Dec 21, 2024 · 4 min read
How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Summer
Get your air conditioning ready for the hot months ahead with this comprehensive preparation guide from our HVAC experts.
Read articleElement Service Group provides professional ac repair services to Durham residents and businesses. Fast response, fair pricing, guaranteed satisfaction.
Real jobs completed by our team in the Durham area
Mario & Jeorell
October 2026
A Durham apartment resident reported the unit was not cooling properly and was unsure what the issue was. The resident had tried several things and thought it might be user-error.
Mario confirmed that the blower motor was intermittently working. After speaking with the leasing office, he went to the apartment and tested the operation of the cooling system. Estimates were provided for the blower motor replacement.

Jeorell, Dexter & Mario
October 2026
A Durham apartment resident reported that the unit keeps leaking and filling up the base pan, even though the drain was cleared and the coil pan never filled up. There was also water on the floor.
Mario found that the SS2 safety switch was not turning the unit off because it had been lifted, which let the water level bypass the switch, and that a clogged drain line was filling the unit with water. On the first visit, Jeorell removed the water from the pan, poured water down the drain line and into the coil pan to confirm both drained, added pan treats to help with build up in the drain, and noted a broken return grill that was not attached. On the follow-up visit, Mario removed the accumulated water from the auxiliary drain pan, cleared the drain line, and tested the unit.
The system was cooling when Jeorell left on the first visit, and after the drain line was cleared on the second visit Mario tested the unit without any further issues.
Before
DuringMario & Dexter
October 2026
The AC in an apartment unit was not cooling. The dispatcher notes say the unit has a new thermostat and a new capacitor, the compressor cuts off midway through, and the pressures are weird as if there's a restriction.
Mario found that the compressor was failing to properly pump refrigerant and would need to be replaced. He spoke with the service manager, then went to the apartment and checked the operation of the unit. The service manager already had a replacement compressor on the property and asked for an estimate for a labor-only compressor replacement, so Mario included that labor-only estimate.

Mario & Jeorell
September 2026
A Durham apartment in the 27713 area had an AC system that runs all the time and was not cooling, and there was concern it might need replacement.
Mario found that the thermostat was running on a schedule that adjusted the temperature up to 80°F, even though the tenant confirmed it should not be on a schedule. He placed the thermostat on a permanent hold to prevent temperature spikes inside the home. Continuing diagnostics outside, he found the condenser coil was extremely dirty and the unit was in need of a new capacitor. With approval, Mario performed the necessary repairs at the condenser.
The system was cooling properly by the end of the visit, with no replacement needed.

Real ac repair projects completed by our team

Fast response, great work, reasonable prices, super friendly and also went out of his way to educate on what was going on with the AC unit. What more could you ask for? Give Antonio Silva a call!
Stewart Engart
Verified Google ReviewDurham
Dec 21, 2024 · 4 min read
Get your air conditioning ready for the hot months ahead with this comprehensive preparation guide from our HVAC experts.
Read articleJan 28, 2026 · 6 min read
Your AC is running nonstop but your house won't cool down. Before you panic, here are 5 North Carolina-specific reasons this happens, and what to do about each one.
Read articleFeb 28, 2026 · 9 min read
Should you repair or replace your AC in Pittsboro? Use the 50% rule and age formula to decide. Full 2026 pricing for Chatham County, neighborhood-specific advice, and available rebates and tax credits.
Read articleDurham's diverse housing stock ranges from historic homes to modern builds, each requiring different HVAC approaches and solutions.
The Bull City's hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F demand reliable AC systems with proper maintenance schedules.
Many older Durham homes have ductwork that wasn't designed for central AC, requiring creative solutions and expert retrofitting.
Durham's tree-lined neighborhoods provide shade but also shed debris that can clog outdoor AC units, requiring regular cleaning and maintenance.
More ways we can help in Durham.
Answered by our licensed technicians serving Durham.
For standard AC repairs in the Apex, Cary, Raleigh, and surrounding areas, we typically offer same-day or next-day service. During peak summer months (June-August), demand is highest, so we recommend calling early in the day. Emergency repairs are prioritized and dispatched as quickly as possible.
Repair costs depend on the specific problem and parts needed. A capacitor replacement might run $150-$300, while a compressor replacement can range from $1,500-$2,500+. We charge a diagnostic fee to identify the problem, then provide a flat-rate repair quote before proceeding.
As a general guideline, if a repair costs more than 50% of a new system and your equipment is over 10 years old, replacement often makes more financial sense. We'll give you an honest assessment factoring in your system's age, repair history, efficiency, and the cost of the specific repair needed.
This is extremely common. Peak heat days push your system to maximum capacity for extended periods. Components like capacitors, compressors, and fan motors that are already weakened by wear are most likely to fail under this extreme stress, similar to how a worn tire is most likely to blow out on a long highway drive.
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