Service Repair
Our highly skilled technicians ensuring your equipment operates efficiently and safely.
When your air conditioner quits in an Orange County heat wave, you want someone at the door today and a straight answer about the cost. Smartchoice Air Conditioning, Heating & Electrical offers same-day AC repair when you call by noon, Monday to Saturday, across Orange County. We repair every major brand (Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Goodman, Rheem, Bryant, York and more), whoever installed it.
$65 service call, credited to your repair · flat price before any work · 100% labor warranty on every repair · (949) 229-6766
AC Repair Prices in Orange County
Real prices, so you know what to expect before we arrive. Repair prices are “from” because a second part, a start kit or a different part type can add to them; you always approve the final price first.
| Repair | Price |
|---|---|
| Service call and diagnosis | $65, credited to the repair |
| Capacitor (outdoor or indoor) | from $250 |
| Contactor | from $239 |
| Hard-start kit | from $285 |
| Condenser fan motor | from $389 |
| Blower motor | from $389 |
| Drain line cleaning + overflow switch | from $375 |
| Thermostat (standard / smart) | from $189 / from $289 |
| Refrigerant leak search | from $65 |
| Refrigerant R-410A / R-454B | from $75 / from $95 per lb |
| Compressor | $1,800–$2,800 ($700–$1,450 under manufacturer warranty) |
Signs Your AC Needs Repair
- Running but not cooling: usually a capacitor, a low refrigerant charge, a frozen coil or a dirty filter. Here’s what to check first and what each fix costs.
- Outdoor unit humming but the fan won’t spin: almost always a weak capacitor or a failing fan motor. Turn the system off so the compressor doesn’t overheat.
- Breaker trips when the AC starts: a hard-starting compressor, a shorted part or a loose connection. See why an AC trips the breaker.
- Ice on the lines or water around the indoor unit: an airflow, drain or refrigerant problem. Turn it off and let it thaw before we arrive.
- Short cycling (on and off every few minutes): thermostat, low charge, an oversized system or an electrical fault.
- Grinding, squealing or burning smells: motor bearings or an electrical part overheating. Shut it off and call.
- A sudden jump in your SCE bill: the system is running longer to do the same job, often from a weak part or low charge.
Repairs We Finish on the First Visit
Our trucks carry the parts that fail most in Orange County: capacitors, contactors, hard-start kits, condenser fan motors and common thermostats. Most no-cool calls end with a part like these and the system cooling again the same day. When a part has to be ordered (a specific blower motor, a control board or a compressor), we tell you the price and the date before you decide.
Repair First, Replace Only When the Math Says So
Most contractors sell you a new system. We try to fix yours first. A $250 capacitor is not a reason to buy a $7,000 air conditioner.
We use the $5,000 rule: multiply the system’s age by the repair price. Under $5,000, repairing is usually the better deal; over $5,000, a new system usually is. Inland Orange County systems last about 12–15 years. Units installed before about 2010 run on R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer made, so a large leak on those systems often tips the math toward replacement. Either way you get the honest numbers, and the choice is yours. Read the full repair-or-replace guide, or see AC installation prices.
How an AC Repair Visit Works
- Call by noon. We schedule you the same day in most of Orange County (office Monday to Friday 8–5, Saturday 9–4).
- A licensed technician diagnoses the system: electrical parts, refrigerant pressures, airflow and drain.
- You get a flat price for the repair before any work starts. The $65 service call is credited to it.
- We repair and test it, and show you the old part.
- 100% labor warranty on every repair, plus the manufacturer’s warranty on parts.
Systems and Brands We Repair
Central air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits and package units, from every major brand, including older R-22 systems that some companies won’t touch. If your system also heats, we handle furnace repair too. Window units: a repair usually costs more than the unit is worth, so we recommend replacing them rather than repairing.
Apartments, Offices and Small Businesses
We also repair AC for apartment buildings, condo associations, offices and small shops across Orange County: split systems, package units on the roof and ductless systems. The commercial service call is $95, credited to the repair, with the same flat price before any work. Property managers can call (949) 229-6766 to set up service for several units.
AC Repair Near You
We repair air conditioners across Orange County, including Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton (our home base), Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park and Yorba Linda. See all areas we serve.
Keep It From Breaking Again
Most summer breakdowns start as a weak capacitor or a dirty coil that a spring tune-up would have caught. A tune-up is $79, or join the membership ($265 a year or $22 a month). See HVAC maintenance.
AC Repair FAQs
How much does AC repair cost in Orange County?
The service call is $65 and is credited to the repair. Common repairs: capacitor from $250, contactor from $239, fan motor from $389, refrigerant leak search from $65. A compressor is $1,800–$2,800. You get a flat price before any work starts, so there are no hourly surprises.
Do you offer same-day AC repair?
Yes, when you call by noon, Monday to Saturday, in most of Orange County. Our trucks carry the common parts, so most repairs are finished on that first visit.
Do you offer 24-hour or emergency AC repair?
No. We don’t run after-hours or Sunday service. The office answers Monday to Friday 8–5 and Saturday 9–4, and calls before noon are usually seen the same day.
Why is my AC running but not cooling the house?
