Air conditioning repair in St. Paul, MN

Fixed right, the first time

Our certified technicians diagnose the real cause of the problem instead of guessing. They explain what they found and what the repair costs before any work starts. Then they get your system cooling again.

Every technician is certified, background-checked and drug-tested. We repair all major brands, and Krinkie's is a Daikin ComfortPro certified dealer. If a repair no longer makes sense for an older unit, we will tell you and show you the numbers.

When you call, tell us what you noticed and when it started. A new noise, a smell, water near the furnace or a system that runs without cooling each points to different parts. Those details help the technician arrive with the right parts on the truck.

Check these three things before you call

First, make sure the thermostat is set to cool and set below the current room temperature. If it runs on batteries and the screen is blank, replace them. Also check that the outdoor unit has power and nothing is blocking it.

Second, check the air filter, because a clogged filter blocks airflow. The Department of Energy's air conditioner maintenance guide says replacing a dirty filter can lower energy use by 5% to 15%. It recommends cleaning or replacing filters every month or two during the cooling season.

Third, look at the breakers for the air conditioner and the furnace. Reset a tripped breaker only once. If it trips again, leave it off and call us, because a repeat trip points to an electrical fault.

Ice, leaks and refrigerant

Ice on the refrigerant lines or indoor coil usually means restricted airflow or low refrigerant. Turn cooling off and run the fan to thaw it. If it freezes again after you install a new filter, the system needs service from a technician.

Low refrigerant almost always means a leak. The EPA's refrigerant guidance for homeowners advises asking technicians to locate and repair leaks instead of topping off the system. That is how our technicians handle every leak they find.

Older systems that use R-22 can often still be repaired. The EPA notes that no new R-22 has been made or imported since January 1, 2020, so repairs depend on reclaimed refrigerant. We will explain your repair and replacement options.

Water pooling near the indoor unit usually points to a clogged condensate drain. The Department of Energy notes that a clogged drain stops the system from removing humidity and can stain walls or carpet. Turn the system off to limit water damage, and call us to clear it.

What you should not do yourself

Do not open the outdoor unit's electrical panel or try to replace parts inside it. The unit runs on its own high-voltage circuit, and working on it without training can cause a serious shock. Do not try to add refrigerant yourself with a store-bought kit, either.

Federal rules under EPA Section 608 refrigerant management prohibit intentionally venting refrigerant during service or disposal. Our technicians hold the required certification to recover, repair and recharge systems properly.

If you smell burning or see smoke from the unit, turn the system off at the thermostat and the breaker. If you smell gas near your furnace, leave the house right away and call 911 or your gas utility from outside. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone out and call 911.

Day or night

AC trouble does not wait for business hours, and neither do we. Technicians are on call 24 hours a day through our 24/7 emergency HVAC service. Call 651-488-5555 at any hour, including nights and weekends.

Members of the Krinkie's Club maintenance plan get a reduced trip charge, up to a 20% discount on most repairs and priority service, plus two tune-ups a year.

Call us if your air conditioner is

• Not reaching the temperature you set
• Running but barely cooling
• Dripping or leaking water
• Making strange noises
• Icing up on the lines or indoor coil
• Tripping its breaker more than once

Common questions

Sources

• U.S. Department of Energy — Maintaining your air conditioner
• U.S. EPA — Homeowners and consumers FAQ on the R-22 (HCFC-22) phaseout
• U.S. EPA — Section 608 of the Clean Air Act: stationary refrigeration and air conditioning