AC Repair in Detroit Metro

Big Mike’s offers same-day AC repair across Detroit Metro Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM ET. For emergency AC failures during a heat wave, we prioritize same-day response.

Most Wayne County calls are seen within 2–4 hours of calling. Call (313) 398-0504 and we’ll dispatch a tech immediately if available. Calling at 4:50 PM on a Saturday in July with no AC? We’ll still pick up.

AC repair pricing depends on the failed part. Typical Detroit AC repair costs:

• Service call/diagnostic: $79 (credited toward repair if approved)
• Capacitor replacement: $150–$300 (most common repair)
• Contactor replacement: $200–$350
• Refrigerant recharge: $150–$500 (R-410A vs R-22 and amount)
• Thermostat replacement: $200–$400 (standard) / $300–$600 (smart)
• Condenser fan motor: $400–$700
• Evaporator fan motor: $500–$900
• Refrigerant leak repair: $300–$1,200
• Compressor repair/replacement: $1,200–$2,500

We always provide a written estimate before any work. No bait-and-switch, no surprise charges.

Five most common causes for an AC running but not cooling in Detroit homes:

1. Low refrigerant from a leak — Your AC can’t transfer heat without proper refrigerant charge. Need leak repair + recharge.
2. Frozen evaporator coil — Usually from dirty air filter restricting airflow. Turn off AC, let it thaw, replace filter.
3. Failed capacitor — Compressor can’t start properly. Outside unit hums but doesn’t fully run.
4. Dirty condenser coil — Outside unit can’t release heat. Cleaning often solves it.
5. Failing compressor — The expensive culprit. We’ll show you repair-vs-replace math.

The $79 service call diagnoses all five and gives you a written estimate before any work begins.

Ice or frost on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil almost always means one of three things:

1. Restricted airflow (most common) — Dirty filter, closed vents, blocked return register. Replace the filter and run fan-only for 2-3 hours to thaw.
2. Low refrigerant from a leak — Causes coil temperature to drop below freezing. Needs professional repair.
3. Dirty evaporator coil — Restricts airflow over the coil. Needs cleaning.

Important: Running the AC while it’s frozen can damage the compressor — turn it off and call us before something expensive breaks. Let it fully thaw before restarting.

Depends on repair cost and system age. R-22 (Freon) was phased out of production in 2020. Existing R-22 is still legal to use but increasingly expensive:

• R-22 cost: $100-$200 per pound (sometimes higher)
• R-410A cost: $50-$80 per pound
• Most home AC systems hold 5-8 lbs of refrigerant

If your AC is 12+ years old and needs more than $800 in repairs (or any leak repair plus recharge), replacing with an R-410A system usually makes more financial sense within 2-3 years — especially with DTE rebates ($200-$600) and federal tax credits (up to $600 for AC, $2,000 for heat pumps).

We’ll give you both options on the estimate, no pressure either way.

An AC tripping the breaker means it’s drawing too much current. Common causes:

• Failed capacitor — compressor draws huge startup amps
• Dirty condenser coil — system works harder to release heat
• Refrigerant problem — wrong charge causes high amperage
• Failing compressor — windings shorting to ground
• Wrong or worn breaker — sometimes the breaker itself is the issue

Do NOT keep resetting the breaker. Repeated trips can damage the compressor or cause an electrical fire. Turn the system off at the thermostat and call us — this is the kind of call we run same-day.

Refrigerant leak repair in Detroit typically runs $300–$1,200 depending on leak location and refrigerant type:

• Small accessible leaks (Schrader valve, line set joint): $300-$500 including recharge
• Evaporator coil leak: $800-$1,500 (coil replacement)
• Condenser coil leak: $1,000-$2,000
• R-22 systems cost significantly more due to refrigerant pricing

Important: Just adding refrigerant without fixing the leak is illegal under EPA Section 608 — and it wastes your money because it’ll leak right back out. Some shady operators do this anyway. We always locate and properly repair leaks.

General rules for the repair-vs-replace decision:

• Under 10 years old, repair under half the cost of new: Repair
• 10-15 years old: Weigh repair cost vs. expected remaining life
• 15+ years old + R-22 refrigerant + major repair needed: Replacement usually wins on math

Replacement math gets attractive fast when you factor in:

• DTE Energy rebates: $200-$600
• Federal 25C tax credit: up to $600 for AC, up to $2,000 for heat pumps
• 30-40% lower energy bills with modern SEER2 systems
• New 10-year manufacturer warranty starts fresh

We give you straight numbers on both options. No commission, no upsell pressure.

The $79 covers a licensed Big Mike’s technician coming to your home, fully diagnosing the AC problem (pressure check, electrical test, refrigerant level, airflow), and providing a written estimate before any repair work begins.

If you approve the repair that same visit, the $79 is credited toward the repair total — so you only pay for the fix, not the trip. No hidden fees, no surprise add-ons, no “while I’m here” upsells.

AC noises tell us what’s failing:

• Buzzing: Electrical issue — usually failing capacitor or contactor
• Persistent clicking: Relay or thermostat issue
• Banging or clanking: Loose internal part or failing compressor
• Hissing: Refrigerant leak — turn off and call us
• Squealing: Belt or fan motor bearing failure
• Grinding: Motor bearings shot or fan blade damaged
• Loud humming with no cooling: Failed capacitor most likely
• Bubbling/gurgling: Refrigerant flow issue or air in lines

Don’t keep running an AC making unusual noises — small problems become big ones fast. A $200 capacitor ignored becomes a $1,200 compressor.

All major AC brands — Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Bryant, Rheem, York, Goodman, American Standard, Heil, Amana, Ruud, Payne, Coleman, and International Comfort Products (ICP).

We’re authorized dealers for Carrier, Lennox, and Bryant, so we have direct parts access and best warranty rates. Even off-brand and older systems — if it’s an air conditioner or heat pump, we service it.

When you call, have your AC’s nameplate info handy (model number and serial number on a sticker on the outdoor unit) — we’ll confirm parts availability in 30 seconds.

Yes — fully credentialed:

• Michigan Mechanical Licensed (required for any HVAC work)
• EPA 608 Certified — federally required for refrigerant handling. Many handymen and uncertified shops skip this. It’s illegal for them to touch your refrigerant.
• BBB Accredited Business (Eastern Michigan)
• Fully insured — general liability and workers’ comp
• Registered with all Wayne County cities

License numbers available on request — we’ll show them when we arrive.