Many cooling failures look dramatic and turn out to be simple, such as a tripped breaker, a frozen coil caused by a dirty filter, or a clogged condensate drain that shut the system off. Others are real component failures. We find out which one you have before we talk about parts, because the cheapest fix is the right one.
Call or text (781) 353-8852 and tell us what is going on. We are family owned, A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau, and have been in business for 50 years.
Try these before you call
Five-minute checks
- The thermostat is set to cool, the set temperature is below the room temperature, and batteries are fresh if it uses them.
- The breaker for the air handler and the one for the outdoor unit are on. Look at the outdoor disconnect box too.
- The air filter is clean. A packed filter is a leading cause of frozen coils and weak airflow.
- The outdoor unit is clear of leaves, grass clippings, and anything blocking the fins.
- If ice is visible on the indoor lines or coil, turn the system to fan only so it can thaw, and call us. Running a frozen system can damage the compressor.
Common air conditioning problems
Blowing warm air
Possible causes include low refrigerant from a leak, a failed capacitor, a compressor problem, or a dirty outdoor coil.
Weak airflow
A failing blower, a dirty filter, a frozen coil, or restricted ducts can all reduce the cool air reaching your rooms.
Water around the indoor unit
This usually means a clogged condensate drain. It should be cleared before it damages ceilings or floors.
Ice on the coil or lines
Often caused by low airflow or low refrigerant. The root cause has to be fixed or it will freeze again.
Hard starting or humming
A bad capacitor or contactor is a frequent culprit and a fairly quick repair.
Short cycling
The system turns on and off in short bursts, which can be caused by a sizing problem, a refrigerant issue, or a control failure.
Unusual smells or sounds
Burning smells, grinding, and loud rattling should be looked at promptly.
Higher bills with no change in use
Efficiency losses from a dirty coil, low charge, or aging parts show up on the electric bill.
How we diagnose a cooling problem
- 1Ask what changedWhen did it stop? Did it make a noise? Did a storm or a power surge come first?
- 2Check airflowFilter, blower, coil, and ducts. Airflow problems mimic refrigerant problems and the reverse.
- 3Measure the systemWe use gauges and electrical meters to read pressures, temperatures, and amp draw, and we compare them to what the manufacturer expects.
- 4Test the electrical sideCapacitors, contactors, and wiring fail often, and they are inexpensive compared with big components.
- 5Report in plain termsYou hear what we found and your repair options, with the price, before any work begins.
We find leaks and fix them instead of repeatedly topping off refrigerant. Adding refrigerant to a leaking system is a short-term fix that costs more over time and is not good for the environment.
Should you repair or replace the AC?
Air conditioners wear out, and repairs on an old system often chase one failure after another. The age of the system and the cost of the repair tell most of the story. A capacitor on a six-year-old condenser is a cheap repair worth making. A failed compressor on a system that is 15 years old is a different conversation.
| Situation | Usually makes sense |
|---|---|
| Young system, small failed part | Repair |
| Mid-life system, one major repair | Weigh repair cost against replacement, and consider recent repair history |
| Old system, major failure such as compressor or coil | Replacement, particularly if the system uses an older refrigerant that is costly to service |
| Repeated breakdowns across seasons | Replacement. See central air conditioning installation |
Ask us for an honest opinion. We would rather lose a replacement sale than talk you out of a repair that will serve you for years.
Keeping your AC from failing in July
- Change or clean the filter on the schedule your system needs. Monthly checks in the heaviest-use months are worth it.
- Book a spring tune-up. We check refrigerant levels, clean coils, test electrical parts, and clear the drain. See HVAC maintenance and tune-ups.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of plants and debris, and rinse salt and pollen off the fins if you live near the water.
- Do not stack things against the condenser or cover it with a tarp in summer.
Why choose Home Heating and Cooling
A cooling repair is only as good as the diagnosis behind it. We spend our time measuring, not guessing, and we have been doing that on South Shore air conditioners for 50 years. Coastal humidity and salt air are hard on outdoor units, and we know what that looks like on a service call.
We are family owned, A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau, and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You get a plain explanation, a fair price, and a repair we stand behind.
- A+ rated
- Better Business Bureau
- 50 years
- in business
- Family owned
- and operated
- Open 24 hours
- 7 days a week
Where we provide air conditioning repair
We serve homeowners across Plymouth County from our office in Norwell. These are some of the towns we visit most often. Every town page explains what is different about heating and cooling there.
- Rockland, MA
- Norwell, MA
- Hanover, MA
- Abington, MA
- Hingham, MA
- Whitman, MA
- Hanson, MA
- Pembroke, MA
- Scituate, MA
- Brockton, MA
- Hull, MA
- Marshfield, MA
Air Conditioning Repair: common questions
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
It could be low refrigerant, a failed capacitor or compressor, a frozen coil, or a very dirty outdoor coil. A technician can tell which with a few measurements.
Why is there ice on my AC?
Most often it comes from restricted airflow or low refrigerant. Turn the system off or set it to fan only to let it thaw, then call us. Running it frozen can cause damage.
Do you repair heat pumps and mini-splits as well as central AC?
Yes. We service central air systems, ducted heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits.
How quickly can someone get here?
We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text (781) 353-8852 and we will tell you what to expect for your address.
Is it worth repairing an old air conditioner?
It depends on the failure and the age. We will give you our honest view, including when replacement is the better value.
How can I lower the chance of a breakdown?
Replace the filter, keep the outdoor unit clear, and schedule an annual tune-up before cooling season. Most failures start small.
