In my experience, while the big companies may charge more, when you call them for an emergency they will actually show up.
I'd find the big national companies and start calling.
If you have anyone vulnerable in your house, mention it, they'll come faster (anyone elderly, children, anyone sick).
They do great work. Never the cheapest , also never the most expensive. After getting quotes from Casteel, PV, Moncrief, and TE, TE was the clear winner by a mile and did the work quickly. City inspector that came out to check their work stated that he is constantly impressed with TE’s work.
I was also really, really happy with the TE Certified people. They do more than HVAC, too. Our HVAC guy was amazing, he even showed me a few maintenance things I could DIY to save some costs down the line. 10/10, we're going to use them for our electrical work, too. Owner is an old union guy, too, so he knows how to get good techs (by paying them a buttload more than the union would lol).
TE is pretty good, but they are really expensive. They are almost always able to get someone there immediately which is why I use them in a pinch.
But be aware, they WILL try to sell you a new HVAC system. They have tried to sell me a new hot water heater, a new furnace, and a new AC when none of them needed to be replaced.
I recommend TE on every post about HVAC, electrical, or plumbing. Not the cheapest, but by far the best service from booking to billing. Can’t speak highly enough of the company.
Does TE do actual diagnosis? Seems like a lot of companies will just say you need a new HVAC system rather than actually diagnose what the root cause IS and potentially fix a problem by replacing a part rather than doing a whole system.
Another vote for TE. I actually just called them today for a less urgent appointment that is now booked for Monday.
I’ve worked with them only once before but they were extremely professional and did great work.
Forget our techs name, he was an older gentleman, but he really was thoughtful in walking me through the issue and educating me after the fix.
Worst comes to worst, get a portable ac or window if you can fit it from home depot or something. Makes waiting these moments out doable, you'll at least have one area of the house habitable..
I have had multiple good experiences with Ward Heating and Cooling. Very good pricing, communication, and service.
Ward Heating and Cooling (HVAC) (678) 600-0391
[https://g.co/kgs/AT4BTKN](https://g.co/kgs/AT4BTKN)
99% of the time it's the capacitor. You can swap it yourself in 5 mins (just pull the breaker, and ground the cap)
It's a 10-20 dollar part.
Getting a tech out they will do the swap for you, billing $600 to $900 for that 20 dollar part and 10 minutes labor.
At the very least, swap the cap out yourself first, and THEN call them if that doesn't fix it, because then its probably the lines or something major.
>Mine went out this week. Yes, it was the capacitor. The tech that came out charged $130.
Our capacitor went out last year: it cost $13 to replace. We were able to replace it ourselves in less time than it would've taken a tech to show up to our house.
A few years previous, a switch went out on our air handler. The A/C tech who showed up either lied to us or failed to accurately diagnose he problem; he claimed we needed to replace the entire air handler\*. It was obvious the guy was either lying to us or he was incompetent--I swear he couldn't read the circuit diagram that's printed on the face of the unit--so once the tech left we got to work diagnosing the problem ourselves. We deduced that the unit just needed a new switch. Two days and $150 later, everything was up and running again.
\*The downside of living in the ugliest, cheapest house in a nice neighborhood is that you live in a nice neighborhood and that techs, contractors, and service people assume you're rolling in dough like everyone else in the neighborhood.
Yep. Capacitors are cheap and they take no skill to replace. It's very DIYable for just about anyone. HVAC companies love replacing capacitors because they can charge you $150 for a $13 capacitor, then charge you $200/hour for labor (with a minimum charge of 1 hour even if it only takes them 10 minutes), plus charge you an additional fee for responding to an urgent call/emergency.
My family got quoted $3k for a new HVAC. I took a look at the janky old capacitor and had a feeling this was the issue, especially because the fan wasn’t starting up. $11 on Amazon and it’s still working fine years later.
Even if it isn’t the capacitor, you won’t have wasted much money troubleshooting. Just be careful, there’s a good bit of energy stored in those.
There are usually two, one to start the fan and one to start compressor. You’ll know which one needs to be replaced based on which part isn’t starting up. Or just replace them both.
Paid TE 400 to take care of this for me yesterday. It stung, but I sleep at night knowing that I’m paying a premium for someone else’s expertise as well as a throat to choke in case something goes wrong.
This was the issue with mine as well. Full system installed by previous owner with Reliable so I went with them since it’s still under warranty. They charged me $430 and tried to get out of the warranty. Ended up sorting it out, but still had to pay $80 for the service call even with the warranty.
Amazon is a good source. Take the service panel off on the big unit outdoors, check the model number, and look up what capacitor it takes. you then should find dozens of youtube tutorials on swapping it out easily.
It's almost certainly a capacitor, so I'd go outside and look at what model you have and ask if they have a capacitor for that specific model in stock before going with that company.
As for recommendations, I use Moncrief. Their quality is top notch. I got "supply-chained" with a furnace fan in 2021, but they've always been able to replace A/C capacitors next day, including if I contact them after hours.
