An outside unit that hums while the fan stays still is the call we get most in July in Iowa City, 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.
When the heat goes out, 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:
- Puddles near the air handler or water stains on the ceiling beneath it
- An AC that turns on and off every few minutes but never cools down the house
- Rising electric costs paired with a sticky, uncomfortable house
- Ice on the refrigerant lines or a frozen indoor coil
- A hot electrical smell or a tripped breaker whenever the air conditioner kicks on
- A condenser fan that sits still while the outdoor unit hums
- Hissing or bubbling sounds that suggest a refrigerant leak
- Room-temperature air from the registers even though the AC is running
Early Action Saves Money
Most HVAC failures start small, a weak capacitor, a squealing blower, a system that runs a little longer each week. At the first hint of a problem, call (319) 422-7029 for a fast inspection.
