AC Repair in Fairfax, VA
Residential Air Conditioning Repair Throughout Fairfax County & Northern Virginia
When your cooling system is running but not keeping up, it is easy to put off calling someone until the situation gets worse. The problem is that a struggling system in June has a way of becoming a broken system in August, right when you need it most.
The good news is that most AC failures do not come out of nowhere. Your system will usually give you signs that something is off weeks or even months before it stops working altogether. When you notice that something is amiss, give Long's Corporation a call. We have been repairing residential cooling systems across Northern Virginia since 1936. Our team offers same-day service, straightforward diagnostics, and repairs backed by warranties on both parts and labor.
Don’t wait; let our team keep your family cool. Call (571) 470-5898 or contact us online to schedule AC repair in Fairfax, VA.
Your home deserves reliable comfort and dependable plumbing. Our financing options help make repairs, replacements, and installations easier to manage. Apply today and take the next step toward a more comfortable home.
How Electrical Issues Cause the Most Misdiagnosed AC Failures
Refrigerant problems and mechanical failures tend to get most of the attention when people think about AC repairs, but electrical faults are behind a significant number of residential system breakdowns and are often the last thing that gets looked at.
Capacitors, which store and release the energy needed to start and run the compressor and fan motors, are among the most frequent failure points. When a capacitor weakens, the motor has to work harder to start, which generates excess heat and wear that shorten the motor's life over time. In some cases, a failing capacitor is the only thing standing between a working system and a compressor replacement.
Contactors, the electrical switches that control power to the compressor, develop pitting and carbon buildup with regular use and can eventually fail to make consistent contact. Both components are relatively affordable to replace when caught early. The problem is when they go undetected long enough to damage something more costly.
Common electrical warning signs to watch for include:
- Frequent breaker trips that happen when the air conditioner starts or shortly after it has been running.
- Outdoor unit humming without the fan or compressor actually turning on.
- Lights dimming briefly inside the home when the system starts a cooling cycle.
- Burning or hot plastic smells coming from the air handler, outdoor unit, or nearby electrical panel.
- Intermittent system operation where the AC turns off and on without changes at the thermostat.
-
"Highly Recommend"
I would highly recommend Longs Corporation. They were punctual, diagnosed and fixed the same day. The technician who always comes to our house, Steve, is professional, punctual, and knowledgeable.
Stephanie K. -
"Excellent Experience"
I had an excellent experience with Long’s corporation. Plumbing work was outstanding, and I will say very reasonable. I would definitely use them again, as I was thoroughly satisfied from beginning to end.
Dale H.
Why Choose Us?
Benefits of Working With an Expert Team
-
Immediate, Same-Day Service
Some things can't wait. We can come see you today!
-
100% Satisfaction GuaranteeWe never leave you unhappy! We guarantee it.
-
Hablamos EspañolOur team is proud to help with Spanish services.
-
Women-Owned Company
Three generations of woman-owned leadership.
-
Affordable Financing Options
We make services affordable with financing options.
-
24/7 Call Support Available
We're here to help you whenever you need us.
What a Frozen Evaporator Coil Is Telling You
Finding ice on your air conditioning unit, whether on the indoor coil or along the refrigerant lines outside, understandably catches homeowners off guard. The most common causes are restricted airflow from a clogged filter or blocked return vent, and low refrigerant charge. Either condition prevents the coil from absorbing heat as it is supposed to, and moisture on its surface freezes instead of draining away normally. A frozen coil also means your system is working overtime to cool a space it simply cannot reach at that point.
If you keep running a frozen system, you risk liquid refrigerant backing up into the compressor, which can cause serious, lasting damage to the unit's most expensive part. The right move is to turn the system off and call Long's Corporation for service. Switching to fan-only mode while you wait can help the coil thaw without putting additional strain on the system.
Signs You Need AC Repair in Fairfax
Many cooling problems start small, and recognizing early warning signs can help you avoid a complete breakdown on a 90-degree day. You might notice certain rooms in your Fairfax home never quite reach the temperature you set, or that the system runs almost nonstop without making much progress. Unusual sounds, new vibrations, or warm air coming from the vents are all clues that something in the system is not working as it should. Paying attention to these changes and acting quickly can often turn a major repair into a more manageable visit.
Energy bills that suddenly jump from one month to the next without a change in weather or thermostat settings are another common red flag. In our humid Northern Virginia climate, a struggling system may also remove less moisture from the air, leaving your home feeling sticky even when the thermostat reading looks normal. If you notice musty odors when the system starts, frequent cycling on and off, or ice beginning to form on the outdoor lines, it is time to have a professional take a closer look instead of waiting for the system to fail at the peak of summer.
Over our decades serving Fairfax County, we have seen how quickly minor issues turn into uncomfortable situations when the heat index climbs. Calling for air conditioning repair as soon as you sense that something is off gives us the best chance to address the problem during a scheduled visit, rather than an emergency call when appointments are limited. Our goal is to help you stay ahead of breakdowns by sharing what to watch for and by responding promptly when you reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions in Fairfax, VA
Why Is My AC Unit Making a Loud Screeching Noise?
A high-pitched screeching sound usually indicates a problem with the blower motor belt or the condenser fan motor bearings. In older systems, the belt can slip or fray over time. If you hear a metal-on-metal grinding sound, it often means the motor bearings have worn out entirely. It is best to shut the system down immediately to avoid the motor seizing, which could lead to a much more expensive repair.
Is It Normal for Water to Pool Around My Indoor AC Unit?
No, water pooling around the furnace or air handler is a sign of a clogged condensate drain line. As your AC dehumidifies the air, moisture collects on the coils and drips into a pan. If that drain line is blocked by algae or debris, the water backs up and overflows. In Fairfax, the high humidity makes this a common issue. We recommend regular drain line flushing to help prevent water damage to your flooring or drywall.
Long's Corporation is happy to help keep your family comfortable. Call (571) 470-5898 or contact us online to schedule air conditioning repair in Fairfax, VA today.
