Professional AC maintenance means giving your system a full checkup so it’s ready for the seasons ahead. At Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we look over every key component — inspecting coils, checking refrigerant levels, tightening electrical connections, and testing airflow — to make sure your AC is operating safely and efficiently. It’s a thorough service that helps keep your home comfortable and your system dependable all summer long. And if we discover your AC needs more than a light cleaning, we’ll let you know and provide a clear quote for a deeper cleaning so you can make the best decision for your home.
Heating and cooling emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. When your furnace stops working in freezing temperatures or your AC fails during a heat wave, fast service matters.
Mainstream offers 24/7 emergency HVAC repair in Spokane Valley for urgent issues such as:
Our technicians respond quickly, explain your options clearly, and provide upfront pricing before repairs begin.
Heating and cooling problems often start small before becoming major breakdowns. Knowing the early signs can help you schedule repairs before your system fails during extreme Spokane Valley weather.
Watch for issues like:
If your HVAC system is struggling to keep up, a professional diagnosis can restore performance and prevent further damage.
After a successful AC repair, your system should begin delivering noticeably cooler air fairly quickly. In many homes, occupants feel a temperature change within the first half hour, but fully stabilizing the indoor temperature can take several hours—especially during extreme heat.
Several factors influence how long cooling takes. Outdoor temperatures play a major role, as your AC has to work harder on very hot days. The size and layout of your home, insulation quality, window exposure, and ceiling height all affect how efficiently cooled air circulates. Airflow issues, such as dirty filters or duct restrictions, can also slow the cooling process.
The condition of the AC system itself matters as well. Even after a repair, problems like low refrigerant levels, aging components, or uneven airflow can prevent the system from performing at its best. If your home still feels warm or cools unevenly more than an hour after service, it may signal a deeper issue that needs further evaluation.
At Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our technicians don’t just fix the immediate problem—we check system performance, airflow, and temperature output to make sure your AC is operating efficiently before we leave. If cooling doesn’t feel right after a repair, we’re ready to take a closer look and get your system back on track.
The cost of installing a new air conditioning system depends on several factors unique to your home and comfort needs. One of the biggest considerations is the size of your home, as larger spaces require systems with higher capacity. System type also plays a role — central air conditioning and ductless systems differ in equipment, installation time, and overall complexity.
Energy efficiency ratings can affect upfront costs as well. Higher-efficiency systems often cost more initially but can lower long-term energy use, which is especially important in areas like Spokane and Northern Idaho where cooling needs can vary significantly throughout the year.
Existing ductwork is another key factor. If ducts need to be repaired, resized, or replaced to support proper airflow, that can impact installation costs. Homes without ductwork may be better suited for ductless options, depending on layout and usage.
At Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, every AC installation starts with a thorough evaluation of your home. Homeowners receive upfront, itemized estimates and clear recommendations based on comfort goals, energy use, and long-term value. Financing options are available to help make upgrading your cooling system more manageable, without cutting corners on performance or reliability.
Freon, or refrigerant, must be installed by a licensed HVAC professional using specialized tools to measure and adjust system pressure correctly. Adding too much or too little refrigerant can damage the AC system and lead to costly repairs. If refrigerant levels are low, a leak must be located and repaired before the system is safely recharged.
Adding refrigerant, commonly referred to as “Freon,” to an AC system is not a simple refill and should never be treated as a DIY project. Refrigerant operates under precise pressure levels that are specific to each system, and adjusting those levels requires specialized gauges, recovery equipment, and technical training. Even small mistakes can damage the compressor, reduce cooling performance, or cause the system to fail entirely.
One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that refrigerant gets “used up” over time. In a properly functioning AC system, refrigerant circulates in a closed loop. If levels are low, it usually means there is a leak somewhere in the system. Adding refrigerant without locating and repairing that leak only provides temporary relief and can lead to repeated breakdowns, higher energy bills, and more expensive repairs later.
For Spokane homeowners, refrigerant issues often become noticeable during the summer, when AC systems run longer and harder. That increased demand doesn’t cause refrigerant loss on its own, but it does make existing leaks or pressure problems more obvious. Diagnosing those issues correctly requires both experience and an understanding of how systems perform in Eastern Washington’s climate.
Licensed HVAC professionals are also required to follow strict environmental regulations when handling refrigerant. Improper handling can release refrigerant into the air, which is harmful to the environment and illegal without proper certification.
Mainstream’s certified technicians inspect the entire AC system, verify refrigerant pressures, locate and repair leaks when present, and recharge the system only to manufacturer specifications. This ensures Spokane-area AC systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably, without the risks that come with DIY or improper refrigerant handling.
