Another Hot Day in San Antonio
In San Antonio, August doesn’t just bring heat — it brings relentless, full-blast, don’t-even-think-about-turning-off-the-AC kind of heat. So when Ms. Ruple noticed her home on Wiltshire Avenue wasn’t cooling like it should, she didn’t wait around to see if it would fix itself.
She called ASC Heating & Air, a team trusted across San Antonio for fast, honest work and no-nonsense diagnostics. It’s not about upselling — it’s about figuring out what’s wrong, explaining it clearly, and helping homeowners get back to comfortable living as quickly (and affordably) as possible.
The Initial Call: AC Unit Not Cooling Properly
When our team arrived at Ms. Ruple’s home, the problem was clear even before stepping inside — the AC was running, but the house felt stuffy and warm. The thermostat was set right, the airflow wasn’t blocked, but something wasn’t clicking.
This kind of issue is common in San Antonio, especially during high-demand months when systems are under constant stress. It’s not always a dramatic failure — sometimes, it starts with the unit just not keeping up. And that’s exactly the kind of early sign ASC knows not to ignore.
On-Site Diagnosis by ASC Heating & Air
Our technician, Jacob, arrived and immediately began a full diagnostic inspection of the system.
It didn’t take long for the warning signs to show. The compressor was producing an unusual dry noise, often a sign of internal wear or oil circulation issues. Within ten minutes, the amperage climbed from 4.9 to 5.48 — an indication the unit was straining under load. The compression ratio had dropped to 1:2, which is well below normal operating levels.
At that point, it was clear the system wasn’t just underperforming — it was deteriorating.
These kinds of problems don’t always present clearly at the surface. That’s why ASC Heating & Air relies on full diagnostics, not guesswork. Based on the readings, sounds, and overall performance, the compressor was approaching failure — and the longer it ran like that, the worse it would get.
What a Compressor Does And Why It Matters
The compressor is one of the most important parts of any air conditioning system. It moves refrigerant through the coils, helping pull heat from inside the house and push it outdoors. Without it, there’s no cooling — plain and simple.
When a compressor starts to fail, it usually doesn’t happen all at once. It gets louder. It uses more electricity. It cools less and runs more. That’s exactly what we saw at Ms. Ruple’s home. The compressor was noisy, the power draw kept climbing, and the pressure readings were dropping.
These signs may seem small at first, but they point to a bigger problem. A failing compressor not only affects comfort — it can also lead to higher utility bills, more stress on other parts of the system, and eventually, a full breakdown.
Inside the Unit
Once we opened up the system, we could see where the problems were coming from.
The coil showed signs of rust. The copper lines had clear wear. Insulation was breaking down around the key components. All of this adds up to poor efficiency and a system that’s working harder than it should — just to keep up.
These issues don’t happen overnight. They build slowly over time, especially in older systems. But they often go unnoticed until the unit starts struggling. That’s why we document what we find — so homeowners can see the condition of their system for themselves, not just take our word for it.
Quoting & Replacing a Failing Compressor
After the inspection, Jacob explained the findings to Ms. Ruple clearly and directly. The data pointed to a failing compressor, and replacing it was the next step.
Before moving forward, we’re checking with our supply partners to confirm pricing and part availability. We want to provide an accurate quote with no surprises.
At ASC, we only recommend repairs that are necessary — and we always back our advice with facts, not guesswork.
Why San Antonio Homeowners Choose ASC Heating & Air
When you live in San Antonio, having a dependable AC system isn’t optional — it’s part of daily life. So when something breaks, you want a team that shows up, knows what they’re doing, and doesn’t waste your time.
That’s exactly why homeowners around Wiltshire Avenue and nearby neighborhoods turn to ASC Heating & Air. We’re a local, family-run company that’s been helping San Antonio families stay comfortable for years. We focus on clear communication, honest work, and solutions that make sense — no upsells, no guesswork.
A lot of the homes we service — especially in areas like Alamo Heights — have older HVAC setups. These systems still work hard, but they need a careful eye and the right kind of experience to stay running smoothly.
Fun fact: Alamo Heights was originally developed as a streetcar suburb in the early 1900s and officially became a city in 1922. Today, its tree-lined streets and historic homes are a point of pride for the neighborhood — but that vintage charm often comes with aging ductwork, dated equipment, and unique cooling challenges that newer homes don’t face.
That’s where our experience comes in. At ASC, we’ve worked on systems of all kinds. We know how to spot trouble early, explain what’s going on in plain terms, and give homeowners real options to move forward with confidence.
Stay Ahead of Repairs with Help from ASC
In cases like this, early action makes all the difference. Ms. Ruple called as soon as she noticed her system wasn’t keeping up — and that call may have helped prevent a complete breakdown.
If your AC is acting up, running longer than usual, or just not keeping things cool, don’t wait. A quick checkup now can save you from bigger repairs later.
ASC Heating & Air offers thorough diagnostic services and fast support when it matters most. Whether it’s a second opinion or your first call, we’re here to help. Give us a call today to schedule an inspection or get an estimate.
