Same-day air conditioning repair means a certified engineer may attend today. It does not mean every fault is fixed today. The visit is still a callout, often in the low hundreds or less in 2026 illustrations, plus parts. That is an illustration, not a tariff. Van stock, your area, and whether the refrigerant circuit must be opened decide the rest. A leak is not a household job while you wait.
Today can mean a visit, not a finished repair
If the firm has an engineer nearby and the fault is a filter, a pump, a remote setting or a tripped supply they can see safely, you may have cooling back the same day. If the part is not on the van, same day means a diagnosis today and a repair when the part arrives. Attendance today and completion today are different.
Leaks, compressors, photos and the evening rate
A refrigerant leak needs finding, repairing and recharging by a certified person, with the right gas for that system. That is not a same-hour top-up from a can. A failed compressor is a parts order and a decision about replacement, especially on an older unit. Water through a ceiling from a blocked drain can often be made safe the same day, with a proper clean of the drain to follow.
Send photos before they travel: the display, any flashing lamp, the outdoor unit, and the water if there is water. Note the model if you can read it. Clear a path to both units. Mention pets, parking and a high outdoor unit so they bring the right access plan. Out of hours same-day visits cost more than a weekday slot.
Energy Saving Trust will not make a broken unit efficient. A clear coil and clean filters are maintenance. They are not a repair for a dead compressor. Refrigerant work waits for an F-gas certified engineer.
Heatwave promises and van stock
Heatwaves fill the diary. A firm that promises every call is finished before evening is selling the promise, not the parts network. Ask what they can attend for today, and what would slip to a second visit. Parts not on the van wait for a return.
Frequently asked questions
Can every air conditioning fault be fixed the same day?
No. Simple faults with parts on the van often can. A leak, a compressor or an ordered board usually needs a second visit after diagnosis.
Is same-day repair more expensive?
The callout illustration is still often the low hundreds or less, and evenings or emergency attendance can be higher. Parts are extra either way.
Can I top the gas up myself while I wait?
No. Refrigerant work is for an F-gas certified company. A same-day visit does not make a DIY charge lawful or safe.
Does switching the unit off mend a blocked drain?
Switching the unit off stops more water coming through a ceiling. It does not mend the drain. A proper clean of the drain still has to follow.
Core buying guides
Start with these high-intent guides, then dig into the rest of the library.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
How this guide was prepared
This guide was written by the Local AC Installers Editorial Team. We compare official guidance, legislation and established consumer information, separate general information from project-specific advice, and show publication dates and sources. We do not accept installer accreditation claims at face value.