An outside unit that hums while the fan stays still is the call we get most in July in Perth Amboy, NJ, 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.
For winter breakdowns, 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:
- Bubbling or hissing noises that point to a possible refrigerant leak
- Water dripping from the indoor unit or showing up on the ceiling below
- Vents blowing air that is barely cooler than the room
- A hot electrical smell or a tripped breaker whenever the air conditioner kicks on
- Frost or ice forming on the copper lines or the indoor coil
- The outdoor unit humming or clicking but the fan not spinning
- Rapid on-off cycling that never brings the temperature down
- Cooling bills climbing while the house stays sticky and warm
Act Before It Gets Worse
A failing capacitor, clogged condensate drain, or dirty flame sensor rarely fixes itself and usually gets more expensive to address the longer it runs. At the first hint of a problem, call (732) 217-4116 for a fast inspection.
