Air Conditioning Repair

SWVA Mechanical delivers fast and reliable air conditioning repair when your system fails. We provide expert AC repair services throughout the Lebanon, VA area.

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Professional AC Repair Done Right

When your air conditioner breaks down during a summer heat wave, you need a repair service you can trust. Our team provides prompt and professional repairs to restore your home’s comfort quickly. Our certified technicians have the skill to diagnose and fix all types of AC problems. We work on all major brands and models with precision and expertise. From strange noises to a system that will not cool, we have seen and solved it all. We arrive with well stocked trucks, allowing us to complete most repairs in a single visit. Our focus is on providing a lasting solution, not a temporary fix. You can count on us for honest advice and superior workmanship. Your complete satisfaction is our primary goal.

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Honest Reviews From Our Clients

Homeowners across Southwest Virginia trust SWVA Mechanical for HVAC services that are done right the first time. Here’s what real customers have to say about their experience:

Shahram Totonchian
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Shahram Totonchian
May 17, 2025
Douglas Canody
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Douglas Canody
January 25, 2025

We recently had our downstairs residential heat pump fail after 17 years of service. Given the age of the system, and the newer technology available, it made sense to replace both the downstairs and upstairs systems (3- and 2-ton units respectively). I obtained quotes from 4 different installers and ultimately, we selected the Mitsubishi Hyperheat systems as the replacement. Brian at SWVA Mechanical gave us the best price and best answers to our questions and we selected them to do the work. I don't think it could have gone any better. They showed up when they said they would, staged the work so that we could stay warm (installed in December), were respectful of our property and answered all of our questions. All of the SWVA Mechanical workers were friendly, cheerful, and most importantly knowledgeable and competent. Brian encouraged us to consider the Mitsubishi Hyperheat system which would function as a heat pump to below 0 degrees F. Frankly, I had my doubts that a system without auxiliary heat would function properly at such low temperatures without an auxiliary heat source. However, this review is being written 1 week after some of the coldest temperature in years (as low as 6 degrees F and -1-degree wind chill) and I can testify that my house stayed at the temperature set point throughout this very cold period, and in fact my house has been more comfortable than it ever has in similar conditions. I have temperature monitoring data that proves the system worked as Brian said it would. Additionally, the numbers show significant electricity savings compared to the operation of the old system. I will also mention that Brian and his partner Nick, were persistent in being able to get a relatively new steam humidifier installed about 2 years ago to work with the Mitsubishi heat pump and air handler. That required a lot of effort on their part, and a non-standard installation that went beyond the manufacturers’ instructions. I can verify that what they did worked, that it was done properly and is functioning as it should. To reiterate, I would highly recommend SWVA VA Mechanical to anyone in need of their services. They check all the boxes... knowledge, expertise, dependability, reliability, and integrity. Based on our experiences, we intend to use them to service our new system in the future and would not hesitate to work with them again. In my opinion, and based on my past experiences, it would be very hard to do better than SWVA Mechanical in this line of work and expertise.

Jack McArdle
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Jack McArdle
December 5, 2024

I had emergency when the heating system stopped working during the coldest days these past 2 months and Brain came the same day I called SWVM. No other HVAC company in the area would even give me an estimate of when they could come. Brain got the system running just in time for the lows in the teens the next few nights. If you need help this company will do all they can to help you. I would highly reccommend them.

NetworkSandbox
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NetworkSandbox
November 27, 2024

Recently had an installation as well as a preventative maintenance on another unit. I received good communication about scheduling and pricing and they answered any question I had. They showed up on time and performed the work well. After the install, Brian came by to make sure I was happy with the install and that I was fully taken care of. Subsequently for the preventative maintenance that Samuel performed, he thoroughly cleaned and tested the units and communicated to me the way that the unit was originally wired may not be optimal and explained the pros/cons of making a minor adjustment which I had him do. I'm very happy with the service provided and plan to use SWVA Mechanical for any future HVAC needs.

