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Emergency AC Repair in San Antonio
When your AC fails in a San Antonio summer, waiting isn't an option. Indoor temps can hit 90°+ within hours. We connect you with licensed HVAC contractors who offer 24/7 emergency service across Bexar County. Most common repairs get done in a single visit.
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Why AC Emergencies Are Serious in San Antonio
San Antonio averages 16 days per year above 100°F. During a heat wave, that number can double. Without AC, indoor temperatures climb fast — 85°+ within 2–3 hours, 95°+ by evening. For elderly residents, infants and people with health conditions, that's genuinely dangerous.
The Texas grid adds another risk. During extreme heat events, ERCOT sometimes calls for conservation measures. A failing AC system that's drawing excessive power can trip breakers and create electrical hazards. Getting a same-day repair isn't just about comfort — it's about safety.
Emergency AC Repair Costs
Emergency repairs cost the same as standard repairs plus an after-hours surcharge. Here's the breakdown:
| Service | San Antonio Cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency Diagnostic Call | $100–$200 |
| Capacitor (emergency) | $175–$550 |
| Refrigerant Recharge (emergency) | $200–$700 |
| Blower Motor (emergency) | $400–$1,000 |
| Compressor (emergency) | $1,700–$3,200 |
| After-Hours Surcharge | $50–$150 |
| Weekend/Holiday Premium | $75–$200 |
When to Call 911 Instead of HVAC
If someone in your home shows signs of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness) or heat stroke (no sweating, confusion, loss of consciousness, body temp above 103°F), call 911 immediately. Move them to the coolest area available, apply cool water and fan them. Don't wait for the AC tech.
Most Common Emergency AC Failures
Capacitor Failure
The most common emergency call. Your outdoor unit hums but won't start, or the fan barely spins. San Antonio heat accelerates capacitor degradation — they're designed for 10–15 years but often fail at 5–8 years here. Repair: $175–$550 with emergency surcharge. Fix time: 30 minutes.
Refrigerant Leak
System blows warm air or ice forms on the refrigerant lines. Leaks develop at joints, coils and valves — vibration and thermal cycling cause them. Emergency recharge: $200–$700. Leak repair: $200–$1,500 additional. The tech can recharge to get you cooling while scheduling the full leak repair.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
A block of ice on your indoor coil. Usually caused by low refrigerant, a dirty filter or a failing blower motor. Turn the system to "fan only" to thaw it — takes 2–4 hours. The tech needs the coil thawed before they can diagnose the root cause. Total repair depends on what caused the freeze.
Electrical Failure / Tripped Breaker
AC keeps tripping the breaker or won't turn on at all. Could be a shorted component, a failing compressor drawing too much current or a wiring issue. Don't keep resetting the breaker — if it trips twice, call a pro. Repeated tripping creates fire risk. Repair: $100–$600 depending on the cause.
What to Do While Waiting for the Tech
Do This
- • Turn thermostat to OFF
- • Open windows if cooler outside
- • Run ceiling fans and box fans
- • Close blinds and curtains
- • Move to lowest floor
- • Stay hydrated
- • Check your air filter
Don't Do This
- • Don't keep resetting tripped breakers
- • Don't open the outdoor unit
- • Don't add refrigerant yourself
- • Don't run the system if it's making grinding noises
- • Don't pour water on the outdoor unit
- • Don't leave pets in a hot house
Emergency AC Repair Questions — San Antonio
How fast can an emergency AC tech get to my house in San Antonio?
During summer peak (June–August), expect 2–4 hours. Demand is extreme — every HVAC company in the city is running flat out. Off-peak months, response times drop to 1–2 hours. Location matters too. Central San Antonio and areas near Loop 410 get faster response than far north (Stone Oak) or far south (Von Ormy) locations.
My AC stopped working at midnight. Should I wait until morning?
Depends on the temperature and who's in the house. If it's 95°+ outside and you have elderly family members, infants or pets, call for emergency service now. Heat-related illness is a real risk in San Antonio summers. If it's a mild night in spring or fall and everyone is healthy, waiting until morning saves you the $50–$150 after-hours surcharge.
What should I do while waiting for the emergency tech?
Open windows if it's cooler outside than inside. Run ceiling fans and portable fans. Close blinds and curtains to block heat. Stay hydrated. Move to the lowest floor of your home — heat rises. If you have a portable AC unit or window unit, use it in one room. Don't try to fix the system yourself — you could make the problem worse or create a safety hazard.
Can I avoid emergency repairs?
Annual tune-ups ($75–$150) catch 80% of the problems that cause emergency failures. Schedule yours in March or April — before the summer rush. Change your air filter every 30–60 days during summer. Listen for unusual sounds (clicking, buzzing, grinding) and address them during business hours before they become midnight emergencies.
Is emergency AC repair covered by my home warranty?
Most home warranties cover AC repair including emergency calls, but you're limited to their network contractors. Response times through warranty companies can be 24–72 hours during peak season — not great for a true emergency. The service call fee is typically $75–$125. If you need faster service, you can pay out-of-pocket for an independent contractor and skip the warranty.
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