Your AC just stopped working. It’s 11 PM, your house is getting hotter by the minute, and tomorrow’s forecast shows 98 degrees. You’re sweating, frustrated, and need answers fast. Here’s exactly what to do right now.
Step 1: Check These Things First (Takes 2 Minutes)
Check Your Thermostat
- Is it set to “Cool” and below current temperature?
- Are the batteries dead? (Replace them if dim)
- Is the screen completely blank? (Check your breaker)
Check Your Circuit Breakers
- Go to your electrical panel
- Look for tripped breakers (switched to middle or off position)
- Reset by switching fully OFF, then back ON
- Your AC usually has TWO breakers: one for indoor unit, one for outdoor
Check Your Air Filter
- A completely clogged filter can shut down your system
- If it’s black/brown with dust, replace it immediately
- System might restart after 15-20 minutes with new filter
Still not working? → You need professional help NOW.
Call (346) 485-8142 for 24/7 Emergency AC Repair in Richmond TX
Step 2: Assess If This Is a True Emergency
Call for IMMEDIATE Emergency Service If:
✗ Indoor temperature exceeds 85°F with vulnerable family members (elderly, infants, health conditions) ✗ You smell burning, electrical odors, or see smoke ✗ You hear loud grinding, banging, or metal-on-metal sounds ✗ Water is leaking from your indoor unit ✗ Your outdoor unit is completely silent (no fan, no compressor sound)
Can Wait Until Morning If:
✓ Indoor temp is uncomfortable but under 80°F ✓ You have fans and can open windows safely ✓ You can temporarily stay somewhere else ✓ No one in your home has heat-sensitive medical conditions
For Emergency AC Repair: Call (346) 485-8142 Now
What Emergency AC Repair Actually Costs at Night
Be prepared for emergency pricing:
- Service call after hours: $150-$250
- Labor rates: 25%-50% higher than daytime
- Common overnight repairs:
- Capacitor: $250-$450
- Contactor: $200-$400
- Blower motor: $500-$900
- Refrigerant leak/recharge: $400-$1,200+
Worth it? Yes, if heat poses health/safety risks or you can’t function without AC.
Want to save money? If safe to wait, schedule first-thing-morning service at regular rates.
While Waiting for the Technician
Cool your home temporarily:
- Close blinds/curtains to block heat
- Run ceiling fans counterclockwise
- Place box fans in windows (exhaust hot air OUT at night)
- Stay hydrated and wear light clothing
- Use cool, damp towels on neck and wrists
Make sure technician can access:
- Clear path to your indoor unit (attic, closet, garage)
- Clear area around outdoor unit (remove plants, toys, debris)
- Turn on exterior lights if outdoor unit is in dark area
- Unlock any gates blocking access
How to Choose Emergency AC Company at Night
RED FLAGS – Avoid These Companies:
- Can’t provide license number over phone
- Won’t give you price range before arriving
- Pressure you to decide instantly
- Offer prices “too good to be true”
- No verifiable local address
GREEN FLAGS – Look For:
- Licensed, insured, locally established
- Clear emergency pricing explained upfront
- Good online reviews (check Google quickly)
- Willing to answer questions
- Provides written estimate before starting work
Questions to Ask Before They Arrive
- “What’s your emergency service call fee?”
- “Is that fee waived if I proceed with repairs?”
- “What forms of payment do you accept?”
- “How soon can you get here?”
- “Are your technicians licensed?”
Get answers BEFORE committing.
When the Technician Arrives
Good technicians will:
- Show ID and company credentials
- Explain what they’re checking
- Diagnose BEFORE selling repairs
- Provide written estimate with breakdown
- Give you options (repair vs wait for daytime vs replace)
- Answer questions without pressure
You should:
- Ask questions if anything is unclear
- Get written estimate before authorizing work
- Verify total cost including parts and labor
- Understand warranty on repairs
Common Overnight AC Failures We Fix
Capacitor Failure (Most Common)
- Your AC won’t start or hums but doesn’t run
- Usually fixed in 30-45 minutes
- Cost: $250-$450 emergency rate
Contactor Problems
- Clicking sounds but no cooling
- Fixed quickly once diagnosed
- Cost: $200-$400 emergency rate
Tripped Safety Switch
- Often caused by clogged drain line
- Quick fix if that’s the only issue
- Cost: $150-$300 depending on drain clearing needed
Refrigerant Leak
- System runs but doesn’t cool
- May need leak repair + recharge
- Cost: $400-$1,200+ (complex repair)
Blower Motor Failure
- No air from vents
- Motor replacement needed
- Cost: $500-$900 emergency rate
After Emergency Repair: Next Steps
Get these questions answered:
- How long will this repair last?
- What caused the failure?
- Are other components at risk?
- When should I schedule follow-up maintenance?
- Is this symptom of larger problems?
Schedule daytime follow-up to discuss:
- System age and overall condition
- Whether additional preventative repairs make sense
- If replacement should be considered soon
Prevent Future Night Emergencies
Schedule annual spring maintenance BEFORE summer
- Catches 80% of problems before they cause failures
- Costs $89-$150 (far less than emergency calls)
- Extends system life 5+ years
Change filters monthly during heavy use
- Prevents most common AC failures
- Takes 2 minutes, costs under $20
Don’t ignore warning signs:
- Weak cooling
- Strange noises
- Higher energy bills
- Frequent cycling
Small problems become midnight emergencies when ignored.
Get Emergency AC Repair Now
If your AC stopped working at night and you need immediate help in Richmond TX, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, Katy, or anywhere in Fort Bend County, we’re available 24/7.
Call Temper Mechanical: (346) 485-8142
We provide: ✓ Licensed, experienced technicians ✓ Upfront emergency pricing ✓ Same-night service for true emergencies ✓ All major repairs completed on-site ✓ Written estimates before work begins ✓ Fair pricing even during emergencies
Available 24 hours | 7 days a week | All major credit cards accepted
Don’t suffer through a hot night. Call now and we’ll get your AC running again.
(346) 485-8142 – Call for Immediate Emergency AC Repair
Quick Reference: Emergency AC Checklist
Before calling for help: ☐ Check thermostat settings and batteries ☐ Check both AC circuit breakers ☐ Replace air filter if clogged ☐ Verify outdoor unit has power
When calling emergency service: ☐ Ask about service call fee ☐ Get estimated arrival time ☐ Confirm they’re licensed/insured ☐ Ask about accepted payment methods
While waiting: ☐ Clear access to indoor/outdoor units ☐ Cool home with fans if possible ☐ Stay hydrated ☐ Prepare questions for technician
When technician arrives: ☐ Request written estimate ☐ Verify total cost before approving ☐ Ask about warranty on repair ☐ Get receipt with details