Kristen Jones
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Kristen Jones
September 24, 2024

Called with HVAC issue on Monday had a resolution by Tuesday morning. Owner Nick is amazing. Goes above and beyond for his customers. Technician that came out was 5 star! Polite, conscientious regarding cleanliness, and super helpful. Pricing is extremely reasonable. I will never use another company!

Bill Fletcher
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Bill Fletcher
September 7, 2024

Nick Cross and his team are amazing. Did a great job for us. They are polite, professional and knowledgable. Our challenge is with a house built in 1913 and their work has given us more control over our HVAC system and made our living space more comfortable. Price was very reasonable. Highly recommended.

Tony
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Tony
July 12, 2024

Samuel came out and did a great job!! He serviced my unit inside and outside. Company was amazing to begin with. Answered and returned my calls every time. They were prompt in letting me know when they would arrive and informed me of all repairs before doing anything. Amazing job!! Highly recommended.

Robert Elswick
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Robert Elswick
June 3, 2024

Highly Recommend! Brian and his team done an outstanding job installing my new Mitsubishi mini splits. I couldn’t have asked for a better HVAC Team than SWVA Mechanicals!

Brian Hale
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Brian Hale
April 13, 2024

I recently had a heat pump replaced by SWVA and they did an excellent job. As we were weighing the options of repairing my old system and the cost and benefit of the new system they were very helpful. I never felt they were trying to up-sale me. I especially appreciate the fast service both on the repairs I needed on my old system and with this new install. I was in a bind because it was winter but they had me up and running with a new system fast. I would highly recommend them again!

Scott Beverly
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Scott Beverly
April 8, 2024

I can't say enough good about the folks at SWVA mechanical. They came to my house and quoted the Mitsubishi unit to me and I had it installed within a few weeks. Every tech was very professional and respectful while in our home and did an outstanding job. I had one company give me a quote for the same system and it was over $4000.00 more than what Brian at SW VA Mechanical quoted, plus the other company didn't want to even talk about the Mitsubishi units that have the best reputation in the business. These more efficient units will save us money on our electric bill and they are so quiet you can't even hear them run. If you need a HVAC system or just need your old system repaired, give Brian at SW VA Mechanical at call and you will not be disappointed. They are more than fair on their prices and will treat you with respect and not try to burn you up on the charges. They are my new HVAC company. Scott Beverly

Jackie Rife
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Jackie Rife
January 19, 2024

Our furnace went out during frigid weather. Called Brian and he came immediately. He is very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend this company!

bill vaden
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bill vaden
December 25, 2023

Brian and Samuel real good people sincerely want to help when you’re in trouble just installed a new heat pump force excellent job

Tully Wright
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Tully Wright
November 13, 2023

Excellent service. Friendly, good communication, punctual, quality work. I was very pleased and highly recommend this company for any of your heating and cooling needs

Joe Johnson
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Joe Johnson
October 26, 2023

I had these guys install a new American Standard 3 ton heat pump this week. I got quotes from different companies and after a great deal of research chose SWVA Mechanical. Nick and Brian explained everything in detail and Jesse and Sam did our install. We are very happy with the entire process. Nick asked me a number of times during and after the install if we were happy and everything was to our expectations. They really care about customer satisfaction and it shows. Great product and install! I would highly recommend this company to anyone on the market for a new system. Great price and great product!

Joel Clark
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Joel Clark
August 27, 2023

SWVA Mechanical took care of us quickly and efficiently! Very knowledgeable in all the services they have provided to us. Highly recommend!

mountainview retirement
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mountainview retirement
August 7, 2023
Kevin McGlothlin
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Kevin McGlothlin
July 21, 2023

Brian and his employees were wonderful to deal with. They installed a Mitsubishi Mini Split system for our office and needless to say was the best investment both for quality and cost. We truly appreciate SWVA Mechanical's willingness to go the extra mile for us.

