Air Conditioning FAQ

Warm air from your vents usually points to one of a few things. First, check that the thermostat is set to cool and set below the room temperature, since a wrong setting is a common and easy fix. If that checks out, the trouble is often low refrigerant, a dirty or blocked outdoor unit, or a compressor that is struggling. A clogged filter can also choke airflow enough to make the air feel warm. If a quick thermostat and filter check doesn’t solve the problem, have a technician check it out before the issue gets worse.

Your air conditioner creates condensation as it runs, but that water should drain away, not pool around the unit. A leak usually means a clogged drain line, a cracked drain pan, or a frozen coil that is now melting. Left alone, it can lead to water damage and mold near the equipment. Clear the standing water and call for service so we can find the source and clear or repair the drain.

This comes down to the age of the unit, the cost of the repair, and how often it has needed service recently. As a rough guide, if the system is under about 10 years old and the repair is minor, fixing it is usually the smart move. Once a unit passes 12 to 15 years, needs a major part like a compressor, or runs on old R-22 refrigerant that is now expensive and hard to get, replacement often makes more sense. Because our technicians are not paid commission, we will give you honest advice on which way to go and never push a new system you don’t actually need.

Most AC repairs in the Omaha area cost between about $250 and $850, depending on the part and the labor involved. A service call or diagnostic visit to pinpoint the problem commonly runs $130 to $175, as it takes time and energy to properly diagnose HVAC systems. Simple fixes like a capacitor sit at the low end, while refrigerant or motor work costs more. At Fred’s Heating and Air, we’ll give you a clear, upfront quote before we start any work, so you are never surprised by the bill. Comfort Club members also receive a 15% discount on any quoted repair.

A new central air conditioner installed in an Omaha home typically costs somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000. The final number depends on the size, or tonnage, your home needs, the energy-efficiency rating you choose, and whether any ductwork or electrical work is required. Larger or high-efficiency systems cost more, while a straight swap using good existing ductwork sits at the lower end. We’ll gather the information you need and present a free digital estimate, and we offer financing on approved credit to help spread out the cost.

A tune-up is a hands-on check to keep your system running well through the summer. Ours generally includes washing the condenser coils, clearing the drain lines, checking all electrical parts, checking or changing the filter, and verifying the refrigerant charge and temperature drop. Just as important, our technicians look for small issues that could turn into big, costly breakdowns later. The exact steps can vary based on what your unit’s manufacturer calls for.

Plan on a professional AC tune-up once a year, ideally in spring before the heat sets in, so problems get caught before you depend on the system daily. Filters need attention more often. Check yours monthly and change it about every one to three months, sooner if you have pets or run the system hard. A clean filter protects airflow, keeps energy use down, and helps the unit last longer. Our Comfort Club takes the guesswork out by scheduling two tune-ups a year for you, one for cooling and one for heating.

Yes. A system that is clean and properly charged doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home, and that shows up on your utility bill. Dirty coils, low refrigerant, and clogged filters all force the unit to run longer and use more power. Regular maintenance also helps parts last longer and lowers the odds of a mid-summer breakdown. Many manufacturers also require proof of yearly maintenance to keep the warranty valid.

A well-maintained central air conditioner usually lasts about 12 to 15 years, and some go longer with steady care. Skipping maintenance, running the system with a dirty filter, or ignoring small problems can cut the service life short. If your unit is creeping toward the 15-year mark and starting to need repairs, it’s a good time to start planning your replacement rather than waiting for it to quit during the hottest time of the year.

Yes. We know a broken air conditioner during an Omaha heat wave is more than an inconvenience, so we offer 24/7 emergency AC repair. When you call our emergency line, our team responds quickly to get your system running again. Comfort Club members receive priority scheduling and a guaranteed 24-hour response, which moves them to the front of the line during the busiest stretches of summer.

Yes. Through decades of hands-on work and ongoing training, our technicians repair and maintain air conditioners and furnaces of all brands, no matter who made your system. We are also Trane Comfort Specialists and install Trane systems, Mitsubishi ductless units, and Unico high-velocity systems when it’s time for a new unit. You don’t need a specific brand for us to service the equipment you already own.

We serve Omaha and the surrounding communities, including La Vista, Bellevue, Papillion, Elkhorn, Gretna, Bennington, Waterloo, and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Our shop is located at 8817 S. 117th St. in La Vista. If you aren’t sure whether you fall within our service area, give us a call, and we will let you know.

We stand behind our work. Fred’s built its name on honest, reliable repair and installation, and we want first-time customers to become lifelong customers. If something isn’t right after we service your system, we want to hear about it and make it right. We also offer a free second opinion, so if you have a diagnosis or quote from another company, you can get an honest opinion before you commit. *Available for condemned compressors, heat exchangers, and any quoted repair from another company over $1,000.