Common AC problems in Sacramento homes
Blowing warm air
Often a failed capacitor or contactor at the outdoor unit, a dirty coil, or low refrigerant from a leak.
Ice on the lines or coil
Usually restricted airflow (dirty filter, closed vents) or low refrigerant. Turn cooling off and run the fan to thaw it.
Short cycling
Turning on and off every few minutes can mean an oversized unit, a thermostat problem, or an electrical fault.
Won't turn on
Check the thermostat batteries and mode, the breaker, and the outdoor disconnect before calling.
Water near the indoor unit
A clogged condensate drain or a failed condensate pump. Shut the system off to avoid water damage.
Loud or new noises
Grinding, squealing or buzzing can point to a failing motor, a loose part or an electrical problem.
Safe checks before you call
- Set the thermostat to Cool and a few degrees below room temperature.
- Replace a dirty air filter.
- Check the breaker for the indoor and outdoor units.
- Clear leaves, grass and clutter from around the outdoor unit.
What a good repair visit looks like
- The technician explains the diagnosis and shows you the failed part or readings.
- You get a written price before work starts.
- If refrigerant is low, they look for the leak instead of only recharging.
- They tell you whether the problem is likely to recur.
See the cost guide for what moves repair prices. Source: DOE Energy Saver: maintaining your air conditioner.
FAQ
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Common causes include a dirty filter or outdoor coil, a failed capacitor or fan motor, low refrigerant from a leak, or a frozen indoor coil. A technician measures pressures and temperatures to find which one it is.
Can I add refrigerant myself?
No. Handling refrigerant requires EPA Section 608 certification, and low refrigerant means there is a leak that should be found and repaired.
Should I repair or replace an older AC?
It depends on the repair, the system's age and its refrigerant. Ask the contractor to price both and compare. See AC replacement.