Central Air Conditioning Installation & Service

Residential & Commercial AC Services

Touchstone Mechanical delivers professional air conditioning installation, repair, and replacement for residential and commercial properties throughout the Denver metro area. Licensed HVAC technicians work on central air conditioning systems of all sizes, diagnosing failures, installing high-efficiency equipment, and completing code-compliant repairs that restore reliable cooling. Services are designed to improve comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term system performance in Colorado’s climate.

When your AC stops cooling on a 95-degree afternoon, you need fast, reliable repair—not a sales pitch. Touchstone Mechanical diagnoses and fixes air conditioning problems for homeowners across Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Aurora, Golden, and surrounding communities. We work on all major brands and system types, from single-stage units to variable-speed compressors.

What We Fix

Air conditioning systems fail for specific, diagnosable reasons. Most problems fall into a few categories:

  • Refrigerant leaks — If your system is low on refrigerant, it won’t cool properly. We locate leaks using electronic detectors and pressure tests, repair the leak, then recharge the system to manufacturer specs.
  • Compressor failures — The compressor is the heart of your AC system. When it fails, the outdoor unit may hum but not start, or it might trip your breaker repeatedly. We test capacitors, contactors, and windings to determine if repair or replacement is necessary.
  • Frozen evaporator coils — Ice buildup on indoor coils usually means restricted airflow (dirty filter, blocked return) or low refrigerant. We identify the root cause, not just the symptom.
  • Blower motor problems — If air isn’t moving through your vents, the blower motor, capacitor, or control board may have failed. We carry common replacement parts and can often complete repairs same-day.
  • Thermostat and control issues — Sometimes the AC itself is fine, but wiring or sensor problems prevent it from running correctly. We troubleshoot the full control loop, including thermostat calibration and zone dampers.
  • Drainage clogs — Condensate lines can clog with algae or debris, causing water damage or system shutdowns. We clear lines and install cleanout access where needed.
  • How AC Repair Works

You call or text with the problem. We ask a few questions—when it stopped working, what sounds you’re hearing, whether the outdoor unit is running. This helps us bring the right parts and tools.

When we arrive, we start with a visual inspection and system diagnostics. We check voltage, amperage, refrigerant pressures, and airflow. Most problems reveal themselves within 15–20 minutes of testing.

We explain what’s wrong in plain terms, what it’ll take to fix it, and whether the repair makes sense given the age and condition of your system. You decide whether to proceed.

If you approve the repair, we complete it on-site whenever possible. For complex jobs—like compressor replacement—we may need to return with additional equipment or refrigerant recovery tools.

After the repair, we test the system through a full cooling cycle to confirm it’s operating correctly. We clean up, answer your questions, and leave you with a written summary of what was done.

Why AC Problems Happen in Colorado

Denver-area homes put unusual stress on air conditioning systems. Altitude affects refrigerant behavior—systems charged at sea level specs may underperform here. We account for elevation when checking pressures and superheat.

Extreme temperature swings—from 50°F mornings to 95°F afternoons—force your compressor to cycle more frequently than in stable climates. This accelerates wear on contactors and capacitors.

Low humidity also plays a role. Dry air means less latent cooling load, but it can cause rubber seals and gaskets to crack faster. We see more refrigerant leaks in older systems for this reason.

Service Area Coverage

Touchstone Mechanical handles AC repairs throughout the west and central metro area. That includes Lakewood, Edgewater, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Littleton, Morrison, Sheridan, Englewood, and Aurora. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, just ask.

Equipment Compatibility

We service all major residential AC brands, including systems from AprilAire, Bosch, Goodman, Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, and Bryant. Our technicians are trained on both standard and variable-speed compressor systems.

For AprilAire zoning controls, we can diagnose damper and panel issues that affect cooling distribution. Bosch inverter-driven systems require specific diagnostic tools—we have them. Goodman units are straightforward to service, and parts are usually available locally.

If you have a newer high-efficiency system, we can work with communicating thermostats and multi-stage compressors. Older systems are often easier to repair and parts remain available for most models from the last 15–20 years.

What to Expect From Our Process

Touchstone Mechanical trucks carry common repair parts—capacitors, contactors, disconnect blocks, and refrigerant. We wear shoe covers and put down drop cloths if we’re working indoors.

You’ll get a clear explanation of the problem before we start any work. We don’t upsell replacements unless the repair cost approaches 50% of a new system’s value, or if the existing equipment has a documented history of repeat failures.

We handle refrigerant according to EPA regulations. If your system uses R-22 (Freon), we’ll explain your options—R-22 is still available but expensive. Some older systems can be retrofitted to use alternative refrigerants, though this isn’t always practical.

After the repair, you’ll receive documentation of what was replaced, refrigerant type and amount added, and any observations about system condition. We don’t leave you guessing about what happened or why.

Common Questions About AC Repair

How long does an AC repair usually take?

Most repairs take 1–2 hours. Simple fixes like capacitor replacement or filter cleaning can be done in 30 minutes. Compressor replacement, refrigerant leak repair, or control board replacement may take 3–4 hours depending on system access and complexity.

Can you repair an AC system that’s over 15 years old?

Yes, if parts are available and the repair cost is reasonable. Systems older than 15 years often need multiple repairs within a short timeframe, so we’ll give you an honest assessment of whether ongoing repairs make financial sense.

What if my AC needs refrigerant?

We test for leaks before adding refrigerant. Simply topping off a leaking system wastes money and doesn’t solve the problem. If we find a leak, we’ll locate it, repair it, vacuum the system, and recharge it properly.

Do you offer emergency AC repair?

We don’t offer emergency repairs but contact us and we’ll work with you on scheduling based on the situation and our current availability.

Why is my AC blowing warm air?

Common causes include low refrigerant, a failed compressor, a stuck reversing valve (on heat pumps), or a malfunctioning thermostat. We diagnose the actual cause rather than guessing.

How much does AC repair cost?
Repair costs depend entirely on what failed and what parts are needed. We’ll explain the problem and discuss your options before starting any work.

Can I run my AC if it’s making strange noises?

Depends on the noise. Squealing usually means a bad belt or bearing—continuing to run it will cause more damage. Clicking or buzzing from the outdoor unit might indicate electrical problems. It’s safer to shut it down and have it checked.

What’s the difference between a repair and a tune-up?

A repair fixes a specific problem. A tune-up is preventive maintenance—cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, testing electrical components. We focus on repairs, not maintenance contracts.

Will fixing my AC make it run like new?

It depends what failed. Replacing a worn capacitor restores normal operation. But if your compressor is weak or your coils are corroded, the repair will only address the immediate problem—not underlying wear.

Do you work on mini-split systems?
Yes. Mini-splits have different failure modes than central AC, but the diagnostic process is similar. We service both ducted and ductless systems.

Need AC repair?

Call or text Touchstone Mechanical with a description of the problem and we’ll get you scheduled.