When your ductless mini-split stops cooling, Spencer Heating and Air gets you comfortable again — fast. We’ve been repairing ductless systems across Jackson’s Gap for decades, and our American Standard certified technicians carry the parts to repair most issues the same day. Every repair starts with a thorough diagnostic — refrigerant, airflow, electrical, compressor under load. We fix what other shops misdiagnose as dead units, saving you the cost of replacement.
Schedule a same-day diagnostic visit and find out if your ductless unit can be fixed — or if replacement is the right path forward. We serve Jackson's Gap, Alexander City, Kellyton, and surrounding Lake Martin communities with same-day response available during business hours.
256-373-3165Six reasons families across Jackson's Gap, Alexander City, and the Lake Martin area choose Spencer for ductless system repair. Click any card to read the detail.
All our technicians are factory-trained on American Standard equipment.
We understand the nuances of ductless systems that general HVAC shops miss — including the balance between indoor and outdoor unit performance that determines whether a repair is possible or a replacement is needed. We’ve rebuilt dozens of units that other shops said were done.
Mini-split failures often look terminal but are actually simple fixes.
Low refrigerant charge, a clogged filter, or a tripped breaker on the outdoor unit. We run digital diagnostics to confirm what’s broken before we start work. That discipline saves our customers thousands in unnecessary replacements.
Ductless systems can fail on the hottest days.
We offer fast, same-day service calls because we know you can’t wait for comfort. Our technicians arrive with common repair parts on the truck so we fix you on the spot.
We stock compressors, condenser coils, blower motors, and control boards.
If a part needs replacement, we have it in the van or can source it within hours — not days. This means faster repairs and less downtime for your family.
Spencer Heating and Air was established in 1967.
For over half a century, we’ve served Jackson's Gap and the communities around Lake Martin. Our customers trust us because we show up, we do the job right, and we stand behind our work.
Tap a symptom to see what it means and how urgent the repair is.
The compressor hums, the fan spins, but cold air doesn’t flow. This usually means a refrigerant leak, a clogged filter, or a malfunctioning thermistor inside the head unit. We pressurize the system to find leaks, replace filters, and test sensor circuits — most of these repairs take an hour.
What to do: Call for same-day service. Running the system without cooling can damage the compressor.
When to Call
Same Day
Compressor damage compounds when the system runs without cooling.
Ice forming on the condenser means the system is too cold outside or refrigerant is leaking. In Jackson's Gap’s mild winters, ice on the outdoor unit almost always signals a charge loss or airflow blockage.
What to do: Turn the system off and call us. We thaw the unit, find the leak, and repair or replace the damaged line.
When to Call
Today
Ice buildup indicates refrigerant loss that will worsen quickly.
Ductless units have drain lines that carry condensation outside. When the drain gets clogged — often by mold or algae in humid Alabama summers — water backs up and drips inside your home.
What to do: Call today to prevent water damage. We clear the drain, treat it with algaecide, and test airflow.
When to Call
Today
Water damage to walls and floors compounds quickly.
If the indoor and outdoor units don’t respond to the remote, the issue is usually a dead battery, a failed receiver board, or a blown control relay in the outdoor compressor box.
What to do: Check the remote batteries first. If that doesn’t work, call for electrical diagnostics.
When to Call
This Week
Electrical issues can worsen and become safety hazards.
A rattling or grinding sound from the outdoor unit means internal compressor damage — a failing bearing or a refrigerant line vibrating loose. This repair usually requires compressor replacement.
What to do: Turn the system off and call immediately. Continued operation can cause complete compressor failure.
When to Call
Right Now
Grinding noises indicate imminent compressor failure.
Short cycling (running 5–10 minutes, then stopping) wastes energy and wears the compressor fast. Common causes: refrigerant overcharge, a stuck expansion valve, or a faulty pressure switch.
What to do: Call for diagnostics. We check the charge with a digital scale and test valve function to fix the root cause.
When to Call
Soon
Short cycling increases utility costs and compressor wear.
Methodical testing, transparent results, no guessing. Every Spencer repair follows the same five-step process — from the first call through the final system test.
When you contact us, tell our dispatcher what the unit is doing (not cooling, won’t start, leaking water, etc.) and when it stopped working. We’ll ask a few quick questions and schedule same-day service if the system is down and we have availability. We’re open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and we prioritize urgent repairs.
When our technician arrives, they’ll walk through your home, look at the indoor head unit for obvious damage, and check the outdoor unit for ice, leaves, or refrigerant stains. Then we go inside the breaker box and test the circuit for the mini-split, check thermostat batteries, and confirm the indoor and outdoor units are communicating.
If the basic checks don’t reveal the problem, we connect a digital manifold gauge to the service ports on the outdoor unit. This tells us refrigerant pressure, amperage draw on the compressor and fan motor, and temperature drop across the coils. For electrical issues, we use a multimeter to test control circuits, thermistor sensors, and relay coils.
Once we know the problem, we explain it to you, quote the cost, and start work with your approval. Common repairs we do on-site: recharge refrigerant, replace filters and drain lines, replace thermistor sensors and control boards, and evacuate and refill the system if we’ve opened sealed lines. For major failures, we discuss replacement options.
Before we leave, we run the unit for 15–20 minutes and confirm it’s cooling, the drain is flowing, and the electrical connections are tight. We give you a printout of the service data for your records and explain how to keep it running right: clean filters monthly, check the outdoor unit for leaves, and schedule annual maintenance.
