An outside unit that hums while the fan stays still is the call we get most in July in Colorado Springs, CO, 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. These are the signals our technicians see most often:
- An iced-over evaporator coil or frozen refrigerant lines
- Puddles near the air handler or water stains on the ceiling beneath it
- Warm or room-temperature air blowing when the thermostat calls for cooling
- Breaker trips or a burning odor at startup
- Higher summer bills even though the house still feels warm and humid
- A hiss or gurgle from the lines, a common sign of leaking refrigerant
- Clicking or humming outside with no fan movement
- The system short-cycling every few minutes without cooling the house
Don't Wait for a Total Failure
What seems like a minor issue today can take out a compressor or heat exchanger tomorrow. If you notice any of these signs, call (719) 697-8646 for a prompt inspection.
