Robconverted Heating & Air is a referral service. We connect Kent homeowners with independent HVAC providers who diagnose and fix air conditioners. The providers do the work, and you make every choice. Nothing is pushed, and there is no obligation to hire anyone.
A cooling problem can feel like a rush job, yet a calm look at the facts usually saves money. On this page you will find quick checks you can try yourself, signs that point to a real fault, typical price ranges, and questions worth asking. Mild, damp weather in the Kent area means many units sit idle for months, then fail on the first warm spell. Knowing what to expect helps you compare quotes with confidence. Request a callback to talk it through, or request an estimate and look at your options when you are ready.
AC Stopped Cooling? Start Here
Warm air, a silent unit, or a house that will not cool down is stressful. A few quick checks cost nothing but a couple of minutes. They can also save you a service bill.
Check the thermostat
Make sure it is set to cool and the target is below the room temperature. Replace the batteries if it uses them. A wrong setting is a common reason people think the AC is broken.
Check the filter and the breaker
A clogged filter chokes airflow and can make the coil freeze. Swap it if it looks gray and packed. Then look at your electrical panel. If the AC breaker has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and ask a provider.
Look at the outdoor unit
With the power off at the disconnect, clear leaves, moss, and fallen twigs from around the cabinet. Windstorms and a long wet season make this common. Keep about two feet of open space on every side.
Stop if you notice these
Turn the system off if you smell burning, hear loud grinding, see ice on the lines, or find water near electrical parts. Running it can turn a small repair into a big one.
Emergency AC Repair: What Really Counts
Not every breakdown is an emergency. In our mild climate, you often have time to compare. But some cases cannot wait. Think of a baby, an older relative, or someone with a health condition in a hot house, or any burning smell.
For those cases, Request a callback to check provider availability. Many providers can respond quickly, though hours vary. Even in a rush, ask for the price in writing before work starts.
Signs Your AC Needs Repair
Small changes often show up before a full breakdown. Watch for these:
- Air from the vents feels weak or only mildly cool
- The unit turns on and off in short bursts
- Strange sounds such as squealing, clicking, or rattling
- Water pooling near the indoor unit
- A musty smell when the system starts
- Your power bill climbs with no change in habits
Damp air in a crawl space can also hide leaks in ductwork. If rooms feel uneven, mention it to the provider.
What Happens During a Repair Visit
The diagnosis comes first
The provider checks power, controls, airflow, and refrigerant pressure. A good visit starts with questions about what you noticed and when.
Then you get a written quote
You should hear what failed, what the fix involves, and what it costs for parts and labor. Ask for it in writing. Take a moment to read it.
The fix and a test run
Once you approve, the provider replaces or repairs the part and runs the system. Ask them to show you the cooling is working before they leave.
Common AC Repairs and What Drives the Price
Price depends on the part, how hard it is to reach, and your unit's age. A tight crawl space or a roof-level setup can add labor time.
Capacitors and contactors
These small electrical parts wear out often. They are usually among the more modest repairs.
Refrigerant leaks
If the system is low, there is a leak somewhere. Topping it off without finding the leak is a short-term patch. Ask where the leak is and how it will be fixed.
Fan motors and compressors
A failed fan motor is a mid-range repair. A failed compressor is the costly one, and it often leads to the repair-or-replace question.
Drain line clogs
Damp weather and algae can block the condensate line. Clearing it is often quick and affordable.
Repair or Replace?
A few simple points can guide you:
- Units past roughly 10 to 15 years tend to have more failures
- If a repair costs close to half of a new system, compare both options
- Repeated repairs in one season are a warning sign
- Older systems that use phased-out refrigerant can get pricey to service
A provider can give you both numbers. Compare, then decide.
DIY or Pro: Know the Line
You can safely change filters, reset a breaker once, clear debris, and rinse dust off the outdoor coil gently with a garden hose. That is about where it ends.
Refrigerant handling, electrical testing, and compressor work need special tools and training. Opening panels on a live system risks shock. Handling refrigerant without proper certification is also illegal in the U.S.
Questions to Ask the Provider
- Is the diagnostic fee separate, and is it applied to the repair?
- Can I have the quote in writing, with parts and labor listed?
- Are the parts new, and is there a warranty on parts and labor?
- What happens if the first fix does not solve the problem?
- Is the provider licensed and insured in Washington?
Comparing Quotes Without Pressure
Two quotes can look far apart for good reasons. One may include a better part or a longer warranty. Line them up side by side and check the same items in each.
Be cautious of any offer that depends on you deciding on the spot. A fair provider will let you think it over. No pressure, no obligation.
What's Included
Cooling Diagnosis
A provider checks power, controls, airflow, and refrigerant to find out exactly why your system stopped cooling.
Written Quotes
Ask for parts and labor listed clearly so you can compare before you agree.
Electrical Repairs
Capacitors, contactors, and wiring faults are common fixes for units that will not start.
Leak and Drain Fixes
Providers can trace refrigerant leaks and clear clogged drain lines common in damp weather.
What AC Repair Typically Costs
These are typical U.S. ranges, and real prices vary by unit, part, and how hard the job is to reach. Use them to judge a quote, then ask for the final number in writing.
| Repair item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic visit | $75 – $200 | Some providers apply it to the repair |
| Capacitor or contactor | $120 – $450 | Common electrical wear parts |
| Drain line clearing | $75 – $300 | Often needed after damp seasons |
| Condenser fan motor | $300 – $800 | Price depends on motor type |
| Refrigerant leak repair and recharge | $200 – $1,500 | Depends on leak location and refrigerant type |
| Compressor replacement | $1,200 – $3,500 | Compare against replacing the system |
How It Works
Call or Request
Request a callback to check provider availability, or send the estimate form if you prefer to wait.
Describe the Problem
Share the symptoms, your unit's age, and anything you have already tried.
Compare Written Quotes
Review the parts, labor, and warranty on each quote side by side.
Choose With Confidence
Hire only if the price and plan feel right to you.
Why Call Robconverted Heating & Air
Fair Comparisons
We encourage you to collect written quotes from more than one provider so you can see how the numbers line up.
Plain Answers
Clear steps and simple words help you understand what is wrong before you spend money.
Local Providers
You are connected with independent HVAC providers who work in your area and know local homes.
Your Choice
There is no obligation, and every decision stays with you.
Other Services
Need ac repair in Kent?
- Reach independent local HVAC providers
- Compare written quotes before you decide
- No obligation to hire anyone
- Simple next steps
AC Repair FAQ
Why is my AC running but not cooling the house?
Common causes include a dirty filter, a frozen coil, low refrigerant, or a failed capacitor. Check the filter and thermostat first. If air is still warm, turn the system off and ask a provider to take a look.
How much does it cost to repair an air conditioner?
Many repairs fall between about $150 and $1,500 in the U.S., depending on the part and the labor. Ask for a written quote that lists parts and labor before you approve any work.
Is it worth repairing an old air conditioner?
It can be, if the repair is modest and the unit is otherwise sound. When a quote nears half the cost of a new system, or breakdowns repeat, compare both options before you decide.
Get in touch
Tell us what your heating or cooling system is doing. Request an estimate and a provider in our network can follow up with a written quote.
No obligation