Most AC breakdowns in Somerville trace back to 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 freeze solid once a dirty filter chokes the airflow.
When the heat goes out, see Furnace Repair.
When to Call for AC Repair in Somerville
The sooner you notice these red flags, the easier and cheaper the fix. Keep an eye out for the following clues:
- Ice on the refrigerant lines or a frozen 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
- The system short-cycling every few minutes without cooling the house
- Breaker trips or a burning odor at startup
- Rising electric costs paired with a sticky, uncomfortable house
- The outdoor unit humming or clicking but the fan not spinning
Act Before It Gets Worse
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 (857) 767-3378 for a fast inspection.
