AC Repair Services in Altoona, WI
Your air conditioning experts in the Altoona community
Hurlburt Heating AC and Plumbing has been providing exceptional AC repair services to Altoona and its surrounding areas since 1959! We hope to continue serving the area for many years to come. Let our experience benefit you as our team provides prompt, affordable AC repairs to keep you cool and comfortable this summer.
We repair, replace and maintain all brands of residential AC equipment, including:
What do AC repairs cost in Altoona, WI?
We try to keep repair costs affordable so we can service all of Altoona. Repair costs vary depending on what we find wrong with your AC system. Some parts (like capacitors and contactors) are relatively cheap to replace, while others can be more costly. If you have a compressor failure, it might not be worth it to even repair the system. Your money is often better spent on a full replacement.
Whatever the issue, know that the team at Hurlburt will always discuss pricing options with you before we begin any repairs. We won’t surprise you with the bill at the end of the job. What you choose to repair on your AC is up to you. We promise to give you the most accurate information we can so you can make the best decision.
How much does it cost to find a leak?
Coolant leaks can be tricky. Sometimes we’re able to find a leak in a few minutes, other times it can take hours. There are a few proven ways to find coolant leaks in AC units and we will discuss all your options with you before we begin our work.
On an older system, we find most coolant leaks in the A-coil. This is the part that is located inside your home, just above the furnace. If the coil is leaking from one of the factory welds, it likely cannot be repaired.
Air conditioners in our area tend to last between 15 and 20 years. If your AC is getting up there in age and has developed a leak, it might not be worth it to spend the time trying to find it. Of course, the decision is up to you but we always want to be upfront with our customers. We don’t want you dumping a bunch of money into an old, leaking AC that will only last you one or two more years.
What you can check before calling Hurlburt for repairs
Our business relies on AC repairs and replacements but we don’t want you wasting money on something you can take care of yourself. Here are some things you can check before you give us a call.
- Thermostat batteries. Most modern thermostats, both programmable and non-programmable, are equipped with batteries. If your batteries are weak or have failed, the thermostat won’t tell your air conditioner to turn on. When the batteries are on their way out, you might notice the AC turns on and off more often than usual. Whatever the issue with your AC, the thermostat batteries are the first thing you should check. Important note: smart thermostats do not have batteries. They get their power directly from the furnace.
- Furnace filter. A dirty filter can cause a whole host of problems for your AC. You could see everything from low performance to ice buildup on the lines and coils. You might even see water on the floor near the furnace if it has been going on long enough! These can be signs of other issues as well but there’s a good chance it’s your furnace filter if you haven’t changed it in a while.
If you ran your AC with a dirty filter and froze up the system, turn the AC off and turn the furnace fan on so it has a chance to dry things out as the ice on the coil begins to melt. You’ll still likely need some towels to clean up the water off the floor. If you really want to melt the ice fast, you can turn the heat on for a little bit but its going to get hot in your home fast.
- Condenser coil. This is the aluminum coil surrounding your outdoor AC unit. It is behind a protective cage but you should be able to see through the openings. This is where the AC unit releases the heat it removes from your home. Unfortunately, this coil is susceptible to becoming clogged with airborne dust, dirt and dander. It can also get plugged up with grass clippings and cottonwood seeds. If you see a bunch of dirt and debris coating the coil, you need to clean it out or the AC will overheat. Luckily, this is an easy fix and all you need is a garden hose and a spray nozzle. Simply wash the debris down the coil around all four sides and you’re good to go!
- Drain fitting. There is a drain fitting on the indoor A-coil that helps remove all the condensation created by the coil as it cools the air in your home. Sometimes this drain fitting can get plugged up with debris. If you notice any water on the floor near your furnace, first check the filter and then check this fitting. In most cases, you can remove the fitting and clean it out. If it is hard-piped in, then you will need a wet/dry shop vac to clear it.
How often should my AC be tuned up to avoid major repairs?
Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your AC running better for longer. Our goal with preventative maintenance is to catch small problems before they have a chance to become big ones. We recommend a tuneup on your AC once a year in the spring because our air conditioners sit dormant all winter long. If your AC has developed a leak, we just might be able to catch it before it causes damage to the compressor.
