AC Repair in Hoover, AL: Summer Fixes That Work

In Hoover, summer doesn’t just arrive. It steamrolls. If your AC can’t fend off the muggy heat after an afternoon at Moss Rock Preserve or a lap around the Galleria, Ethridge HVAC is the local team to call for ac repair hoover al and seasonal tune-ups that actually make a difference.

1. Change Clogged Filters Before They Choke Cooling

   
   

   A dirty filter strangles airflow and makes your system run hot and loud. Ethridge HVAC can match the right MERV rating for your home and improve airflow during any air conditioning service hoover al visit.
   

   • Replace basic filters every 30–60 days in summer.
   • Use pleated filters if you have pets or allergies.

2. Thermostat Sanity Check: Settings, Batteries, Placement

   
   

   A mis-set or failing thermostat can mimic bigger failures. During hvac service hoover al, we recalibrate settings and confirm the sensor isn’t in direct sun or near an air vent.
   

   • Set to “Cool” and “Auto,” not “On.”
   • Replace batteries yearly before peak heat.

3. Outdoor Unit Airflow: Clear the Jungle Around the Condenser

   
   

   Shrubs, grass, and leaves around the condenser trap heat. Ethridge HVAC trims clearance and washes coils during air conditioner repair hoover al appointments if performance is lagging.
   

   • Keep 2–3 feet of open space around the unit.
   • Gently rinse fins from the inside out.

4. Coil Cleaning: Grease, Pollen, and Dust Kill Efficiency

   
   

   Dirty evaporator or condenser coils steal cooling capacity. Our techs clean coils and check superheat/subcool values as part of ac repair hoover al diagnostics.
   

   • Don’t bend fins; use a fin comb if needed.
   • Schedule professional coil cleaning yearly.

5. Drain Line Flush: Stop the Summer Overflow

   
   

   Algae and slime block condensate lines, tripping float switches and shutting you down. We flush lines, add tablets, and install easy access tees during air conditioning service hoover al calls.
   

   • Pour a cup of vinegar into the drain monthly.
   • Check for water around the indoor unit.

6. Duct Leaks: Cooling the Attic Is Not a Hobby

   
   

   Leaky ducts waste cold air and money. Ethridge HVAC pressure-tests and seals ductwork so your system cools rooms, not rafters, and prepares you for air conditioning installation hoover al if replacement makes sense.
   

   • Look for kinks or disconnected runs.
   • Seal with mastic or UL 181 tape, not cloth tape.

7. Low Refrigerant Isn’t a ‘Top-Off’; It’s a Leak

   
   

   Warm air, ice on lines, and long run times point to a refrigerant problem. We find and fix leaks, then charge to spec. That’s real air conditioner repair hoover al, not guesswork.
   

   • Watch for hissing or oil stains at fittings.
   • Never add refrigerant without leak detection.

8. Capacitors and Contactors: Small Parts, Big Headaches

   
   

   Hard starts, buzzing, or random shutoffs often trace to these wear items. During hvac service hoover al, Ethridge HVAC tests and replaces weak components before they wreck a hot weekend.
   

   • Listen for clicking without fan/compressor start.
   • Burned contacts call for replacement.

9. Breathe Easier: IAQ Helps Cooling Work Better

   
   

   High humidity makes 75°F feel like a sauna. Our indoor air quality upgrades can steady temps and reduce strain during indoor air quality hoover al consultations.
   

   • Dehumidifiers reduce sticky, clammy rooms.
   • UV lights keep coils cleaner, longer.

Schedule Your Service Today

Ready for reliable comfort? Contact Ethridge HVAC or call (205) 428-6935.
Visit our Hoover, AL service page.