Amy Barrett
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Amy Barrett
July 4, 2023

Excellent quick service from Brian and all of his crew! Called on Sunday and had a new heat pump on Monday they went above and beyond to get my family’s air going again. The best guys around for all your hvac needs!!

Rhonda Hale
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Rhonda Hale
June 17, 2023

Highly recommend. They did an excellent installation on our new 4 ton heat pump and electrical work. 10 year warranty on the heat pump and 1 year on all the labor. These guys are the best around!

Anthony Mullins
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Anthony Mullins
June 3, 2023

Called Brian on a Friday night after 8pm and told him my situation!! He was here in less than 5 minutes and took care of me!! He don’t have to answer his phone on a Friday night!! Very professional, knowledgeable, and courteous!! Will use this company from now on!!

Benjamin Price
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Benjamin Price
April 18, 2023

Excellent service and quality installation job for my business on a total install of 12 mini split units. The units have a 10 year warranty and with the savings in my power bill, the units will pay for themselves in 5 years. Highly recommend this small business for anything related to HVAC

April Dawson
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April Dawson
September 6, 2019
Sami J.
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Sami J.
June 3, 2018

Excellent service , on time, freindly, very knowledgeable, reasonable prices, definitely will use again if needed, thank you

Air Conditioning Repair Service

Our repair process always begins with a comprehensive system diagnosis to find the true source of the problem. Simply fixing an obvious symptom without understanding the root cause can lead to repeat failures. Our technicians utilize their extensive training and advanced diagnostic tools to perform a thorough evaluation. We will check everything from your thermostat settings to the intricate electrical components within the unit. This meticulous approach ensures we identify the exact failure point accurately. We take the time to explain our findings to you in clear, understandable terms. A proper diagnosis is the foundation of an effective and lasting repair. We never guess when it comes to your comfort.

One of the most common service calls we receive is for an air conditioner that will not turn on at all. There are several potential reasons for this frustrating issue. It could be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse in your home’s electrical panel. The problem could also stem from a faulty thermostat that is not sending a signal to the AC unit. Many systems shut down automatically when the condensate drain line is clogged to prevent water damage. In other cases, a failed transformer or another internal electrical component could be the culprit. Our technicians will systematically check each possibility to pinpoint the exact reason for the failure.

Another frequent issue is an air conditioner that is running but not blowing cold air. This problem can be caused by a dirty air filter severely restricting airflow over the evaporator coil. The indoor or outdoor coils themselves could be caked with dirt, preventing proper heat transfer. Often, a lack of cooling is due to a low refrigerant level, which indicates a leak in the system. In more serious cases, the issue could be a failing compressor, which is the heart of the air conditioner. Our experts will accurately diagnose the cause of the poor cooling performance. We will then recommend the most effective repair solution.

Strange or loud noises coming from your air conditioner are a clear sign that it needs immediate attention. You should never ignore these audible warnings, as they can indicate a serious mechanical issue. A grinding or squealing sound often points to a problem with the unit’s fan motor or its bearings. A loud banging or clanking noise could mean a part is loose or broken inside the compressor. Hissing sounds typically signal a refrigerant leak, while a persistent buzzing often points to an electrical problem. Turning the unit off and calling a professional promptly can prevent further, more expensive damage. Our team can decipher these sounds and fix the underlying problem.

If our diagnosis reveals a refrigerant leak, it is crucial to perform a complete repair. Simply adding more refrigerant, or “topping off” the system, is not a permanent solution. That approach ignores the underlying problem and is harmful to the environment. Our technicians are certified to handle refrigerants and use specialized equipment like electronic leak detectors to find the exact source of the leak. Once located, we will repair the leak in the coil or refrigerant line. Only after the leak is sealed will we charge the system with the precise amount of refrigerant required by the manufacturer. This ensures a proper, long lasting repair.