Our maintenance members enjoy priority scheduling, consistent system performance, and the confidence that comes from knowing a trained professional is keeping an eye on their equipment throughout the year.
What’s Included In Our Maintenance Plan?
We know that a new HVAC system or a major repair can be a significant investment. That is why Spencer Heating and Air works with trusted lending partners to make quality comfort accessible to every homeowner. We want you to make the best decision for your home — not the cheapest one because of budget pressure.
Why Consider Financing?
Hover over the section to see the full list. The first card shows the most common cooling-season repair we run — the rest fan out as you explore.
From refrigerant leaks to failed compressors, our technicians diagnose, explain, and repair every kind of mini-split issue homeowners run into. We will walk you through what is happening, what it will take to fix, and whether a repair or replacement is the smarter call.
Most mini-splits lose charge over years — especially in humid climates. We measure the charge against the unit’s nameplate specifications, use an electronic scale to refill it precisely, and pressure-test to confirm no active leaks.
If your compressor has failed, we replace it with a new OEM-matched unit, evacuate the lines, refill with fresh refrigerant, and test under load. Still cheaper than ductless replacement if your indoor and outdoor head units are sound.
In Alabama’s humidity, algae and mold grow in the condensation drain. We flush the line with compressed air and water, apply algaecide, and test airflow. This prevents water from backing up into your home.
If the indoor head’s control board is fried (water damage, power surge, or manufacturing defect), we replace it with a new or factory-refurbished unit that’s compatible with your exact model.
A stuck or leaking expansion valve is one of the hardest mini-split failures to diagnose but one of the most fixable. We test valve operation under load, isolate it if faulty, and replace it with a calibrated OEM part.
Faulty temperature sensors cause the unit to cycle erratically or not turn on at all. We test sensor resistance, replace defective thermistors and room temperature sensors, and recalibrate the system to run smoothly.
Age and cost are the deciding factors. If your system is under 10 years old and the repair cost is less than 50% of a new installation, repair is almost always the right choice. If it’s over 12 years old and the compressor has failed, replacement often makes sense because the unit is near end-of-life anyway. We’ll explain this trade-off clearly when we diagnose the problem.
Simple repairs (filter, drain clearing, electrical reset) take 30 minutes to an hour. Diagnostic-heavy repairs (refrigerant recharge, sensor replacement) take 1–2 hours. Compressor or coil replacement can take 2–3 hours. We’ll give you a time estimate after the diagnostic.
Not permanently — a recharge buys time but doesn’t fix the leak. If your system is leaking refrigerant, we’ll pressure-test to find the source (usually a pinhole in the line set or a cracked fitting). Some leaks can be sealed; others require line set replacement. We’ll show you the leak location and explain your options.
Yes. If you call before 2 p.m., we’ll schedule service the same afternoon if we have availability. We’re open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and we prioritize urgent repairs.
We stand behind our work. If a repair doesn’t solve the problem, we’ll come back and diagnose why — no diagnostic fee the second time. Once we’ve confirmed the unit is unfixable, we’ll discuss mini-split installation options and financing.
No — but annual maintenance tune-ups will catch problems early and extend unit life by 5+ years. Many of our customers who’ve had a repair switch to our maintenance plan because they see the value. It’s not required, but it’s cheaper than unexpected repairs.
We’re certified on American Standard equipment and have experience with Fujitsu, LG, and Daikin units too. If you have a different brand, call us and we’ll let you know if we can help or if we need to refer you to a specialist.
No — we charge the same for every repair. We don’t add surcharges or evening fees. The total cost is the same.
The system will lose charge over weeks, gradually stop cooling, and eventually run so inefficiently the compressor overheats and fails. If you catch it early (within a month of noticing weak cooling), a recharge and minor line repair can save you significant money compared to compressor replacement. Ignore it for a year and the compressor is done.
Mini-splits require EPA 608 refrigerant certification and specialized diagnostic tools. Any repair involving refrigerant lines must be done by a licensed technician — it’s federal law. We’re licensed and insured; DIY attempts void your warranty and risk safety hazards.
Spencer Heating and Air operates from two convenient locations to serve communities across East Alabama. Whether you live in the heart of Auburn or along the shores of Lake Martin, our team is never far away.
Our Auburn flagship has served Lee County since 1967, with the deepest tooling and parts inventory in the region. When you need our broadest expertise — the Auburn team is a short drive away.
Call Auburn Location 334-887-9020Auburn customers and Lake Martin neighbors get the same Spencer commitment to honest work, accurate diagnosis, and repairs that last.
Book Service at Auburn Location
For over 55 years, Spencer Heating and Air has set the standard for honest, expert HVAC service in the Lake Martin area and Auburn. Our customers keep coming back because they know they can count on us — for fair pricing, skilled workmanship, and the kind of genuine care that only comes from a family-owned business with deep roots in the community.
Whether you need a brand-new American Standard system, a quick repair, or a comprehensive maintenance plan, we are here and ready to help. Do not settle for anything less than the best — your home and your family deserve it.
A broken mini-split is miserable in the heat — and it only gets worse the longer you wait. We’ll diagnose the problem, explain your options, and get you comfortable again fast. Spencer Heating and Air is ready for your repair call. With American Standard certification, same-day availability, and 55+ years of service around Jackson's Gap, we know how to fix ductless systems right.
