FAQ
AC Repair FAQ
Straight answers about AC repair, pricing, maintenance, leaks and replacements in Miami.
The basics
Common questions
How much does AC repair cost in Miami?
It depends on what failed, so we never guess over the phone. We tell you the service call price before we come out, diagnose the system, and give you the repair price before any work starts. You decide with the number in front of you.
Are you really open 24 hours?
Yes. 360 AC Repair is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. Call or text (305) 555-0136 any time.
What areas do you serve?
Miami and the rest of Miami-Dade County, including Miami Beach, Hialeah, Kendall, Doral, Coral Gables, Miami Gardens, North Miami, Aventura, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Homestead and Key Biscayne.
Do you work on all brands?
Yes. We repair and maintain central air conditioners, heat pumps, air handlers, ductless mini splits and rooftop units, whatever the brand.
Should I repair or replace my AC?
If the system is fairly young and the repair is small, repair it. If it is older, needs a major part like a compressor, or uses an older refrigerant, replacing it may cost less over the next few years. We give you both numbers and an honest recommendation.
What should I do if my AC stops working?
Check that the thermostat is set to cool and below room temperature, replace a dirty filter, and check the breaker once. If the breaker trips again, there is ice on the lines, water is leaking or you smell burning, turn the system off and call us.
How often should my AC be serviced in Miami?
At least once a year, and twice a year for older systems, homes near the water or units that run all day. Change the filter every one to three months.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
The usual causes in Miami are a dirty air filter or coil, low refrigerant from a leak, a failed capacitor on the outdoor fan, or a frozen indoor coil. Turn the system off if you see ice on the copper line, and give us a call. Running it frozen can damage the compressor.
How much does AC repair cost in Miami?
It depends on what failed. A capacitor and a refrigerant leak are very different jobs. We diagnose first and give you the exact price before we start, so you decide with the number in front of you.
Do you repair all AC brands?
Yes. We work on the central air conditioners, heat pumps, air handlers and ductless systems found in Miami homes and businesses, whatever the brand.
Do you really answer at night?
Yes. We are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.
Do you charge more for emergency AC repair?
After-hours visits can cost more than a scheduled weekday visit. We tell you the price on the phone before we come out, so there is no surprise.
What should I do while I wait?
If you see ice or water, turn the system off at the thermostat. If you smell burning, turn it off at the breaker too. Close blinds on the sunny side, run ceiling fans, and keep doors to unused rooms closed.
How much does a new AC unit cost in Miami?
It depends on the size of the home, the efficiency level and whether the air handler and ductwork are replaced too. We give you a written estimate with options after we see the house, and the estimate for a replacement is free.
How do I know if I should replace my AC?
Common signs are an older system that needs a major repair, a unit that uses an old refrigerant that is now expensive to service, rising power bills, and a house that never feels dry. We give you an honest repair-or-replace comparison.
Do I need to replace the air handler too?
Usually the outdoor unit and the indoor air handler should match so the system runs at its rated efficiency and keeps its warranty. We explain when it makes sense to replace both and when it does not.
How often should I service my AC in Miami?
At least once a year, and twice a year if the system is older, near the water or runs all day. Spring and fall are the best times, before and after the hardest months.
How often should I change my AC filter?
Every one to three months in Miami, depending on the filter, pets and how dusty the home is. A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of frozen coils.
Does a tune-up lower my power bill?
A clean coil and correct refrigerant charge let the system cool with less run time, which usually shows up on the bill. Results depend on how neglected the system was.
Why is my AC leaking water inside the house?
Most of the time the condensate drain line is clogged with algae and the pan overflows. Other causes are a frozen indoor coil, a dirty filter, a cracked pan or a failed float switch.
Should I turn off my AC if it is leaking?
Yes. Turn it off at the thermostat to stop more water, dry what you can and call us. Running a leaking system can damage ceilings, floors and the system itself.
Can I clear the AC drain line myself?
Pouring a cup of white vinegar into the drain access every few months helps keep it clean. A line that is already blocked usually needs suction from the outside cleanout, which is what we do.
How often should air ducts be cleaned in Miami?
Every few years for most homes, sooner after a renovation, if you have pets or allergies, or if you see dust blowing from the vents or smell mustiness when the AC starts.
Will duct cleaning help my allergies?
Removing built-up dust and debris can help, especially with a good filter changed on schedule. It is one part of indoor air quality, not a cure.
How long does duct cleaning take?
Most homes take a few hours, depending on the number of vents and how the ductwork is laid out.
Is a mini split good for Miami?
Yes, for single rooms and spaces the central system does not reach. Modern mini splits are efficient, quiet and handle humidity well when sized correctly.
Can a mini split cool a garage in Miami?
Yes, if it is sized for the heat load. Garages are often poorly insulated, so we size for that, and insulating the garage door helps a lot.
Why does my mini split smell musty?
The indoor coil and blower wheel collect moisture and dust and can grow mildew. A deep cleaning usually fixes it.
Do you work on rooftop AC units?
Yes. Rooftop packaged units are what most Miami strip centers and small commercial buildings use, and we repair and maintain them.
Can you work after business hours?
Yes. We are open 24/7 and can schedule work before you open or after you close.
Do you offer commercial maintenance plans?
We set up a maintenance schedule for your units based on how hard they run. Ask when you call and we will put one together.
Schedule service
AC acting up? Tell us what it is doing.
Three quick steps. We reply with the soonest time we can be there and the service call price before we come out.
- Price before any work starts
- Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Homes, condos and businesses