10 best air conditioning repair companies in Birmingham, Alabama
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score air conditioning repair companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
An air conditioner (AC) malfunctioning in the middle of summer needs urgent repairs. An AC professional in Birmingham, Alabama, can repair your broken AC quickly and seamlessly.
There are many possible causes behind AC breakdowns. Your best option is to get in touch with an expert rather than guessing at solutions yourself.
AC repair technicians are trained to safely conduct electrical work and work with refrigerants, which are toxic materials that require a certification to handle.
Summer temperatures in Birmingham get up to 88 degrees on average, making your AC indispensable. Get an AC pro within your budget by requesting quotes from multiple providers.
Find the best local AC repair company for you in Birmingham
Look for AC repair companies in Birmingham with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.
Service Tech, Inc.
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Norrell Service Experts
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One Source Heating, Cooling & Electrical
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Coolray Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
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Alatec Heating & Cooling
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Airloc
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Cool Breeze Inc
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Aire Serv of Birmingham
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Air Experts
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Brown Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
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What are signs your AC unit needs to be repaired?
Here are some signs your AC unit needs to be repaired:
- Rising energy bills: According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and Department of Energy (DOE), the average local spending on energy is $154 per month. Your AC unit may need servicing if your energy bills are increasing.
- Inconsistent temperatures: A well-functioning AC unit should keep your entire home at a consistent temperature. Major temperature differences between rooms may signal a problem with your HVAC system.
- The internal temperature doesn’t match the thermostat: Differences between the thermostat's temperature and your home's actual temperature means there may be an issue with the thermostat or AC system.
- Leaks around the AC unit: Fluid leaking around the AC is a problem. This could be leaking refrigerant or water from a damaged or obstructed tube. Either way, call an AC repair company as soon as possible.
- Weird noises: AC systems make some level of noise, but loud or unusual noises, such as clicking, screeching or bubbling, can mean a serious issue.
- Strange odors: An AC will typically let off a smell after months of disuse, but it's unusual for an in-use AC to develop a sudden odd odor.
- Weak airflow: If your AC has poor or weak airflow, that's a sign your AC isn't working properly or the duct or vent is blocked.
- Warm air: Warm air indicates a potential issue with your home’s ductwork or that your system's compressor is low on refrigerant.
- Frequent cycles: AC systems go through regular cooling cycles. Your system should turn on more frequently on warmer days, but it shouldn’t cycle on and off constantly.
Facts about Birmingham
Average High in July
Average Low in January
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How do you choose the best AC repair company in Birmingham?
Consider these factors when researching AC repair companies in the Birmingham area.
Make sure the company is licensed in Alabama
Only book AC repair companies with proper licensing and insurance. The Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors requires HVAC contractors to maintain proper licensing. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all HVAC pros who handle refrigerants to be certified. They must also have a cash bond or surety and worker’s compensation insurance.
Look for national accreditations
While not required, there are national accreditations for AC pros, such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Having a certification from one of these professional associations offers proof of a technician's skill and knowledge in the field.
Get a free estimate
The standard practice among AC repair companies is to offer free estimates in which a technician diagnoses the issue, suggests solutions and gives you a quote. Pay close attention to how thorough the technician is during the inspection.
Compare costs
Get comprehensive estimates from multiple AC repair companies to compare pricing. Comparing rates from several providers will help you get an idea of the average local price range. Be cautious of offers that are too high or too low.
Assess experience
The technician you choose should be familiar with the type of work you need done. Some HVAC technicians specialize in certain types of systems, whereas others have more generalized experience.
Read reviews
Ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations for local AC repair companies. And always look up a company’s online reviews.
When looking through reviews, watch out for consistently bad feedback. Read primarily current reviews, as the company's service quality could have changed over the years.
What are popular types of AC units in Birmingham?
Below are the AC unit types you'll typically find in Birmingham homes, along with which homes they suit the most:
- Central: Standard central AC units are very common in Birmingham, as they’re reliable and efficiently cool your entire home, making them well-suited for hot climates.
- Ductless mini-split: The ductless mini-split is another common type of AC unit. It's a great option for homes without ductwork.
- Hybrid: Hybrid systems both heat and cool your home by combining heat pumps with furnaces.
- Heat pumps: More homeowners in Birmingham use heat pumps, which are more cost-effective in warmer climates.
Best air conditioning repair for you
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Our methodology for selecting AC repair companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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