Residential AC Repair
AC Repair in Southeast Michigan
When the house is 80 degrees and climbing, you need someone who finds the actual problem — not someone who reaches for a refrigerant jug first.
Quick answer
If your air conditioner has stopped cooling, call 248-714-6563. We repair central air conditioners and heat pumps of every major brand across Southeast Michigan. A technician diagnoses the actual fault, explains what is wrong and what it costs, and gets your approval before any work starts. Most repairs are finished in a single visit, and quotes are always free.
Common AC problems we fix
Most air conditioning calls in Southeast Michigan come down to a short list of problems. Here is what we see most.
Running but not cooling
The fan runs and air moves, but it is warm. Usually a failed capacitor or contactor at the outdoor unit, a dirty condenser coil, or low refrigerant from a leak.
Outdoor unit will not start
The indoor fan runs but the outside unit is silent. A failed capacitor, a tripped breaker or disconnect, or a contactor that has burned out.
Ice on the lines or coil
Frost on the copper line or the indoor coil means the system is starved of airflow or refrigerant. Turn the cooling off and let it thaw before it does damage.
Water around the furnace
The indoor coil drains through a small line. When it clogs, water backs up and overflows, often right onto the furnace below.
Short cycling
The AC turns on and off every few minutes. A dirty filter, a thermostat problem, or a system that is oversized for the house.
Weak airflow
Little air coming out of the vents. A clogged filter, a dirty indoor coil, a failing blower motor, or a disconnected duct.
Loud or unusual noises
Buzzing, grinding, rattling or a high squeal. Each points somewhere different — an electrical part, a fan motor bearing, or something loose in the cabinet.
Rising electric bills
Same comfort, higher bill. Dirty coils, low refrigerant, and aging parts all make the system work harder for the same result.
What happens when you call
- 1
You tell us what the air conditioner is doing, and when it started.
- 2
A technician diagnoses the actual fault — electrical, airflow, or refrigerant — not just the symptom.
- 3
You get the repair and the price explained before anything comes apart. Nothing starts without your say-so.
- 4
Most repairs are finished in the same visit. If a part has to be ordered, you will know that day.
About refrigerant
A properly working air conditioner does not use up refrigerant. If yours is low, there is a leak, and adding refrigerant without finding it means paying for the same problem again next summer. We tell you where the leak is and whether it is worth fixing. If your system uses R-410A, the refrigerant that is being phased down, our article on the R-410A phase-out explains what that means for repair costs.
Before you call — three quick checks
Is the thermostat set to Cool and below room temperature? Is the filter clean? Are both breakers on — the one for the furnace or air handler and the one for the outdoor unit — and is the outdoor disconnect switch on? Those checks cost nothing and solve a fair number of calls.
Repair or replace?
Most central air conditioners in Michigan last somewhere around fifteen years, sometimes longer. Under ten years old, repair is almost always the right answer. Past fifteen, with a major repair such as a compressor or a refrigerant leak in the coil, it is worth comparing the repair to a new system. We will tell you which side of that line you are on — and we will say repair it when repair is the right answer. Our article on the 4 signs your AC needs to be replaced walks through the warning signs.
Every major brand
We service every major air conditioner and heat pump brand. The equipment beside your house does not need to match a badge on our van.
Where we repair air conditioners
Kern Mechanical repairs air conditioners across Oakland, Livingston, Genesee, Macomb, Wayne and Washtenaw counties — including Milford, Highland, Commerce Township, White Lake, Wixom, South Lyon, Brighton, Howell, Novi, Walled Lake, Waterford, Northville, Plymouth, Ann Arbor and Fenton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my AC running but not cooling the house?
The most common causes are a failed capacitor or contactor at the outdoor unit, a dirty condenser coil, a clogged filter, or low refrigerant from a leak. Check the filter and the thermostat setting first. If the air is still warm, call us.
How much does AC repair cost?
It depends on the fault. A capacitor or contactor sits at the low end. A refrigerant leak repair, a fan motor or a compressor is considerably more. You will have the price before the work starts, and the quote is free.
Why is there ice on my air conditioner?
Ice on the refrigerant line or indoor coil usually means restricted airflow — often a dirty filter or coil — or low refrigerant. Turn the cooling off and run the fan to thaw it, replace the filter, and call if it comes back.
Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
Under ten years old, repair is almost always the right answer. Past about fifteen years, with a major repair like a compressor or a coil leak, compare the repair to a new system. We will give you an honest answer either way.
Do you repair heat pumps?
Yes. We repair heat pumps as well as central air conditioners, including systems that heat in winter. See our article on whether heat pumps work in Michigan winters.
Do you offer free quotes?
Quotes are always free. We explain the repair and the cost before we start, and nothing happens without your approval.
Emergency service available
Heat out? Cooling down? Call us now.
Whether it is a planned replacement or an emergency HVAC repair, Kern Mechanical is available to handle all of your heating, cooling, and ventilation needs.