An outside unit that hums while the fan stays still is the call we get most in July in Des Moines, IA, 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
Spotting the early warning signs lets you act before the problem gets expensive. These are the signals our technicians see most often:
- Warm or room-temperature air blowing when the thermostat calls for cooling
- The outdoor unit humming or clicking but the fan not spinning
- Water dripping from the indoor unit or showing up on the ceiling below
- A hiss or gurgle from the lines, a common sign of leaking refrigerant
- Breaker trips or a burning odor at startup
- Rapid on-off cycling that never brings the temperature down
- Rising electric costs paired with a sticky, uncomfortable house
- An iced-over evaporator coil or frozen refrigerant lines
Early Action Saves Money
Most HVAC failures start small, a weak capacitor, a squealing blower, a system that runs a little longer each week. Call (402) 799-5395 at the first sign of trouble.
