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Full Time Heating and Cooling
Full Time Heating and Cooling · Watertown, MN

AC Repair: Honest Diagnosis Before Any Recommendation

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AC Repair: Honest Diagnosis Before Any Recommendation
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What We Cover on Every AC Repair Call

Details below
We work on central air conditioners, heat pumps in cooling mode, and ductless systems throughout the West Metro. Here's what a diagnostic service call typically covers.

Refrigerant Level Check

Low refrigerant doesn't just hurt cooling -- it can kill your compressor if it runs too long in that condition. We check levels, identify the source of any leak, and explain the repair before touching anything.

Compressor and Capacitor Testing

Capacitors fail more often than compressors, and they cost a fraction of the price. We test both before assuming the worst. If your compressor is the problem, we'll tell you what a replacement costs and whether the system age justifies it.

Condenser and Evaporator Coil Inspection

Dirty or frozen coils cause a lot of 'my AC isn't cooling' calls. We inspect both coils, check airflow, and determine whether cleaning fixes the issue or whether there's something else going on underneath.

Electrical and Control Diagnostics

Contactors, relays, and wiring failures mimic compressor problems. We run through the electrical side of the system before any mechanical diagnosis to make sure we're fixing the right thing.

Thermostat and Communication Check

A miscommunicating thermostat or a failed control board can shut down a perfectly healthy AC. We verify the full signal path from the thermostat to the unit before calling it a mechanical failure.

Ductless and Mini Split Repair

If you have a ductless mini split system, we service those too. Error codes, drainage issues, refrigerant leaks -- we diagnose and repair all major ductless brands.

When Repair Makes Sense -- And When It Doesn't

Age and repair cost both weigh on a replace-or-repair decision, but neither is a reason to skip the diagnosis. We've seen systems that 'should' be replaced walk out of a service call with a $180 capacitor fix and run another five years. We've also seen newer systems with refrigerant leaks that were going to keep coming back regardless. The honest answer depends on what we find when we actually look. If a repair genuinely doesn't make financial sense for your system, we'll say so -- and we'll explain why. That's what a repair-first company does. When replacement becomes the right call, our AC installation service covers the full process with the same straight-talking approach.

What to Do Before We Arrive

If your AC stopped cooling, check the thermostat setting first -- set it to 'cool' and drop the target temperature below your current room temp. Check your air filter next. A completely blocked filter will freeze the evaporator coil and shut the system down. If the filter is clogged, replace it and give the system 30 minutes to thaw before restarting. Check the outdoor unit to make sure it's running and the area around it isn't blocked. None of this replaces a professional diagnosis, but it rules out the easy stuff before we show up. If you're in the middle of a hot stretch and the system won't come back on, call (952) 847-3387 -- we have emergency availability when you can't wait.

Repair-First Means We Check Before We Recommend

We don't get paid more for selling you a new system. Our technicians earn the same whether they replace a capacitor or write up a full equipment proposal. That structure matters because it removes the incentive to recommend replacement when a repair is the smarter call. If your system can be fixed reliably, we'll fix it. If the repair cost doesn't justify the system's remaining life, we'll tell you that too -- with numbers you can actually evaluate, not vague warnings designed to close a sale. Check our free second opinion service if you've already been quoted a replacement and want an unbiased look. We offer that because homeowners deserve a straight answer before spending thousands of dollars.

When You Get a New System, Here's How We Handle It

If diagnosis confirms your AC has reached the end of its useful life, we install AirQuest equipment. It's not the most recognized brand name on the shelf, and we won't pretend otherwise. What it is: dependable performance, strong warranty coverage, and good value without paying a premium for a name you've heard in a commercial. As an AirQuest Elite Dealer, we can provide two additional years of No Hassle Replacement coverage on qualifying installations beyond the standard manufacturer warranty. Many systems also qualify for a 10-year parts limited warranty with proper registration. Every installation uses our same experienced two-person crew, and Jason personally inspects every completed job. That's not a policy we put in a brochure -- it's how every single job gets done. Learn more about our HVAC tune-up plans to keep a new or existing system running efficiently once it's in.

AC Not Cooling? Let's Find Out Why.

We answer calls 24/7, give you a two-hour arrival window, and send a text with your technician's photo when they're on the way. No guessing, no waiting around all day.

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FAQ Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers below
How much money does it cost to fix an air conditioner? +
Minor repairs like capacitor replacement or refrigerant top-off typically run $150 to $500. Mid-range repairs such as contactor replacement, coil cleaning, or a failed expansion valve can land between $300 and $900. Compressor replacement is the expensive end -- usually $1,200 to $4,500 or more depending on system size, refrigerant type, and parts availability. We won't quote a number until we've diagnosed the actual problem. Every job is different -- contact Full Time Heating and Cooling for an accurate estimate.
What is the most common AC repair? +
Capacitor failure is the single most common AC repair call we run. Capacitors help start and run the compressor and fan motors -- when they fail, the system either won't start or shuts off quickly after startup. They're inexpensive parts and straightforward to replace. Refrigerant leaks and dirty or frozen evaporator coils are the next most frequent problems. All three are diagnosable on the first visit in most cases.
How do I fix my air conditioner that is not cooling? +
Start by confirming the thermostat is set to 'cool' with the target temperature below the room's current reading. Replace the air filter if it's clogged -- a blocked filter freezes the evaporator coil and kills airflow. Check that the outdoor condenser unit is running and not blocked by debris. If those checks don't resolve it, the issue is inside the system -- low refrigerant, a failed capacitor, or a faulty compressor -- and that requires a professional diagnosis. Call (952) 847-3387 and we'll come out to find the actual cause.
Is it worth replacing an AC compressor, or should I replace the whole unit? +
It depends on three things: system age, refrigerant type, and the overall condition of the rest of the unit. A compressor replacement on a system over 12 years old running R-22 refrigerant (no longer manufactured) almost never makes financial sense. On a newer system with R-410A and clean coils, a compressor replacement can extend the life of the unit meaningfully. We'll give you a straight assessment of both options after the diagnosis -- not the one that makes us more money.
What happens if low refrigerant goes unrepaired in an AC system? +
Running an AC low on refrigerant forces the compressor to work harder to move heat, which causes it to overheat and eventually fail. Compressor failure is the most expensive outcome of an ignored refrigerant leak. Low refrigerant also causes the evaporator coil to ice over, restricting airflow and reducing cooling capacity. The refrigerant itself doesn't get 'used up' -- if levels are low, there's a leak somewhere that needs to be found and sealed, not just refilled.
How long does an AC repair typically take? +
Most diagnostic calls and single-component repairs -- capacitor replacement, refrigerant recharge, contactor swap -- are completed in one to two hours on the first visit. More involved repairs like coil replacements or compressor jobs may require a return trip if parts need to be ordered. We'll tell you upfront after diagnosis what the timeline looks like so you're not left waiting on a guess.

Our promise

If we can repair it, we will.

No unnecessary replacements.You get the fix, not the invoice we would rather write.

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