Many air conditioning failures are caused by worn out electrical components. Two of the most common parts to fail are the capacitor and the contactor. The capacitor provides the initial jolt of energy needed to start your system’s motors. The contactor is the switch that allows voltage to flow to the outdoor unit. These parts endure significant wear from heat and high voltage over the years. Our technicians can quickly test these components and replace them if they have failed. We keep a large inventory of these common parts on our service vehicles. This allows us to complete these types of repairs quickly and restore your comfort without delay.

At SWVA Mechanical, we believe in transparent and honest communication with our customers. After we have completed a thorough diagnosis of your system, we will explain the problem to you clearly. We then provide a detailed, upfront price quote for the necessary repair. You will know the full cost of the job before we begin any work. This practice ensures there are no surprises or hidden fees on your final bill. We will not proceed with any repair until we have your full approval. This puts you in complete control of the decision making process. We are committed to earning your trust through our integrity.

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Emergency AC Repair Near You

An air conditioning breakdown is always an emergency, especially during the hottest days of summer. SWVA Mechanical offers prompt emergency air conditioning repair services throughout the Lebanon area. We understand that your family’s comfort and safety are on the line. Our technicians are on call to respond to your needs as quickly as possible. We prioritize repair calls to get a skilled expert to your door right away. Our goal is to diagnose the problem efficiently and perform a lasting repair to restore your cooling. You can count on us to be there when you need us most.

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Most Common Air Conditioning Repair Questions

When your air conditioner breaks down, you need accurate information and you need it fast. Homeowners facing a sudden system failure often have urgent and important questions. To help you, we have provided clear answers to some of the most common repair questions we receive.

If your air conditioner is running but not cooling, the first step is to check a few simple things. First, verify that your thermostat is set to “cool” and the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. Next, check your system’s air filter, as a severely clogged filter can block airflow and stop the cooling process. You should ensure all your air vents are open and not blocked by furniture or rugs. These simple checks can sometimes resolve the issue without needing a service call. If these steps do not work, the problem is likely internal to the system.

A lack of cold air is often caused by dirty coils or low refrigerant. The evaporator and condenser coils are essential for heat exchange, and if they are covered in dirt, they cannot do their job. This prevents the system from effectively removing heat from your home’s air. Another very common cause is a low refrigerant level. Refrigerant is what absorbs the heat, but if it is low, it means there is a leak somewhere in the system. Simply adding more refrigerant is not a solution; the leak must be found and repaired by a professional.

In more serious situations, the inability to cool could be caused by a major component failure. The compressor is the heart of the system, responsible for pumping refrigerant, and if it fails, the system cannot cool at all. The fan motor on the outdoor unit must also be working to disperse heat outside. If the outdoor fan is not spinning, the system will quickly overheat and stop cooling. Because these issues are complex and involve high voltage parts, they require diagnosis and repair by a certified SWVA Mechanical technician. Our experts can quickly find the source of the problem.

The cost to fix an air conditioner can vary dramatically depending on the specific problem. A repair can range from a relatively minor expense to a significant investment. For example, replacing a failed capacitor, which is a very common repair, is on the lower end of the cost spectrum. Other common fixes like clearing a clogged condensate drain or repairing a minor electrical issue are also typically quite affordable. Our technicians can often perform these types of repairs quickly with parts they carry on their truck. We always aim for the most cost effective solution for our customers.

On the other hand, some repairs can be much more substantial. The cost increases significantly if a major component has failed. Replacing a blower motor or an outdoor condenser fan motor is a more involved and expensive job. The most expensive repair for an air conditioner is typically a compressor replacement. The compressor is a complex and costly part, and the labor required to replace it is extensive. In many cases where the compressor has failed on an older unit, it may be more economical to replace the entire air conditioner.

To determine the exact cost, a professional diagnosis is absolutely essential. SWVA Mechanical charges a set diagnostic fee to have a certified technician come to your home and thoroughly inspect your system. Once we identify the root cause of the problem, we will provide you with an upfront, guaranteed price for the repair. We will explain the repair that is needed and will not perform any work without your explicit approval. This diagnostic fee is often applied toward the total cost of the repair if you choose to proceed with our service.

Deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner is a major decision for any homeowner. One of the most important factors to consider is the age of your current system. Most central air conditioners have an operational lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. If your unit is approaching or has surpassed this age range, investing in a significant repair may not be the most economical choice. An older system is more likely to experience additional component failures in the near future. Investing in a new, reliable system can often provide better long term value.

You should also weigh the cost of the needed repair against the cost of a new unit. A good guideline to use is the “5,000 rule” of thumb. To use this rule, you multiply the age of your unit in years by the estimated cost of the repair. If the resulting number is more than $5,000, replacement is generally recommended. For example, if a 10 year old unit needs a $600 repair, the result is $6,000, suggesting replacement is a better option. This simple formula helps put the cost of the repair into the context of the unit’s age and remaining lifespan.

Finally, consider the efficiency of your old unit compared to modern systems. Air conditioner technology has advanced significantly, and new units are far more energy efficient. A new, high efficiency air conditioner can dramatically lower your monthly cooling costs. These ongoing energy savings can help to offset the initial investment in a new system over time. Our technicians can help you analyze the cost of a repair versus the long term benefits and savings of a full replacement. We will provide honest advice to help you make the best choice for your home and budget.

Loud and unusual noises are your air conditioner’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Different sounds can point to different specific problems within the system. A persistent squealing or grinding noise often indicates an issue with a motor, such as the indoor blower motor or the outdoor condenser fan motor. These sounds are typically caused by worn out motor bearings that require immediate attention. Ignoring these noises can lead to the motor seizing up completely, resulting in a more expensive repair. It is best to turn the system off and call for service.

Mechanical noises like banging, clanking, or rattling often signal a problem with the compressor or a loose part. The compressor has many moving internal parts, and a banging sound could mean a connecting rod or other component has come loose. This is a very serious issue that requires immediate professional diagnosis to prevent catastrophic failure. A rattling noise might be less severe, sometimes indicating that a fan blade is out of balance or that some hardware has loosened over time. Either way, a technician should inspect the unit to find and fix the source of the noise.

Electrical issues can also create distinct sounds, most commonly a buzzing noise. If you hear a loud buzzing coming from your air conditioner, it often points to a problem with an electrical component like a contactor or a failing capacitor. A hissing sound is another important warning, as it almost always indicates a refrigerant leak. Because all of these noises signal a developing problem, you should not continue to run the unit. Call SWVA Mechanical to have a technician safely inspect the system and perform the necessary repair.

An air conditioner that suddenly stops working can be alarming, but the cause is often a simple one. The very first thing you should check is the circuit breaker for your AC system in your home’s main electrical panel. It is possible the breaker has tripped due to a momentary power surge or an overload. If the breaker has tripped, you can try resetting it once. If it trips again immediately, you should not reset it again; this indicates a deeper electrical problem that requires a professional technician. A tripped breaker is a very common reason for a sudden shutdown.

Another leading cause of a sudden AC shutdown is a clogged condensate drain line. Your system is equipped with a safety device called a float switch or overflow sensor. If the drain line becomes clogged with sludge and water backs up in the drain pan, this switch will activate. The switch’s job is to shut down the entire system to prevent water from overflowing and causing damage to your home. This is a protective measure, and while it is an inconvenience, it is working as intended. A technician can quickly clear the clog and reset the switch to get your system running again.

If the breaker and drain line are not the issue, the sudden failure could be due to a thermostat malfunction. The thermostat is the brain of the system, and if it fails or its batteries die, it cannot tell the AC to turn on. In other cases, a major electrical component within the air conditioner itself may have failed abruptly. This could be a failed transformer, capacitor, or motor that has burned out. Our expert technicians can systematically trace the source of the failure, from the thermostat to the internal wiring, to get your system back online.