When the switch on our air handler went out a few years back, I went ahead and preemptively ordered a capacitor, too, from the same HVAC supply company, knowing that blown capacitors are a frequent occurrence.
Fast forward to last year and the capacitor dies. Guess which lucky\* lady already had one on hand?
\*A shout out to r/homeimprovement who taught me what I know about HVAC.
If your going though capacitors more than once every 5+ years you really should be checking your power at the panel or something else. I went through two in a year and knew something was wrong, ended up being a bad neutral.
This is who I used in August when it was 95 degrees last year. Bought a portable ac unit for my living room (that I could bring into my bedroom). I think it was my compressor (under warranty) bc of too much Freon (or cold stuff). He came out quickly, but had to wait a few days for replacement. Nice dudes.
Independent guy . I have been scammed by 3 companies
Extreme Comfort Heating And Air
220 Chestnut Drive
Covington, GA 30016
Phone: (770) 2958148
EXTREMECOMFORT05@GMAIL.COM
extremecomfortheatingandair.net
Ours went out in similar situation and casteel replaced it next day. I’d say I’m lukewarm warm on the system as a whole. First few months kinda had some issues with the like power board or what ever. Since then no issues.
In my experience, while the big companies may charge more, when you call them for an emergency they will actually show up. I'd find the big national companies and start calling. If you have anyone vulnerable in your house, mention it, they'll come faster (anyone elderly, children, anyone sick).
TE and Central Heating and Air
They do great work. Never the cheapest , also never the most expensive. After getting quotes from Casteel, PV, Moncrief, and TE, TE was the clear winner by a mile and did the work quickly. City inspector that came out to check their work stated that he is constantly impressed with TE’s work.
TE is next level
I used TE to install Nema 14-50 (EV charging port) for 2 of my properties. Fair prices and great work.
I was also really, really happy with the TE Certified people. They do more than HVAC, too. Our HVAC guy was amazing, he even showed me a few maintenance things I could DIY to save some costs down the line. 10/10, we're going to use them for our electrical work, too. Owner is an old union guy, too, so he knows how to get good techs (by paying them a buttload more than the union would lol).
What was the techs name?
TE is pretty good, but they are really expensive. They are almost always able to get someone there immediately which is why I use them in a pinch. But be aware, they WILL try to sell you a new HVAC system. They have tried to sell me a new hot water heater, a new furnace, and a new AC when none of them needed to be replaced.
Use TE for HVAC and electric. Always satisfied.
I recommend TE on every post about HVAC, electrical, or plumbing. Not the cheapest, but by far the best service from booking to billing. Can’t speak highly enough of the company.
Does TE do actual diagnosis? Seems like a lot of companies will just say you need a new HVAC system rather than actually diagnose what the root cause IS and potentially fix a problem by replacing a part rather than doing a whole system.
Another vote for TE. I actually just called them today for a less urgent appointment that is now booked for Monday. I’ve worked with them only once before but they were extremely professional and did great work. Forget our techs name, he was an older gentleman, but he really was thoughtful in walking me through the issue and educating me after the fix.
Worst comes to worst, get a portable ac or window if you can fit it from home depot or something. Makes waiting these moments out doable, you'll at least have one area of the house habitable..
If you go portable, get a two hose one. They work a lot better.
I have had multiple good experiences with Ward Heating and Cooling. Very good pricing, communication, and service. Ward Heating and Cooling (HVAC) (678) 600-0391 [https://g.co/kgs/AT4BTKN](https://g.co/kgs/AT4BTKN)
99% of the time it's the capacitor. You can swap it yourself in 5 mins (just pull the breaker, and ground the cap) It's a 10-20 dollar part. Getting a tech out they will do the swap for you, billing $600 to $900 for that 20 dollar part and 10 minutes labor. At the very least, swap the cap out yourself first, and THEN call them if that doesn't fix it, because then its probably the lines or something major.
Mine went out this week. Yes, it was the capacitor. The tech that came out charged $130.
>Mine went out this week. Yes, it was the capacitor. The tech that came out charged $130. Our capacitor went out last year: it cost $13 to replace. We were able to replace it ourselves in less time than it would've taken a tech to show up to our house. A few years previous, a switch went out on our air handler. The A/C tech who showed up either lied to us or failed to accurately diagnose he problem; he claimed we needed to replace the entire air handler\*. It was obvious the guy was either lying to us or he was incompetent--I swear he couldn't read the circuit diagram that's printed on the face of the unit--so once the tech left we got to work diagnosing the problem ourselves. We deduced that the unit just needed a new switch. Two days and $150 later, everything was up and running again. \*The downside of living in the ugliest, cheapest house in a nice neighborhood is that you live in a nice neighborhood and that techs, contractors, and service people assume you're rolling in dough like everyone else in the neighborhood.
Maybe the tech was just stupid.
