AC stopped working properly (not cooling the air), and another Home Star reviewed company came out to repair. They replaced the capacitor, but that wasn't the issue, and they didn't come back to do a second repair.
I was able to diagnose the problem with some Internet research-- clean coils, good air flow, but the lines are iced up. Low freon! Not something I can fix myself. Back to Home Stars-- who is next in line?
The dispatcher from Reliable was very nice, and apologized that they couldn't get someone out that very night, is tomorrow ok? Heck, yes, next day service is always great! I'm just glad it wasn't "we'll be there in a week or so".
The technician looked at the symptoms and came to the exact same conclusion: low freon. He topped it up and checked for a leak. He couldn't find one, which means either previous A/C service people didn't top up the AC, or during the winter when the metals contract, it forms a small leak (which gets sealed in the heat when the metals expand).
He gave some good tips for maintenance, and asked us to check the AC as soon as the winter is over. If it's low freon again, then the "contracting metals" theory might be correct.
The air came out nice and cool, as confirmed with my thermometer and theirs. The house cooled down over time, and the AC has been working since.
Thanks, Reliable, for a quick turn around, accurate and affordable repair, and the promise of future support!
- Approximate cost of services:
- $200.00
- What could this company do to improve their services?
- When you get an email via the form on your website, or the form via HomeStars, send an auto-reply of some sorts. I can never tell with these websites if it actually worked or not. A little piece of mind.
- Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
- Do your Internet research. There's only a few things that can go wrong with AC, and with fairly distinct symptoms. Know what's going on before you call a technician. It helps them do their job, helps you know the repairs are being done right-- helps everyone.