Most AC breakdowns in Napa start with a small part: the run capacitor. It helps start the compressor and condenser fan, loses strength slowly over the years, and tends to give out on the hottest afternoon, which is why so many service calls begin with an outdoor unit that hums while the fan sits motionless. Other frequent culprits include contactors with pitted, burned points, fan motors whose bearings have run dry, slow refrigerant leaks that steadily rob capacity, and evaporator coils that turn into blocks of ice once a dirty filter chokes the airflow.
Heating trouble instead? See Furnace Repair.
Warning Signs for AC Repair
The sooner you notice these red flags, the easier and cheaper the fix. Keep an eye out for the following clues:
- A condenser fan that sits still while the outdoor unit hums
- Frost or ice forming on the copper lines or the indoor coil
- Warm or room-temperature air blowing when the thermostat calls for cooling
- Hissing or bubbling sounds that suggest a refrigerant leak
- Puddles near the air handler or water stains on the ceiling beneath it
- Rapid on-off cycling that never brings the temperature down
- A burning smell or repeated breaker trips when the AC starts
- Higher summer bills even though the house still feels warm and humid
Don't Wait for a Total Failure
Most HVAC failures start small, a weak capacitor, a squealing blower, a system that runs a little longer each week. Don't wait, call (707) 210-0201 and we'll take a look right away.
