Frequently Asked Questions

If your system is under 10 years old and the repair costs less than half of replacement, repair makes financial sense. Systems over 15 years old with compressor failure, refrigerant conversion needs, or multiple component failures typically cost less to replace than repeatedly repair over the next few seasons.

Sudden cooling loss typically means capacitor failure, refrigerant leak, or compressor shutdown. Capacitors fail without warning and prevent the compressor from starting. Refrigerant leaks develop slowly but cause abrupt failure once levels drop below operating threshold. Both require professional diagnosis since symptoms overlap.

Call immediately if you notice weak airflow, warm air from vents, strange noises from the outdoor unit, or ice forming on refrigerant lines. Delaying repair when refrigerant is low forces the compressor to work harder, which leads to compressor failure—the most expensive component to replace.

Capacitor failure prevents the compressor from starting—you'll hear humming or clicking but the outdoor unit won't run. Compressor failure means the motor itself is seized or electrically dead. Capacitors cost under $300 to replace; compressor replacement often exceeds $2,000, making system age the key factor in choosing repair versus replacement.

Continuous runtime without reaching temperature signals low refrigerant, dirty coils restricting airflow, or undersized equipment for the space. Low refrigerant reduces cooling capacity gradually—the system works harder but delivers less cooling. Coil cleaning restores capacity if refrigerant levels are correct.

Technicians measure refrigerant pressures, test capacitors and contactors, check amperage draw on the compressor and fan motors, inspect electrical connections, and verify thermostat operation. These measurements identify whether the failure is electrical, mechanical, or refrigerant-related before recommending specific repairs.

Refrigerant absorbs heat from indoor air and releases it outside—low levels reduce this heat transfer capacity. Systems lose about 5% cooling output per 10% refrigerant loss. Once levels drop below 70%, the compressor overheats and shuts down on safety limits, causing the warm air problem most customers notice first.

Operating with low refrigerant, failed capacitors, or dirty coils forces healthy components to compensate, which accelerates their failure. A failing capacitor stresses the compressor motor. Low refrigerant causes compressor overheating. What starts as a $200 repair becomes a $2,000 failure if the system continues running under stress.

Yes, if the cause is repairable—most warm air issues trace to low refrigerant, reversing valve problems, or thermostat failures. The repair decision depends on system age and leak location. Evaporator coil leaks in systems over 12 years old often justify replacement since the coil and labor exceed half the cost of a new system.

This indicates your system isn't cooling despite calling for it. Common causes include refrigerant leaks, failed compressor or capacitor, frozen evaporator coil, or thermostat wiring issues. Check if the outdoor unit is running—if it's silent while the indoor fan runs, the compressor isn't engaging and needs immediate repair.