An air conditioner that blows warm air, freezes up or will not start always seems to fail on the hottest day. Many problems have simple causes, such as a dirty filter or a tripped breaker, but others need a trained technician with the right tools and refrigerant certification.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent heating and cooling provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Signs your AC needs repair
These are the most common warning signs.
- Warm or barely cool air from the vents
- Weak airflow
- Ice on the outdoor unit or the copper lines
- Water leaking near the indoor unit
- The AC turns on and off every few minutes
- Buzzing, grinding or squealing noises
What to do right now
In extreme heat, move babies, older people and anyone unwell to a cool place. If the unit smells of burning, switch it off at the thermostat and the breaker and call for help.
- Check the thermostat is set to cool and a few degrees below room temperature
- Check the breaker for the indoor and outdoor units
- Replace a dirty air filter
- If there is ice, switch the AC off and run only the fan so it can thaw
- Clear leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit
- Call an AC technician if it still does not cool
Common causes of AC problems
Dirty filter or coils
Blocked airflow makes the system work harder and can freeze the coil.
Refrigerant leak
Low refrigerant leads to poor cooling and ice. Leaks must be found and fixed by certified technicians.
Failed capacitor or contactor
These small electrical parts help the outdoor unit start and often fail in hot weather.
Clogged condensate drain
A blocked drain can overflow and leak water, or shut the system off.
How a technician repairs an AC
- The technician checks the thermostat, power and filter.
- Airflow, pressures and temperatures are measured.
- Electrical parts such as capacitors and contactors are tested.
- Leaks are found and repaired before any refrigerant is added.
- The system is cleaned where needed and tested.
Keeping your AC running
- Change the filter every one to three months
- Keep two feet of clear space around the outdoor unit
- Have the system checked each spring
- Keep indoor vents open and unblocked
- Watch for rising bills, which can signal a problem
Questions to ask before you hire
- What is causing the problem?
- If refrigerant is low, where is the leak and will you fix it?
- Are you certified to handle refrigerant?
- What does the repair cost compared with replacement?
- What warranty do you give on parts and labor?
Frequently asked questions about ac repair near me
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Common causes are a dirty filter, a refrigerant leak, a failed capacitor or a dirty outdoor coil.
Why is there ice on my AC?
Usually poor airflow or low refrigerant. Switch the cooling off, run the fan to thaw it and call for service.
Can I add refrigerant myself?
No. Refrigerant work requires certification, and adding it without fixing the leak does not solve the problem.
How long does AC repair take?
Many repairs take an hour or two if the parts are on the truck.
Learn more
Our main heating and cooling guide covers the wider picture, including what affects the cost and when to call a professional.
Looking for ac repair near me? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see ENERGY STAR’s heating and cooling advice.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
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