Phil did a great job of carefully examining all the components of our almost 20 year old HVAC system. He took detailed photos and videos to show me the status. And he didn’t try to sell me anything else! Great experience 10/10System inspection
AC Repair in Portland, Often Fixed the Same Day
Need AC repair in Portland? If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, won't turn on, or is leaking water, Efficiency Heating & Cooling can usually send a NATE-certified technician the same day.

The diagnostic is $189, and it is applied to the repair if you go ahead. We quote the repair before any work starts, with no overtime charges. Licensed in Oregon (CCB #187834) and serving Portland and nearby cities since 2008.
Same-Day AC Repair in Portland
AC repair calls in Portland usually start with something you notice. The vents blow warm air, the system won't turn on, water collects around the indoor unit, or the outdoor unit makes a new noise. These problems usually get worse the longer the system runs, so an early call often means a smaller repair.
Most of those calls become same-day visits. The technician runs a full diagnostic, finds the cause, and explains it in plain language. Our trucks carry the parts that fail most often, so we usually finish the repair on the first visit.
The diagnostic is $189, and we apply it to the repair if you go ahead. We quote the repair before any work starts. We charge no overtime for evenings, weekends, or holidays, and emergency calls are taken 24/7.
A NATE-certified technician completes every repair. We are licensed in Oregon under CCB #187834 and have been in business since 2008. Our headquarters is at 14913 SE Kellogg Ave in Milwaukie, with offices in Portland and Happy Valley.
Common Air Conditioner Problems We Fix Today
Diagnosing and repairing all makes and models since 2008
AC Won't Cool or Blowing Warm Air
Low refrigerant, a frozen coil, or an outdoor compressor that won't start can all stop cooling. We find the cause and restore cooling fast.
AC Cycles Off or Won't Stay On
An AC that keeps turning on and off wastes energy and strains the compressor. We repair the sensor, capacitor, or electrical fault behind it.
Strange Noises from AC Unit
Grinding, squealing, or banging usually points to a motor, compressor, or belt problem. A hum with an outdoor fan that won't spin often means a failed fan motor or capacitor.
Refrigerant Leak Detected
Low refrigerant cuts cooling and can damage the compressor. When we find a refrigerant leak, we repair it and recharge the system to the right level.
AC Won't Turn On at All
Check the thermostat and breaker first. If both are fine, the cause is often a failed capacitor or a contactor that's stuck or clicking in the outdoor unit. Both are usually same-day repairs.
Uneven Cooling Throughout Home
Hot and cold rooms usually trace back to duct problems, low refrigerant, or weak airflow. We find the cause and balance the system.
AC Troubleshooting Guides
Step-by-step diagnosis for common AC problems. If the issue persists, book an AC repair visit and we'll get it sorted.
- AC Not Cooling
- AC Blowing Warm Air
- AC Freezing Up
- AC Short-Cycling
- AC Making Noise
- AC Leaking Water
- AC Refrigerant Leak
- Compressor Not Running
- AC Fan Not Working
- AC Tripping Breaker
- Capacitor Failure
- Contactor Problems
- Drain Line Clogged
- AC High Humidity
- Thermostat Issues
- View all AC troubleshooting guides
What Happens During an AC Repair Visit?
Call and Dispatch
Call or book online, and we dispatch a NATE-certified technician. No-cooling calls get priority during heat waves.
Diagnosis
The technician checks refrigerant levels, electrical parts, airflow, and cooling output to find the cause.
Written Quote
You get the price before any work starts, with no hidden fees. The $189 diagnostic applies to the repair if you go ahead.
Repair
Most repairs are finished on the same visit, with parts covered by warranty.
Cooling Restored
The technician runs the system and confirms it is cooling before leaving. Backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
AC Repair Cost in Portland
We price every AC repair in writing before any work starts. There are no overtime charges for evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Diagnostic Visit
$189 diagnostic
Applied to the repair if you go ahead.
The Repair
Quoted before work starts
You see the exact price for each option and decide. No approval, no work.
After Hours
No overtime charges
Evening, weekend, and holiday calls cost the same as weekday calls.
Why Portland air conditioners fail on the hottest days
Portland summers used to be mild enough that many older homes were built without central air. That has changed, and the equipment now in those homes gets pushed hard during heat waves.
In late June 2021, NOAA reported that Portland set all-time heat records three days in a row, reaching 116 degrees on June 28. An AC sized for a typical Portland summer runs nonstop in that kind of heat. Weak capacitors, worn contactors, and dirty outdoor coils that got by in July of a normal year fail under that load.
The same pattern shows up in smaller heat waves. A system that has not run hard since last August starts up on the first 95-degree afternoon, and a part that had been slowly wearing out finally quits. Cottonwood fluff and pollen packed into the outdoor coil make it worse by trapping heat the unit is trying to shed.
When we repair an AC in Portland, we look past the failed part. We check capacitor ratings, contactor wear, coil condition, and refrigerant charge so the system is ready for the next heat wave, not only the current one. If the equipment is undersized for your home, we tell you that too.
Is Your AC Worth Repairing?
