Signs your air conditioner needs repair
Call us if you notice any of these. Catching them early usually means a smaller repair.
- Warm or weak air from the vents, even with the thermostat set low
- The outdoor unit is humming but the fan isn’t spinning
- Short cycling: the system turns on and off every few minutes
- Ice on the refrigerant lines or indoor coil
- Water around the indoor unit, or a float switch that keeps shutting the system off
- New noises: buzzing, grinding, banging or squealing
- One room is much warmer than the rest of the house
- Higher electric bills without a change in how you use it
A few things you can check first
Some “broken” air conditioners turn out to be a simple fix. These are general suggestions only; if you’re unsure about any of them, skip it and call us.
- Thermostat. Make sure it’s set to Cool, the set temperature is below the room temperature, and the batteries aren’t dead.
- Breakers. If a breaker for the system has tripped and trips again after being reset, leave it off and call us. Something is drawing too much power.
- Air filter. A clogged filter can cut airflow enough to freeze the coil. If it’s grey and matted, replace it.
What happens on a repair visit
- We listen first. You tell us what you’ve noticed and when it started.
- We test the whole system, not just the part that looks broken: electrical components, refrigerant pressures, airflow, the drain line and the thermostat.
- We explain what we found and give you the price before we start. If there’s more than one way to fix it, we’ll lay out the options.
- We fix it and check it. Before we leave, we confirm the system is cooling properly and clean up after ourselves.
The repairs we make most often
- Capacitors and contactors. These electrical parts help the motors start, and they’re the most common summer failure. Usually a same-visit fix.
- Fan motors, indoor and outdoor
- Refrigerant leaks. Low refrigerant means there’s a leak. We find and repair it rather than just topping the system up.
- Frozen coils, usually caused by low airflow or low refrigerant
- Clogged condensate drains and float switches
- Thermostat and wiring faults
- Compressor problems. When a compressor fails on an older system, we’ll show you the cost of repair next to the cost of replacement.
Repair or replace?
We’ll never push a new system when a repair makes sense. In our customers’ words: “They weren’t pushy” and “sensible and reasonably priced recommendations.” As a rule of thumb:
- Repair if the system is under about 10 years old, the repair is modest, and it has been reliable.
- Consider replacing if it’s 12–15+ years old, needs a major part like a compressor, uses discontinued R-22 refrigerant, or has needed several repairs in a few years.
If replacement does make sense, we install high-efficiency Daikin and Goodman systems sized for your home.
Emergency AC repair
Heat waves are when systems fail, and they’re when older family members and pets are most at risk. We answer 24/7. See emergency AC repair for what to do while you wait.
Common questions
Is it safe to keep running an air conditioner that isn't cooling?
Usually it's best to turn it off. Running a system that's low on refrigerant, iced over or short cycling can damage the compressor, which is the most expensive part to replace. Switch the thermostat to off, leave the fan on if the coil is iced, and call us.
How long does an AC repair take?
Most common repairs, like a capacitor, contactor, fan motor or clogged drain line, are finished in a single visit. If a part has to be ordered or the problem is a refrigerant leak, we'll tell you the timeline before we leave.
Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
If your system is under about 10 years old and the repair is modest, repairing it almost always makes sense. If it's 12 to 15 years or older, uses R-22 refrigerant, or needs a major repair like a compressor, we'll show you both options side by side so you can decide.
Do you repair brands you didn't install?
Yes. We service all major brands of central air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless systems, whoever installed them.
How can I avoid AC breakdowns?
A spring cleaning and check-up catches most of the problems that cause summer breakdowns, like weak capacitors, dirty coils and clogged drain lines. Comfort Club members get it included.