An outside unit that hums while the fan stays still is the call we get most in July in Roanoke, VA, 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.
Signs You Need AC Repair in Roanoke
The sooner you notice these red flags, the easier and cheaper the fix. These are the signals our technicians see most often:
- Water dripping from the indoor unit or showing up on the ceiling below
- The system short-cycling every few minutes without cooling the house
- The outdoor unit humming or clicking but the fan not spinning
- Frost or ice forming on the copper lines or the indoor coil
- A hot electrical smell or a tripped breaker whenever the air conditioner kicks on
- Rising electric costs paired with a sticky, uncomfortable house
- Warm or room-temperature air blowing when the thermostat calls for cooling
- Bubbling or hissing noises that point to a possible refrigerant leak
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. At the first hint of a problem, call (540) 646-1484 for a fast inspection.