An AC capacitor is a small but vital electrical component that functions like a temporary battery for your system’s motors. The motors that run your compressor and fans require a significant jolt of energy to start turning. The run capacitor provides this initial burst of power and also helps keep the motors running smoothly and efficiently. Without a working capacitor, the motors may struggle to start, hum without turning, or not start at all. There are typically at least two capacitors in a central air conditioning system, one for the compressor and one for the outdoor fan motor.

Capacitors fail for several reasons, but the most common cause is simply age and wear over time. These components are under constant stress every time your air conditioner cycles on and off. Exposure to extreme heat during the summer months can also cause a capacitor to degrade and eventually fail. Power surges from the electrical grid or lightning strikes are another common cause of capacitor failure. When a capacitor fails, it is one of the most frequent reasons for an AC repair call. The good news is that this is usually a straightforward and relatively inexpensive repair.

Because capacitor failure is so common, our SWVA Mechanical technicians carry a wide variety of replacement capacitors on their service vehicles. Our experts can quickly test the capacitors in your unit using a multimeter to see if they are within their operational specifications. If a capacitor has failed, the replacement process is typically very fast. A technician can safely discharge the old capacitor, disconnect it, and install the new one in its place. This single, simple repair can often get a completely non functional air conditioner back up and running in under an hour.

The duration of an air conditioning repair visit depends heavily on the specific nature of the problem. Many common repairs can be completed relatively quickly, often in less than two hours. This is especially true for issues where the failed component is a standard part that our technicians carry in their service vehicles. Repairs like replacing a capacitor, contactor, or thermostat fall into this category. Clearing a clogged condensate drain line is another example of a frequent and fast repair. Our goal is always to complete the repair and restore your comfort in a single visit whenever possible.

Some repairs are more complex and will naturally require more time to complete. For example, finding and fixing a refrigerant leak is a more meticulous process that can take several hours. The technician must first locate the precise location of the leak, which can be microscopic. Then they must perform the repair on the coil or line and then properly recharge the system. Similarly, replacing a major component like a blower motor or condenser fan motor is a more involved job that will take longer than a simple electrical fix. We will always give you an estimated timeframe for the repair.

The biggest factor that can extend a repair timeline is parts availability. While we stock our trucks with the most common repair parts, it is impossible to carry every part for every model of air conditioner. If your system requires a specific part that we do not have on hand, we will need to order it from one of our local suppliers. We will do everything we can to get the part as quickly as possible, often the same or the next day. Our team will keep you fully informed about the status of your part and schedule the follow up visit to complete the repair promptly.

Seeing ice or frost on your air conditioner is a definite sign that something is wrong. It may seem counterintuitive, but ice buildup is a symptom of a problem, not a sign of a system working too well. The most common cause of icing is restricted or insufficient airflow across the indoor evaporator coil. This is often caused by a very dirty air filter that is blocking the flow of air. It can also be caused by blocked or closed supply vents or a failing indoor blower motor. Without enough warm room air moving across it, the coil gets too cold and the condensation on it freezes.

Another major cause of a frozen air conditioner is a low level of refrigerant. When refrigerant is low, it means there is a leak somewhere in the system. The lower pressure inside the system causes the refrigerant to expand more than usual, which makes the evaporator coil get abnormally cold, well below freezing. This, in turn, causes the moisture that condenses on the coil to freeze into a solid block of ice. Continuing to run the air conditioner in this condition can cause liquid refrigerant to flood back to the compressor, which can cause severe and permanent damage.

If you see ice on your air conditioner, on either the indoor or outdoor components, you should take immediate action. The first step is to turn the system off at your thermostat to allow the ice to thaw completely. It can take several hours for a large block of ice to melt. Leaving the fan set to “on” can help circulate air and speed up the thawing process. Once the system is off, you should call SWVA Mechanical to schedule a repair visit. Do not turn the cooling back on, as this will only cause it to freeze up again and risk catastrophic compressor failure.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Repair

If your air conditioner is broken, contact SWVA Mechanical now for fast and reliable repair service. Our expert technicians will diagnose the problem and restore comfort to your Lebanon home.

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