AC freezing up
Ice on the indoor coil or refrigerant lines usually means airflow is restricted or the system has a refrigerant problem. Common causes are a dirty filter, blocked vents, a failing blower or low refrigerant caused by a leak.
Turn the system off at the thermostat and let the ice melt before calling a technician. Running a frozen system can damage the compressor.
AC leaking water inside the house
Air conditioners remove moisture as they cool, and that water normally drains away through a condensate line. A clogged line, a cracked drain pan, a failed condensate pump or a frozen coil can cause water to leak indoors.
Turn the system off, mop up water, and check the filter. If leaks continue, or water is near electrical equipment, call a professional. Water can damage ceilings and floors quickly.
AC unit not turning on
Start with the simple checks: thermostat mode and batteries, a tripped breaker, and the service switch near the unit. If those are fine, the cause could be a failed capacitor, contactor, control board, safety switch or transformer.
If a breaker keeps tripping, don't keep resetting it. That can indicate an electrical fault that needs a professional.
AC capacitor replacement
Capacitors help motors start and run. When one weakens, the outdoor fan or compressor may hum, struggle or fail to start. Replacement is often a faster, lower-cost repair than other failures, but capacitors store electricity and should only be handled by a qualified technician.
AC refrigerant leak repair
An air conditioner's refrigerant isn't used up, so low refrigerant means there is a leak. A professional should find and repair the leak instead of just adding refrigerant, and refrigerant handling requires certification in many places.
Signs include weak cooling, ice on the coil, hissing sounds or rising energy bills.
Compressor problems: repair or replace?
The compressor is the most expensive component of an air conditioner. When it fails, the choice between repairing and replacing the unit depends on its age, warranty, the cost of the repair and the condition of the rest of the system.
Ask for a written estimate for repair and for replacement, and see our guide on AC repair versus replacement. Prices vary by region and equipment, so compare more than one quote.
When to call a professional
We're a referral service, not a contractor. We can help you look for independent local contractors, but we can't promise availability, pricing or response times.
- Ice, water or burning smells that continue after basic checks
- Repeated breaker trips or electrical odors
- Grinding, squealing or banging noises
- Weak cooling that doesn't improve with a clean filter