A failing packaged HVAC system puts your home’s comfort — and sometimes safety — at risk. Whether your unit won’t start, isn’t producing cold air, or is making unfamiliar noises, Spencer Heating and Air responds quickly with expert diagnosis and repair. Our technicians have serviced packaged systems from every major manufacturer and carry parts on our trucks to handle most issues on the first visit. We serve Jackson’s Gap and the Lake Martin area with same-day response when possible.
The more detail you provide, the faster we can respond. Is your system not heating or cooling at all, running but not producing the right temperature, making strange sounds, or leaking water? We serve Jackson’s Gap and Alexander City with same-day response. Kellyton, Equality, Eclectic, Kent, and Dadeville receive next-day scheduling when possible.
256-373-3165Six reasons families across Jackson’s Gap, Alexander City, and the Lake Martin area have made Spencer their first call when comfort fails. Click any card to read the detail.
Many packaged system problems look serious but have straightforward fixes; others require precision diagnosis.
Our technicians arrive with digital multimeters, refrigerant gauges, thermometers, airflow measurement tools, and specialized diagnostic computers to pinpoint exactly what’s wrong. We explain the problem in plain language, show you the issue if possible, and present repair options before proceeding. No guesswork. No parts-cannon repairs that run your bill up without fixing the problem.
Spencer’s diagnostic approach is methodical and thorough.
We test electrical connections, measure refrigerant pressures against manufacturer specs, inspect ductwork for leaks that might mask equipment problems, check thermostat calibration, and review your system’s history and previous service records. That disciplined approach catches problems before they become breakdowns and prevents repeat failures from the same root cause.
Since 1967, we’ve repaired packaged units in thousands of Lake Martin-area homes.
We’ve seen every failure mode from defective compressors to thermostat wiring issues to refrigerant leaks to blower motor failure. We know which components fail first in systems of different ages, what warning signs precede major failures, and how to prevent a repair from becoming a replacement situation.
Many repair calls are resolved on the first visit because we stock common replacement parts.
Blower motors, capacitors, contactors, thermostats, bearings, and more. If we need a hard-to-find part or a specialized component, we can usually source it within 24 hours and schedule follow-up service. You don’t wait for parts when your home is uncomfortable.
Every repair is backed by a one-year warranty on both parts and labor.
If the same component fails again within that period, we replace it at no charge. That confidence in our work is backed by our commitment to proper diagnosis and using quality replacement parts that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications. Same-day service ready to help — packaged systems fail at the worst possible times.
Tap a symptom to see why it matters and how soon you should call.
If your unit is unresponsive to thermostat calls or cycles on and off repeatedly (short-cycling), electrical problems, thermostat issues, or safety switches are usually the culprit. Short-cycling also indicates low refrigerant, an airflow restriction, or compressor strain.
What to do: This shouldn’t be ignored — short-cycling stresses the compressor and can cause catastrophic failure within days or weeks. Call for immediate diagnosis.
When to Call
Right Now
Short-cycling damages the compressor with each cycle and drives up utility costs.
Your system is running but not cooling adequately in summer or heating sufficiently in winter. This points to refrigerant leaks, restricted airflow from a clogged filter or blocked ducts, a failing compressor, or loss of blower function.
What to do: Partial refrigerant leaks are particularly dangerous because the system keeps running and seemingly “working,” but it’s operating in a degraded state and damaging the compressor with each cycle.
When to Call
Same Day
Refrigerant leaks cause progressive compressor damage the longer they run.
Grinding usually means internal compressor damage — serious problem requiring fast diagnosis before complete failure. Squealing points to belt wear or fan blade issues. Hissing indicates refrigerant leak. Rattling suggests loose components or debris inside the cabinet.
What to do: All warrant professional evaluation. Grinding noise especially requires immediate attention to prevent total compressor failure.
When to Call
Today
Grinding sounds mean compressor damage is progressing rapidly.
Water pooling under a packaged unit indicates condensate drain blockage (usually handled by cleaning). Refrigerant leaks present as oily residue around connection points or coils — this is a serious problem requiring immediate professional attention.
What to do: Never ignore refrigerant leaks; the system will damage itself and leak toxic fluid. Water leaks can cause structural damage if left unaddressed.
When to Call
Same Day
Refrigerant leaks are toxic and damage the compressor progressively.
Electrical shorts, loose wiring, or compressor failure can cause breaker trips. Never keep resetting a breaker without professional diagnosis — repeated trips indicate a developing electrical fault that could be dangerous.
What to do: Leave the breaker off and call us. Have us evaluate it before something more serious happens. Repeatedly resetting a tripped breaker is a fire risk.
When to Call
Right Now
Electrical faults are safety hazards that require immediate professional diagnosis.
Air coming from vents is warm when it should be cold (or cold when it should be warm). This indicates reverse operation, stuck reversing valve in a heat pump, or compressor failure. Also check whether the thermostat is programmed correctly.
What to do: If the thermostat settings are correct but the system is producing the wrong temperature, call for professional diagnosis. This usually indicates mechanical failure.
