Sandison AC Repair Services in Oakland and Macomb Counties
Accurate AC diagnosis and repair for homes and businesses throughout Oakland and Macomb Counties.
Sandison diagnoses the root cause of cooling failures — not just the presenting symptom. Michigan Mechanical License 7115733.
AC Problems Sandison Diagnoses
Sandison diagnoses and repairs a full range of residential and commercial air conditioning problems. Common symptoms that indicate a system needs professional diagnosis:
Many AC problems share similar symptoms but have different root causes. A system that runs but does not cool, for example, may have a refrigerant leak, a dirty coil, a failing compressor, or an airflow restriction — each requiring a different repair. Sandison identifies the actual cause before recommending any work.
Sandison's Diagnostic Process
Sandison's diagnostic approach is systematic. The technician works through the full system — controls, electrical, refrigerant circuit, airflow, and drainage — rather than replacing parts based on the most common cause of a given symptom. This reduces unnecessary parts costs and callbacks.
Sandison also uses thermal imaging as part of the diagnostic process. Infrared imaging identifies electrical hot spots, insulation defects, and hidden moisture that visual inspection alone cannot detect. This is particularly useful for commercial facilities and for systems with recurring problems that have not been resolved by previous service.
Thermostat and control board
Verify setpoints, wiring, and control signals. Check for error codes on communicating systems.
Electrical components
Inspect capacitors, contactors, disconnect, and wiring. Test for voltage, amperage, and continuity.
Compressor
Check operating pressures, amperage draw, and compressor health. Identify hard-start conditions.
Refrigerant charge
Measure suction and discharge pressures. Identify undercharge, overcharge, or leak conditions.
Evaporator and condenser coils
Inspect for fouling, damage, and freeze conditions. Check coil temperatures and airflow.
Blower motor and fan
Verify motor operation, speed, and amperage. Inspect blower wheel for debris or damage.
Condensate drainage
Check drain pan, drain line, and condensate pump. Clear blockages that cause water backup and shutdowns.
Airflow and ductwork
Measure static pressure and airflow. Identify restrictions, leaks, or imbalances affecting system performance.
Thermal imaging
Use infrared imaging to identify electrical hot spots, insulation defects, and hidden moisture — root causes that visual inspection misses.
Residential and Commercial AC Repair
Residential Systems
Sandison services central air conditioning systems, ductless mini-splits, and heat pumps for homeowners throughout Oakland and Macomb Counties. Residential AC repair includes all major system components — compressor, coils, refrigerant circuit, electrical, controls, and drainage.
When a residential AC system is at or near end of life, Sandison presents repair and replacement options with honest guidance on which makes more sense given the system's age, condition, and repair cost.
Commercial Equipment
Commercial HVAC failures affect business operations, occupant comfort, and in some cases, inventory or equipment. Sandison services rooftop units, packaged systems, and split systems for commercial and institutional facilities throughout Oakland and Macomb Counties.
Sandison's mechanical engineering background and thermal imaging capabilities are particularly useful for commercial facilities with complex systems or recurring problems that have not been resolved by previous service.
Repair Versus Replacement
Not every AC problem warrants replacement. Sandison evaluates several factors before recommending a course of action:
- Age of the system — most residential central AC systems have a service life of 15 to 20 years under normal conditions.
- Cost of the repair relative to the cost of replacement — a major compressor repair on a 17-year-old system may not be the best investment.
- Efficiency of the existing equipment — older systems operate at significantly lower efficiency ratings than current equipment.
- Condition of other components — if multiple components are showing wear, a single repair may be followed by additional failures.
- Refrigerant type — systems using R-22 refrigerant (phased out in 2020) face increasing refrigerant costs and limited availability.
Sandison presents options and explains the trade-offs. We do not push replacement when repair is the better choice, and we do not recommend repairs that are not cost-effective. For replacement options, see AC installation.
Emergency AC Repair Availability
Emergency AC calls are accepted 24/7. For after-hours emergencies, call the emergency line at (248) 467-1761. After-hours response depends on technician availability, your location, and the type of work required. Not all repairs can be completed on the first visit — some require parts that must be ordered.
For scheduling during office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), call (248) 453-1227.
Service Area
Sandison provides AC repair services throughout Oakland and Macomb Counties, Michigan. The office is located in Auburn Hills. See the service areas page for a full list of communities served.
Michigan Mechanical License 7115733. All HVAC work is performed by licensed technicians.
AC Repair — Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sandison check during an AC diagnostic?
My AC runs but does not cool. What is the likely cause?
Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
Is emergency AC service available after hours?
Do you service commercial AC equipment?
What license does Sandison hold for HVAC work?
Schedule AC Repair
Call Sandison at (248) 453-1227 or submit a service request online. Sandison serves Oakland and Macomb Counties, Michigan.