When your air conditioner quits in a Virginia Beach summer, you need it fixed right, at a fair price. Ace Mechanical has repaired AC systems across Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads since 1986. We find the real cause, give you a flat-rate price, and fix it once you approve — no hourly meter and no pressure to replace what can still be repaired.
Ace is a family-owned company based in Virginia Beach, owned by Kevin Clarke. We're a licensed and insured Virginia contractor (license #2705120886). Open 7 days, 7 AM–8 PM. Call (757) 495-7782.
AC repair in Virginia Beach, priced before we start
Virginia Beach heat and humidity put a hard load on air conditioners from spring through early fall. Attic air handlers, salt air near the water, and long runtimes mean small problems turn into no-cool days quickly. We repair all major brands and we repair first. If a part can bring the system back, we'll tell you that before we talk about a new unit.
For the broader Hampton Roads AC repair overview, see our residential AC repair page. This page is specifically for Virginia Beach homeowners who need a local, flat-rate repair visit.
Common AC problems we fix
Not cooling / warm air from the vents
The system runs but the house won't cool. Common causes are a failed capacitor or contactor, low refrigerant from a leak, a dirty outdoor coil, or weak airflow. We test the system so you get the real fix, not a guess.
Frozen coil
Ice on the refrigerant lines or indoor coil usually means low airflow or low refrigerant. Turn the system off and let it thaw before calling — running it iced can make the damage worse. More detail: AC running but not cooling.
Short cycling
The unit starts and stops every few minutes. That wears parts faster and leaves the house sticky. Causes include thermostat problems, oversized equipment, airflow restrictions, or electrical parts that can't hold a load.
Won't turn on
No cool, no fan, or the outdoor unit hums but won't start. Capacitors, contactors, relays, breakers, and control wiring are the usual first checks. Our trucks carry the parts that fail most often, so many of these repairs finish on the first visit.
Leaking water / condensate problems
Your AC pulls a lot of moisture out of humid Virginia Beach air. A clogged condensate drain, float switch, or rusted drain pan can overflow. Attic air handlers — common in Kempsville, Green Run, Salem, Red Mill and similar neighborhoods — can stain or damage a ceiling if the drain backs up. Shut the system off to limit damage and call us.
Noisy outdoor unit
Buzzing, rattling, grinding, squealing, or clicking usually points to an electrical part, a motor bearing, or a loose component. Near the Oceanfront, Sandbridge, Shore Drive / Chesapeake Beach and other coastal areas, salt air also speeds up corrosion on coils and connections — another reason a noisy unit shouldn't be ignored.
How our flat-rate pricing works
- You call. Call (757) 495-7782 and tell us what's happening. The home service diagnostic is $75, and it's waived when you approve the repair.
- We diagnose. A licensed technician listens to what you've noticed, then tests the system for the actual cause.
- You approve a flat-rate price. We explain what failed and what it costs to fix. Nothing starts until you say yes. The price doesn't change if the job takes longer than expected.
- We fix it and clean up. We confirm the system is cooling properly, clean up, and tell you what to watch for.
Full details are on our pricing page. Estimates on new heating and cooling equipment are free. If another company quoted a big repair or replacement and you're not sure it's fair, we'll give you a free second opinion. Got a written quote from another licensed Virginia contractor for the same scope and comparable equipment? Show it to us — we'll match or beat it, or explain honestly why the jobs aren't the same.
Repair or replace? Free second opinion
If your system is under about 12 years old and the repair is reasonable, repair is usually the better value. If it's 12 to 15+ years old, uses R-22 refrigerant, or needs a major part like a compressor, it may be time to look at replacement. We'll give you both numbers and let you decide. We don't push new systems.
For a deeper walkthrough, read AC repair or replace in Hampton Roads. A spring maintenance tune-up helps catch small problems before they become a no-cool weekend.
Neighborhoods we cover in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is home base. We cover the city from the Oceanfront to Pungo, including:
- Oceanfront
- Town Center
- Pembroke
- Hilltop
- Lynnhaven
- Great Neck
- Shore Drive / Chesapeake Beach
- Kempsville
- Princess Anne
- Red Mill
- Salem
- Green Run
- Thalia
- Bayside
- Sandbridge
- Pungo
ZIP codes we serve in Virginia Beach: 23451, 23452, 23453, 23454, 23455, 23456, 23457, 23459, 23460, 23461, 23462, 23464. More about our local HVAC, refrigeration and plumbing work is on the Virginia Beach service area page. There's no extra travel charge for home service calls anywhere in the city — Virginia Beach is where we start our day.
FAQ
How much does AC repair cost in Virginia Beach?
It depends on what failed. Common repairs like a capacitor or drain line cost far less than a compressor or refrigerant leak repair. Ace charges a $75 diagnostic fee for home service calls (waived when you approve the repair) and gives you a flat-rate price before any work starts.
Is there a diagnostic fee, and is it waived?
Yes. For home service calls the diagnostic visit is $75, and it's waived when you approve the repair — so you only pay for the fix. Commercial diagnostic rates are quoted when you call.
Can I get same-day AC repair in Virginia Beach?
We're open 7 days, 7 AM–8 PM, and Virginia Beach is our home base, so we often can get to you the same day when the schedule allows. Call (757) 495-7782 and we'll tell you the soonest available time — we won't promise what we can't keep.
Should I repair or replace my AC?
Repair is usually smarter if the system is under about 12 years old and the fix is reasonable. Older systems, R-22 equipment, or major failures like a compressor are when replacement may make more sense. We'll quote both options and leave the decision to you.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
The most common causes are a failed capacitor or contactor, a dirty outdoor coil, low refrigerant from a leak, a clogged filter, or a frozen indoor coil. A technician can test each one. See also our guide on AC running but not cooling.
Do you work on all AC brands?
Yes. We repair all major residential brands, including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Ruud, Goodman, Amana, York, American Standard, Bryant and Heil.
Are you open weekends?
Yes. Ace Mechanical is open 7 days a week, 7 AM–8 PM — including Saturday and Sunday. Call (757) 495-7782.
Ready for flat-rate AC repair in Virginia Beach?
Call (757) 495-7782 for a flat-rate AC repair price. Open 7 days, 7 AM–8 PM. Prefer a form? Request service.
- Family-owned in Hampton Roads since 1986 — owner Kevin Clarke
- Licensed & insured in Virginia — contractor #2705120886
- Flat-rate price approved before work starts
- Repair first — no pressure to replace what can still be fixed