If your AC is 12 to 15 years old, still uses R-22 refrigerant, or needs a repair that costs more than half the price of a new system, replacement may make more sense. The technician will explain both options and let you decide. If you choose to replace it, our AC replacement service explains how that works, and new central AC systems start at $6,995 installed.
After a repair, a yearly tune-up under an HVAC maintenance plan can catch worn parts before the next summer. If you also heat with a furnace, our furnace repair service uses the same $189 diagnostic and written quote.
Signs Your AC Needs Repair
Some AC problems are safety issues. Others can wait a day or two. Start with the safe checks below, then use the lists to decide how soon to call.
What You Can Check Before You Call
- Thermostat: set it to Cool and a few degrees below room temperature. Replace the batteries if it uses them.
- Filter: a clogged filter cuts airflow and can freeze the coil. Replace it if it looks gray and matted.
- Breaker: if the AC breaker has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call us.
- Drain line: if water is leaking around the indoor unit, look for standing water in the drain pan and check whether the drain line is still draining. Look only. Don't remove panels.
- Sounds: note any new noise and when it starts. It helps the technician find the cause faster.
Don't open the outdoor unit or touch wiring, capacitors, refrigerant lines, or fan blades. A capacitor can hold a dangerous charge even with the power off. You can still watch for the warning signs of a bad capacitor, such as a hum with no start.
Call Immediately (Safety Concerns)
- Burning smell from vents or outdoor unit. Could be an overheating motor, melting wiring, or electrical arcing. Turn the system off at the breaker and call right away.
- Hissing or bubbling near refrigerant lines. Often a refrigerant leak. Don't touch the lines. Turn the system off at the thermostat and call.
- AC repeatedly trips the circuit breaker. Running it risks an electrical fire or a burned-out compressor, so a breaker that keeps tripping needs a technician, not more resets.
- Water leaking near the indoor unit. Usually a clogged condensate drain line. Water near electrical parts is a shock and fire hazard, so turn the system off and call.
Schedule Within 1-2 Days
- Lukewarm or warm air. Warm air from the vents usually means low refrigerant, a dirty outdoor coil, or a failing compressor.
- Short cycling. An oversized system, a failing thermostat, low refrigerant, or a dirty outdoor coil. It wastes energy and wears out the compressor faster.
- Grinding, squealing, or rattling. Our guide to AC noises and what they mean can help you describe the sound when you call.
- Ice on refrigerant lines or the coil. Set the thermostat to Fan only to thaw the coil, and don't chip at the ice. If your AC keeps freezing up after a filter change, you need a technician.
Performance Issues Worth Investigating
- Energy bills rising with the same usage. Refrigerant loss, dirty coils, or worn parts make the system run longer for the same cooling.
- Rooms cooling unevenly. Duct leaks, damper problems, low refrigerant, or a system sized wrong for the house. Common in homes with additions or converted attics.
- Humidity too high. An incorrect refrigerant charge or a failing compressor can leave the house feeling humid even with the AC running.
- AC runs constantly. An AC that runs but won't cool the house is usually low on refrigerant, has dirty coils, or is losing air through duct leaks.
- Thermostat readings are off. Thermostat problems are usually a same-day fix.
What customers say about our AC repair
A customer of our Milwaukie office had an air conditioner stop on one of the hottest days of the summer. We sent a technician out that day.
"I definitely recommend Efficiency! On this year's hottest day my AC quit working and Efficiency was able to send a technician right out. He fixed it quickly (luckily it was not a major issue) and now I'm basking in cool air. Thank you so much!"
Jill Fishman, Google review
A customer of our Portland office called about an AC problem and had a technician at the house the same day.
"Can't say enough about the great service I received from Dietrich today on my a/c issue. He came out the same day I called, he was on time, friendly and worked hard to find the best most economical fix for my issue. Highly recommend!"
Kari Littrel, Google review
Finding the most economical fix is how we approach every AC repair. You see the options and the prices before anything starts.
Portland AC Repair Service Areas
We repair air conditioners across the Portland metro from three offices. See local details for AC repair in Portland, AC repair in Milwaukie, and AC repair in Happy Valley.
AC Repair by City
Beaverton AC Repair
Cedar Hills, Murrayhill, Five Oaks
Hillsboro AC Repair
Orenco Station, Tanasbourne, Brookwood
Gresham AC Repair
Rockwood, Powell Valley, Pleasant Valley
Lake Oswego AC Repair
Lake Grove, Mountain Park, First Addition
Tigard AC Repair
Bull Mountain, Metzger, Summerlake
Oregon City AC Repair
Canemah, Park Place, Hillendale
AC Repair Throughout Portland Metro
Air conditioning repair in Portland and surrounding communities
Related Cooling Services
Heat Pump Repair
Heat pumps cool like an AC. We repair ducted heat pumps and dual-fuel systems.
Ductless Mini-Split Repair
Diagnosis and repair for wall-mounted ductless units.
24/7 Emergency HVAC
No cooling during a heat wave? Emergency calls are taken around the clock.
AC Troubleshooting Guides
Guides from our Portland HVAC technicians
Need Your AC Fixed Today?
Emergency requests are taken 24/7. The $189 diagnostic is applied to the repair, and we quote the repair before any work starts.