It usually traces back to a few culprits: a weak capacitor, low refrigerant from a leak, a dirty or frozen evaporator coil, or a clogged filter choking the airflow. Sometimes it’s just a thermostat setting. The causes range from a five-minute fix to a serious repair, so have it diagnosed before it gets worse. Here’s what to check first and what each fix costs.
Why is my AC unit frozen or leaking water?
Ice on the refrigerant lines or indoor coil, or water around the unit, almost always points to an airflow or refrigerant problem: a dirty filter, a blocked condensate drain or low refrigerant. Turn the system off and let it thaw, because running it frozen can damage the compressor. We find the cause instead of just clearing the symptom, so it doesn’t freeze up again a week later.
Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
Use the $5,000 rule: multiply the system’s age by the repair price. Under $5,000, repair; over $5,000, a new system is usually the better deal. Inland Orange County systems last about 12–15 years, and R-22 systems with a big leak often tip toward replacement. We show you the numbers and never push a replacement you don’t need. Read the repair-or-replace guide.
How long does an AC repair take?
Most repairs take 1–2 hours once the technician is there, because the common parts are on the truck. Parts that have to be ordered usually arrive in 1–3 days, and we give you the price and date first.
Is the repair guaranteed?
Yes: a 100% labor warranty on every repair, plus the manufacturer’s warranty on parts.
What air conditioner brands and systems do you repair?
Every major brand, including Lennox, Carrier, Trane, York, Bryant, Rheem and Goodman, wherever you bought it. We work on central air, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, package units and older R-22 systems. Window units usually aren’t worth repairing, so we recommend replacing them.
Do you repair AC in apartment buildings and businesses?
Yes. We service apartment buildings, condo associations, offices and small businesses across Orange County. The commercial service call is $95, credited to the repair, and you get a flat price before any work.
How often should I have my air conditioner serviced?
Once a year for most homes, ideally a spring tune-up before the first heat wave. It catches a weak capacitor, low refrigerant or a dirty coil before they become a breakdown, and many manufacturer warranties require yearly service. A tune-up is $79, or $265 a year with the membership. See HVAC maintenance.
Ready to get cool again? Call (949) 229-6766 or schedule your AC repair online.
Types of Air Conditioning Systems We Repair
At Smartchoice Air Conditioning, Heating & Electrical, we understand that different homes and businesses have unique cooling needs. That’s why our team of expert technicians is trained to repair a variety of air conditioning systems, including:
Central Air Conditioning Systems
These systems use ducts to distribute cooled air throughout the entire building. They are efficient for cooling larger spaces and are controlled by a central thermostat.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ideal for homes without ductwork or for room additions, ductless mini-split systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air-handling units. They offer flexible cooling options and are energy-efficient.
Window Air Conditioning Units
Commonly found in apartments or single rooms, window AC units are self-contained systems installed in windows or through walls. They are cost-effective and easy to install but may be less efficient for cooling larger spaces.
Commercial HVAC Systems
Designed for larger commercial or industrial spaces, commercial HVAC systems provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. They are complex systems that require specialized knowledge for repair and maintenance.
Our ServicesHVAC & Electrical Service
HVAC SERVICE
ELECTRICAL SERVICE
Call by Noon for Same-Day AC Repair: $65 Service Call, Credited to Your Repair
or Call Us
(949) 229 6766
Why Choose Smartchoice for AC Repair?
Choose Smartchoice Air Conditioning, Heating & Electrical for your AC repair because:
Repair First
We fix your system when it makes sense instead of selling you a new one.
Flat Price Up Front
You see and approve the price before we start. The $65 service call is credited to the repair.
Parts on the Truck
Capacitors, contactors, hard-start kits, fan motors and common thermostats, so most repairs are finished on the first visit.
100% Labor Warranty
On every repair, plus the manufacturer’s warranty on parts.
Fully Guaranteed Work
Certified Technicians
Call Us Today
(949) 229 6766
What You'll Experience After An AC RepairBenefits of Choosing Smartchoice for AC Repair
When Smartchoice Air Conditioning, Heating & Electrical technicians arrive at your home, their truck will be stocked with the parts most frequently prone to failure. We carry replacement parts including blower motors, compressors, wiring, filters, refrigerant tanks and refills, trim kits, and more. This means most common AC repairs can be completed in one trip.
Cost Savings
Avoid the expense of replacing your entire system by repairing it. A faulty air conditioner can waste power trying to achieve the desired temperature, so repairs can reduce energy costs.
Improved Comfort
Repairs help maintain a comfortable environment in your home or office by ensuring your AC operates efficiently.
Enhanced Efficiency
Even a simple tune-up can result in higher efficiency, cleaner air, and improved reliability of your air conditioning system.
Convenience
Our technicians are equipped to handle most repairs on the spot, minimizing downtime and inconvenience.
Business Hours
Monday-Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday: 9AM-4PM
We'll get back to you within one business day, or call us Monday to Saturday.
Contact UsGet in Touch
Ready to have your air conditioning working again?
You can make your air conditioning service appointment today by giving us a call at (949) 229-6766
We also provide AC maintenance as well as heating repair services!