When to Call
Today
Wrong-temperature operation usually indicates serious mechanical problems.
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 we arrive, we start by listening to you describe exactly what you’re experiencing: When did it start? Is it intermittent or constant? Has it gotten progressively worse? What’s the system doing (or not doing) right now? We also ask about recent service history, any previous issues, and whether the unit has ever worked properly in your home.
Using digital gauges, multimeters, thermometers, airflow measurement tools, and diagnostic software, we test every critical system function. We measure refrigerant pressures against manufacturer specifications, test electrical continuity in wiring and components, verify thermostat calibration against actual temperature, and check blower operation across all speed settings.
Based on diagnostic data, we identify the exact source of the problem and explain it in plain language: is it a failed component, a leak, an electrical fault, a blockage, or something else? We show you photos or point out the issue visually when possible. We then present your options with pricing for each.
Once you approve the repair, we source any needed parts (many of which are on our truck; others are ordered same-day), perform the repair using proper tools and techniques, test the repair in all operating modes, and document everything. For refrigerant work, we follow EPA regulations for safe recovery and handling.
After repair, the entire system runs through a full commissioning test: we verify heating and cooling cycles complete normally, measure temperatures at vents to confirm proper operation, check refrigerant pressures again, and confirm no new leaks developed. We then review your system’s operation and suggest preventive steps.
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 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 packaged system 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.
Symptom: compressor or fan won’t start, humming noise. Capacitors store the energy that starts motors. Replacement takes 30 minutes and costs much less than a compressor.
Symptom: weak cooling, icy buildup on the unit. We find the leak with electronic detection or dye, repair it, evacuate, and recharge with the correct refrigerant amount — never just top off.
Symptom: no airflow, fan not spinning, system running but not circulating air. Motor bearings wear out or connections corrode. We replace and verify airflow.
Symptom: system cycles frequently, won’t reach setpoint, or won’t respond to adjustments. We test, recalibrate, or replace — smart-thermostat upgrades available.
Symptom: not cooling or heating, compressor not running or grinding. The heart of the system. A failed compressor needs replacement — a major repair, and we’ll walk you through whether it makes sense.
Symptom: weak heating or cooling in some rooms, high utility bills, dust around vents. Ductwork leaks reduce conditioned air reaching your rooms. We seal leaks and restore airflow.
Repair costs vary widely depending on the part that failed. Simple fixes like a thermostat replacement are minor, while major component failures (compressor, blower motor, reversing valve) cost more. There is a diagnostic visit fee, which is credited toward the repair if you proceed with our service. We’ll provide an exact estimate before starting any work.
That depends on whether the system is still under manufacturer warranty and what caused the failure. We’ll check your warranty status during diagnosis. Our repair work is always warranted for one year on both parts and labor — if the same issue recurs due to our repair, we fix it at no charge.
We can repair most units regardless of age, as long as parts are available. If a system is 15+ years old, has already had multiple expensive repairs, and is operating at poor efficiency, replacement often makes more sense financially. We’ll help you weigh the decision during the repair consultation. If repair costs exceed 50% of a new system’s price, replacement is usually the better choice.
If the part is on our truck, many repairs are completed the same day in 1–3 hours. If we need to order a component, we typically source it within 24 hours and schedule follow-up.
Good question — we’ve found plenty of “system problems” that were actually ductwork leaks or blockages. During our diagnostic, we test ductwork for leaks and blockages as part of the evaluation. If ductwork is the problem, we’ll recommend sealing or repair and explain how it’s affecting your system. Sometimes fixing ductwork alone solves the comfort problem without touching the equipment.
We’re open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 256-373-3165 during business hours, and we’ll respond as quickly as possible. Same-day service is available in Jackson’s Gap and all served Lake Martin communities.
A refrigerant leak means refrigerant is escaping somewhere in the system — an active problem that will keep recurring unless fixed. Low charge (without a leak) happens over time as the system ages, but it’s a sign of a leak developing somewhere. We locate and repair the leak, then recharge the system to the correct level. We never just add refrigerant without finding why it was low.
Regular maintenance is key. Annual tune-ups before heating and cooling seasons catch problems early — worn belts, refrigerant leaks starting to develop, electrical connections loosening. We also recommend replacing filters monthly and keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris and vegetation. Many of our repair calls could have been prevented with a single annual maintenance appointment.
Our one-year repair warranty covers the part we replaced and the labor we performed. If that specific component fails again within one year due to defective workmanship or a faulty part, we repair or replace it at no charge. Damage from improper maintenance or new unrelated problems are not covered.
Sometimes. Noises have different causes: rattling usually means loose components, squealing points to belt wear, grinding indicates compressor damage. We diagnose the source and repair if possible. Some noise issues require part replacement; grinding noises often mean the compressor is failing and replacement is necessary.
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.
Spencer Heating and Air responds to packaged system repairs in Jackson’s Gap and surrounding Lake Martin areas with same-day service, accurate diagnosis, and honest pricing. We will identify what is wrong, explain your repair options, and get your system heating and cooling again.
