A hot day in Rio Rancho is the last time you want your air conditioner to quit, especially in a building full of people and pets. A local animal clinic in Rio Rancho called B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing when their front air conditioning system stopped coming on at all—no fan, no airflow, nothing. Our HVAC service technician arrived the next morning, diagnosed the issue, repaired the air conditioner, and provided options to plan ahead for a future replacement so the clinic can keep running smoothly.
Job Overview
- Location: Rio Rancho, NM
- Client Type: Veterinary clinic
- Scope: Diagnose why front air conditioner would not turn on, restore operation, and review options for future system replacement
- Equipment Repaired: 9-year-old split system: furnace, indoor coil, and outdoor air conditioner (condenser)
- Additional Work (if any): Electrical and control diagnostics, minor repair, testing of thermostat and safety controls, and written estimates for recommended improvements
- Why It Mattered: The clinic needed reliable cooling during business hours to protect staff, clients, and animals from rising indoor temperatures and to avoid closing early
What We Found
When our technician arrived, the clinic’s front air conditioner was completely unresponsive. Staff reported that the system had been working earlier in the day but then stopped — no fan at the registers and no sound from the outdoor unit.
Ben started with a full inspection of the thermostat, indoor furnace and coil, and the outdoor condenser. He verified power to the equipment, checked the disconnect and breaker, and inspected the low-voltage control wiring. The system is about nine years old, which is old enough that wear and tear can cause intermittent electrical or control issues.
The inspection confirmed that the equipment itself was still in fair condition for its age, but a control-related problem was preventing the air conditioner from getting a proper signal to start. Left unresolved, this kind of issue can lead to extended downtime, uncomfortable indoor conditions, and eventually more stress on the system once it finally does restart.
The Solution
B. Carlson’s HVAC technician walked the clinic through his findings and explained the repair options in clear terms. He then completed the air conditioner repair in the same-day to restore operation.
The work included:
- Verifying the thermostat settings and confirming it was sending a call for cooling
- Inspecting and tightening electrical connections at the furnace and outdoor condenser
- Repairing the control issue that was stopping the system from turning on
- Checking system start-up, airflow at the registers, and temperature drop across the coil
- Confirming that safety controls and breakers were in proper working order
After the repair, Ben cycled the system several times to make sure it started consistently and ran without unusual noise or short cycling. Because the equipment is nine years old, he also provided pricing and estimates so the clinic can plan for a future air conditioner replacement in Rio Rancho before the system reaches the end of its life.
Photo Highlights
- Condensate pump and drain lines located next to the indoor furnace, inspected during the diagnostic to ensure proper drainage and safe AC operation.
- Indoor furnace and coil setup in the equipment closet, showing venting, drain lines, and system components inspected during the AC diagnostic.
- View of the clinic’s equipment room with the furnace closet open during the AC diagnostic, showing workspace setup and technician access to the indoor system.
The Results
By the end of the visit, the front air conditioner at the animal clinic was back online and delivering steady cooling to the lobby and exam rooms. Staff no longer had to worry about shutting down early or moving animals to different areas of the building to avoid a hot front office.
The system is now operating as it should for its age, and the clinic has a clear picture of repair history, current condition, and replacement options. With this information, they can budget and plan ahead instead of being caught off guard by a major failure down the road.
Trusted for Air Conditioner Service in Rio Rancho
When you need air conditioner repair in Rio Rancho, whether it’s a clinic, office, or home, you want a team that responds quickly and explains your options clearly. B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has decades of experience servicing air conditioners across Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, from systems that need repair to older units ready for replacement.
If your air conditioner won’t turn on, is blowing warm air, or just isn’t keeping up, schedule a visit with B. Carlson. We’ll diagnose the problem, recommend the right solution for your space and budget, and get your cooling system running again as quickly as possible.