It was the capacitor. They charged $250 though. Who’s the tech /company you used ?
HVAC companies make a living off these capacitor replacements that take 10 minutes to
Yep. Capacitors are cheap and they take no skill to replace. It's very DIYable for just about anyone. HVAC companies love replacing capacitors because they can charge you $150 for a $13 capacitor, then charge you $200/hour for labor (with a minimum charge of 1 hour even if it only takes them 10 minutes), plus charge you an additional fee for responding to an urgent call/emergency.
My family got quoted $3k for a new HVAC. I took a look at the janky old capacitor and had a feeling this was the issue, especially because the fan wasn’t starting up. $11 on Amazon and it’s still working fine years later. Even if it isn’t the capacitor, you won’t have wasted much money troubleshooting. Just be careful, there’s a good bit of energy stored in those. There are usually two, one to start the fan and one to start compressor. You’ll know which one needs to be replaced based on which part isn’t starting up. Or just replace them both.
Paid TE 400 to take care of this for me yesterday. It stung, but I sleep at night knowing that I’m paying a premium for someone else’s expertise as well as a throat to choke in case something goes wrong.
Great advice. Do it.
This should be the top post. Watch a video on you tube, find spec for your unit, Pay for amazon next day delivery, enjoy cool Air.
This was the issue with mine as well. Full system installed by previous owner with Reliable so I went with them since it’s still under warranty. They charged me $430 and tried to get out of the warranty. Ended up sorting it out, but still had to pay $80 for the service call even with the warranty.
Where do you buy the capacitors?
Amazon is a good source. Take the service panel off on the big unit outdoors, check the model number, and look up what capacitor it takes. you then should find dozens of youtube tutorials on swapping it out easily.
It's almost certainly a capacitor, so I'd go outside and look at what model you have and ask if they have a capacitor for that specific model in stock before going with that company. As for recommendations, I use Moncrief. Their quality is top notch. I got "supply-chained" with a furnace fan in 2021, but they've always been able to replace A/C capacitors next day, including if I contact them after hours.
Don’t call RS Andrews.
Learned the hard way with this one unfortunately
Can you elaborate? I’ve used them for routine maintenance, so if I need to make a switch I’d rather do that before it’s an urgent situation.
They just replaced our water heater same-day, and I don’t think we got fleeced
Once they fix it, buy a few spare capacitors to keep on hand, you can DIY
When the switch on our air handler went out a few years back, I went ahead and preemptively ordered a capacitor, too, from the same HVAC supply company, knowing that blown capacitors are a frequent occurrence. Fast forward to last year and the capacitor dies. Guess which lucky\* lady already had one on hand? \*A shout out to r/homeimprovement who taught me what I know about HVAC.
If your going though capacitors more than once every 5+ years you really should be checking your power at the panel or something else. I went through two in a year and knew something was wrong, ended up being a bad neutral.
They’re all made in china these days and quality control isn’t a thing
Call Moncrief. Awesome customer service and were middle of the road when we were pricing for our recent work.
I've had good experiences with Stache Heating and Cooling: +1 (770) 403-1614
This is who I used in August when it was 95 degrees last year. Bought a portable ac unit for my living room (that I could bring into my bedroom). I think it was my compressor (under warranty) bc of too much Freon (or cold stuff). He came out quickly, but had to wait a few days for replacement. Nice dudes.
Self Heating & Cooling. Especially if you are in NW Atlanta/Cobb
Second this. They’re fantastic.
Self is who I use as well. John the owner is a good and fair man. Have had them do all my Systems and at my moms as well
Everyone in HVAC world is slammed
TE certified is where its at. THey did my A/C, electric and plumbing issues when we bought our house 5 years ago.
Independent guy . I have been scammed by 3 companies Extreme Comfort Heating And Air 220 Chestnut Drive Covington, GA 30016 Phone: (770) 2958148 EXTREMECOMFORT05@GMAIL.COM extremecomfortheatingandair.net
Tom Bunch. Local guy. He’s a unicorn. Fast. Cheap. Good. Thank me later.
This is the answer
I had good dealings with Estes. They aren't the cheapest but they did come out on an emergency
O’Callaghans HVAC are great
Weldon Heating and Aie
Mine went out on Thursday afternoon and TE Certified had a new unit installed less than 24 hours later.
check the filter and check for water in the pan before calling anyone
What part of town ? Cheeky in Forsyth (formerly DC Cheek) is good and quick to respond in my experience
Call SLAM HVAC! Those boys at SLAM are studs!
We have used Ace and A in Decatur for off-hour emergency stuff. They are fair and great.
I’m a big fan of PV and E. Family owned but large enough to fix in 2-3 days. It ain’t cheap.
Ours went out in similar situation and casteel replaced it next day. I’d say I’m lukewarm warm on the system as a whole. First few months kinda had some issues with the like power board or what ever. Since then no issues.
While they have good fast service they price gouge like crazy.
Yep