Cooling
AC Repair
Most AC breakdowns are not mysterious — they are a short list of common failures (capacitors, contactors, refrigerant leaks, clogged drains, failed fan motors) plus a smaller set of expensive ones (compressor, coil). A good repair visit is mostly diagnosis: measurements first, parts second. The tech who measures superheat and subcooling before quoting a compressor is the tech you want.
AC Repair: at a glance
- What it is:
- Diagnosis and repair of a central AC that runs but doesn't cool, won't turn on, short-cycles, or makes new noises — the technician finds the failed component and fixes it rather than replacing the whole system.
- When you need it:
- When the system is under ~12 years old, the problem is isolated (capacitor, contactor, refrigerant leak, clogged drain), and repair costs stay well below replacement.
- The key decision:
- Ask the tech what failed and why — a good diagnosis explains the cause, not just the symptom. If they recommend replacing the whole system, get a second opinion before agreeing.
Key facts
| Typical timeline | Same visit for common parts; 1–3 days if parts must be ordered |
|---|---|
| Key risk | Repeated repairs on a 12+ year system — the money may be better spent on replacement |
| Relative scope | Smallest — one failed component |
| Best for | Systems under ~12 years with an isolated, diagnosable failure |
Typical ranges for the material category — your home, climate, and installer quality move real results.
Do this first
- Check the thermostat (cool mode, set below room temp), the breaker, and the outdoor disconnect before calling.
- Replace a clogged filter — restricted airflow mimics several expensive failures.
- Note the symptoms precisely: won't start, runs but blows warm, short-cycles, ices up, makes noise. The pattern points to the cause.
- If you see ice on the refrigerant lines or coil, turn the system off and let it thaw — running it iced up damages the compressor.
What the crew does
- Check thermostat, breaker, and disconnect before touching the equipment
- Measure refrigerant pressures, superheat, and subcooling to distinguish a leak from a charge issue
- Test capacitors, contactors, and fan motors under load — the most common failure points
- Clear and flush the condensate drain, which causes a surprising share of shutdowns
- Inspect the evaporator and condenser coils for fouling that kills efficiency
- Explain what failed, what it costs relative to the system's age, and whether repair still makes sense
Common questions
The honest math considers age, repair cost, and efficiency. A common rule of thumb: if the repair costs a large fraction of replacement and the system is past about two-thirds of its expected life, replacement deserves a real comparison. A good tech will show you both numbers without pressure.
Often low refrigerant from a leak, a badly fouled condenser coil, or restricted airflow from a clogged filter or failing blower. It can also be an undersized or aging system on the hottest days. Diagnosis starts with refrigerant measurements and airflow checks, not guesses.
Usually not for long. Grinding or screeching often means a failing motor or bearings; running it can turn a motor replacement into a compressor or coil problem. Shut it down and call — noise is one symptom where waiting reliably makes things worse.
Not sure what's wrong?
Run the 60-second symptom checker for the most likely culprits.
60-second symptom checker
General guidance — a technician confirms on-site
What's going on with your system?
Pick the closest match — we'll narrow it down in one more step.
AC Repair by state
Local climate changes the right material and details. Pick your state for ac repair guidance tuned to local conditions.