Top 7 AC Repair Services in Portland, OR

Keeping your Portland home comfortable when summer rolls around can feel like a full-time job—especially when your air conditioner starts acting up. At Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve walked through enough front doors to know that no two breakdowns are exactly alike. From that first shaky puff of cool air to the all-too-familiar “nothing’s happening at all” silence, here are the seven AC repair services we offer most often—and why each one matters for your peace of mind (and your power bill).

Detecting & Fixing Refrigerant Leaks

Imagine working in your garden on a steamy July afternoon, only to discover your living room thermostat reads 80°F. Often, a slow refrigerant leak is to blame. Our techs carry tiny, high-precision leak detectors—think of them as electronic bloodhounds—through basements, attics, and utility closets, sniffing out the smallest escape points. Once we find the culprit (it could be a tiny crack in a coil or a failing seal), we seal it with EPA-approved materials and recharge your system with the exact refrigerant your manufacturer recommends. You’ll notice your AC pulling strong again, without that expensive “topping off” routine.

Giving Your Compressor Some TLC

If the compressor is the heart of your AC, then consider us your system’s cardiologists. When bearings wear out or an electrical hiccup trips the motor, the compressor might cough and sputter—or worse, refuse to start. We perform a live diagnostic right on your porch, checking windings and testing capacitors. Sometimes a quick capacitor swap is all it takes; other times, the whole compressor needs replacement. Either way, you’ll hear that reliable hum once more as cold air floods your rooms.

Deep Cleaning Coils for Better Heat Exchange

Dirt, pollen, and fallen leaves can cling to evaporator and condenser coils like barnacles on a boat. Left unchecked, this gunk blocks heat transfer, forcing your AC to work overtime. Our team uses eco-friendly foaming agents and gentle rinses to strip away debris without bending delicate fins. Sparkling clean coils help your system run more efficiently, lowering energy consumption—and they dramatically reduce the chance of mid-season failures.

Repairing & Upgrading Electrical Components

That unpredictable flicker on your thermostat display? Or the racket coming from your breaker box every time the AC cycles on? These can be clues that your wiring, relays, or contactors are on their last legs. As NATE-certified electricians, we trace circuits, test every connection, and replace any component that looks tired or unsafe. Plus, if you want extra protection against sudden summer storms, we can add surge arrestors to shield your system from voltage spikes.

Calibrating Thermostats & Adding Smart Controls

Even the smartest AC can behave badly with a temperamental thermostat. If your unit seems to cycle too often or runs nonstop, a poorly calibrated or outdated thermostat might be to blame. We’ll test sensor accuracy, clean out old wiring, and make sure your control settings reflect real-world temperatures. Thinking about going smart? We’ll install a Wi-Fi thermostat that learns how you live, adjusts temperatures during peak-rate hours, and lets you tweak settings from your phone—ideal for Portlanders who head out to the coast on a whim.

Sealing Ducts & Balancing Airflow

In older homes especially, leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of cooled air through hidden gaps. We use thermal imaging and smoke tests to locate every sneaky leak, then seal it with professional-grade mastic and metal tape. Finally, we adjust dampers to balance airflow so you’ll no longer chase cool spots with portable fans. Even upstairs bedrooms will feel like part of the main event, not an afterthought.

Seasonal Tune-Ups to Prevent Surprises

Nobody enjoys a last-minute scramble when the temperature spikes. Our seasonal maintenance plans—ideally scheduled in spring—include cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, tightening electrical connections, lubricating motors, and inspecting safety controls. Think of it as a full health check for your AC: minor issues get addressed before they balloon into emergency repairs. You’ll extend your system’s lifespan, reduce energy bills, and avoid sweating through your favorite Portland rain jacket.

Portland’s weather may be famous for its rainy reputation, but when the sun finally breaks through, you’ll want an AC system you can count on. By tackling refrigerant leaks, compressor health, coil cleanliness, electrical safety, thermostat precision, duct integrity, and preventive maintenance, Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning keeps your home feeling refreshingly cool without breaking the bank. Ready to skip the sweat and schedule your next service? Reach out today—we’re your hometown experts in keeping Portlanders comfortable, one repair at a time.