An outside unit that hums while the fan stays still is the call we get most in July in Indianapolis, IN, 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
Spotting the early warning signs lets you act before the problem gets expensive. These are the signals our technicians see most often:
- Cooling bills climbing while the house stays sticky and warm
- The outdoor unit humming or clicking but the fan not spinning
- An AC that turns on and off every few minutes but never cools down the house
- Water leaking around the indoor unit or from the ceiling below it
- Vents blowing air that is barely cooler than the room
- Bubbling or hissing noises that point to a possible refrigerant leak
- A burning smell or repeated breaker trips when the AC starts
- Ice on the refrigerant lines or a frozen indoor coil
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. Call (317) 206-4679 at the first sign of trouble.
