A compressor or leaking coil on an old system is different.
- Repair history. Several repairs in a short time suggest more are coming.
- Humidity control. If the house always feels clammy, a different system or duct fix may help more than a repair.
- Refrigerant. Systems that use R-22 are costly to recharge because it is no longer produced.
We give you a repair price and a replacement price so the choice is yours. In Orlando, replacement is often a heat pump.
See AC installation in Orlando and heat pump installation in Orlando.
What you can do, and what to leave to us
Safe checks:
- Set the thermostat to cool, below the room temperature, with power or fresh batteries.
- Reset a tripped breaker once. If it trips again, leave it off.
- Replace a dirty filter and clear plants and debris from around the outdoor unit.
- If you can find the drain line cleanout, many technicians suggest pouring a small amount of white vinegar down it each month to slow algae. Ask us about the right amount for your system.
Leave refrigerant, capacitors, the compressor and safety controls to a technician. Refrigerant work requires federal certification, and capacitors hold a charge even with the power off.
If you see water near electrical parts, smell burning or see smoke, turn the system off at the breaker and call.
Where we repair air conditioners in Orlando
We serve homes across Orlando and Central Florida, including Downtown, Thornton Park, Baldwin Park, College Park, Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona, Windermere, Isleworth, Bay Hill, Winter Park and Conway. Our office is at 480 N Orange Ave Suite 5, Orlando, FL 32801.
See HVAC in Orlando for rebates, permits and heat pumps.
Brands we service
We repair and install all major brands. Each brand page lists the models we install, the problems we see most and what the warranty typically covers. See how we match a technician to your brand.
Orlando, FL on the map
Common questions
How much does AC repair cost in Orlando?
Most repairs run about $150 to $450. Major repairs such as a coil or compressor run $1,200 to $3,000. The diagnostic call is typically $49 to $89.
Why is my AC leaking water?
Usually a clogged condensate drain line. Turn the system off and call us. Running it while it leaks can damage ceilings and floors.
Why is my AC running but the house is still humid?
The system may be oversized and cycling too often, the coil may be dirty, or airflow may be off. Short run times do not dry the air.
Why did my AC stop after a storm?
Lightning and power surges can damage capacitors, control boards and compressors. Tell us when you call so we check the electrical parts first.
Do you offer emergency AC repair in Orlando?
Yes, 24/7. See emergency AC repair in Orlando.
Should I replace a 13 year old AC?
It depends on what failed and its repair history. A small repair on a system that otherwise works can be worth it. A compressor failure at 13 years usually points to replacement. We give you both prices.
Which brands do you repair?
All makes and models. See brands we service.
Talk to a person
Call any hour for emergency service, or reach us during business hours for a visit or a quote.