A humming outdoor unit with a fan that will not turn is the call we get most in July in Battle Creek, MI, and the cause is usually a failed run capacitor. That inexpensive component starts the compressor and fan, fades for years without complaint, and then quits under peak load. It is far from the only suspect, though. Contactors pit and stop passing clean power, condenser fan bearings dry out, small refrigerant leaks drain away cooling capacity, and evaporator coils ice over when a clogged filter strangles airflow.
Heating trouble instead? See Furnace Repair.
Warning Signs for AC Repair
The sooner you notice these red flags, the easier and cheaper the fix. Keep an eye out for the following clues:
- A hiss or gurgle from the lines, a common sign of leaking refrigerant
- An AC that turns on and off every few minutes but never cools down the house
- Clicking or humming outside with no fan movement
- Frost or ice forming on the copper lines or the indoor coil
- Water dripping from the indoor unit or showing up on the ceiling below
- Cooling bills climbing while the house stays sticky and warm
- Room-temperature air from the registers even though the AC is running
- A burning smell or repeated breaker trips when the AC starts
Early Action Saves Money
What seems like a minor issue today can take out a compressor or heat exchanger tomorrow. At the first hint of a problem, call (269) 201-8798 for a fast inspection.