How much does AC repair cost in Portland?
AC repair starts with a $189 diagnostic, and that fee is applied to the repair if you go ahead. The technician then quotes the repair in writing before any work starts, so you approve the exact price first. We charge no overtime, and we are licensed in Oregon under CCB #187834.
Should I repair or replace my AC?
Consider replacing it if your AC is over 12-15 years old, uses R-22 refrigerant, or needs a repair that costs more than 50% of a new system. The technician gives you an honest repair-or-replace recommendation, and we confirm current Energy Trust offers in your estimate.
How long does an AC repair take?
Most AC repairs are completed the same day. The diagnostic takes 30-60 minutes. Simple repairs, such as a capacitor or fan motor, take 30 minutes to 2 hours. Major repairs, such as a coil or compressor replacement, take 4-8 hours and may need a parts order.
What's covered under warranty?
Most repairs include a 1-year parts warranty, and extended warranties are available. Carrier, Bryant, and Lennox parts we install also carry their own manufacturer warranties. We explain the coverage before work starts.
Do you offer emergency AC repair?
Yes. Emergency requests are taken 24/7 and dispatched when a technician is available. During Portland heat waves we prioritize no-cooling calls, refrigerant leaks, and electrical problems, and our trucks carry common parts.
Why is my AC blowing warm air?
First, make sure the thermostat is set to Cool and the air filter is clean. If both are fine, the common causes include low refrigerant from a leak, a compressor problem, a frozen indoor coil, or a blocked outdoor unit. We diagnose and repair these the same day in most cases, before the compressor is damaged.
Do you work on all AC brands?
Yes. We repair all major brands, including Carrier, Bryant, Lennox, Trane, Rheem, and Ruud. Our NATE-certified technicians work on central AC, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits.
What causes uneven cooling in Portland homes?
Uneven cooling usually comes from a dirty air filter, low refrigerant, a thermostat problem, or leaky or undersized ducts. We find the cause, balance the airflow, and repair duct leaks so every room cools evenly.
Reviews from Portland homeowners
A few recent Google reviews from homeowners across the metro. We don't edit them.
Efficiency Heating and Cooling came out to our home to do general maintenance on our furnace and heat pump, and also level our heat pump. Tristan was our technician. His work was efficient and thorough. He explained everything he did and told me what Efficiency H&C had to offering the way of maintenance programs. I am very happy with the services we received.Furnace & heat pump maintenance
This was my first time working with this company, and it was an amazing experience! Wayne was super personable, and explained things thoroughly and transparently. The cost was reasonable and that was with the maintenance membership program we joined. Highly recommend this business!Maintenance membership
I definitely recommend Efficiency! On this year's hottest day my AC quit working and Efficiency was able to send a technician right out. He fixed it quickly (luckily it was not a major issue) and now I'm basking in cool air. Thank you so much!AC repair
Tristan was very thorough with diagnosing the issues with my system and walked me through them so I could better understand my options for repair. We’ve had a few HVAC techs look at our system over the last decade or so, and Tristan was by far the best.System diagnosis
Jason came out for an estimate for a heat pump for my house. He listened to what I was looking for function-wise, evaluated the property, gave me a quote with 4 options, and explained the pros and cons of each. He was thorough, friendly, and not at all condescending (women, if you know, you know). Very professional.Heat pump estimate
I bought a furnace from these folks over 10 years ago and was very impressed with their work. I've had them tune up my furnace every year since and it's still the great quality and friendly service. They are dependable and knowledgeable every time I deal with them. I highly recommend them.Furnace install & tune-ups
Efficiency Heating and Cooling is a great company to work with. They gave me multiple options based on personal wants/needs with my 100+ year old house and were patient helping educate me and navigate to a decision. They were prompt, scheduling was easy, very professional, knowledgeable, and walked through with me how my system works once the job was complete. Couldn’t be happier from beginning to end and would heartily recommend them!100+ year old home
Called so many companies to find someone who did duct work beyond cleaning (I had a leak in the duct) and.so glad I got a hold of these guys. Professional, fast, and thorough. Great all around!Duct leak repair
Hire them immediately! Super fair pricing, great service. My Technician, Tristian was communicative and thorough. I tried hiring another company prior and they had me pre-pay, after tons of no shows and shoddy work followed by more no shows I demanded my money back and happily gave it to Efficiency Heating and Cooling.HVAC service
Tristan was very professional. He was on time and explained everything thoroughly. I appreciated the no pressure conversation of future work that could be done with my heating system.Heating system service
What a great experience with Efficiency. From the estimate process to installation, they made everything seamless and easy. When we hit an unexpected snag during installation, they kept us well informed about what was going on how it might affect the timeline. They got everything done and the system is working great!System installation
The Comfort Plan: HVAC maintenance
Two tune-ups a year, priority scheduling and 15% off repairs. No contract, cancel anytime.
Month-to-month · No long-term contract · Covers one system; add more for a discount
Call us, or send a request and we'll call you.
You'll talk to someone in our Milwaukie office, not a call center. We'll get a tech out and give you the price before any work starts.
(503) 698-5588Rather talk to someone?