AC Repair in Columbia, SC

Before you search for answers online, check if your problem matches one of the most common AC failures we see in Columbia homes. If it does, we can usually fix it the same day.

• AC blowing warm air: Your system runs but pushes warm or lukewarm air through the vents. The most common causes are a dirty air filter restricting airflow, a refrigerant leak, or a failing compressor. Start by checking your filter – if it’s clean and the problem continues, the system needs professional diagnosis. Call (803) 781-4357 for same-day diagnosis.

• AC not turning on: You flip the thermostat to cool and nothing happens — no fan, no compressor, nothing. This is often a tripped breaker, a blown fuse in the disconnect box, or a failed capacitor. Check your electrical panel first. If the breaker trips again after you reset it, stop and call us — repeated tripping signals a deeper electrical issue.

• Frozen evaporator coil / ice on the unit: Ice forming on your indoor coil or refrigerant lines means airflow is restricted or refrigerant is low. A clogged filter, dirty coil, or closed supply vents can cause this. Turn the system to fan-only mode to let it thaw, but don’t keep running it frozen — you can damage the compressor.

• Refrigerant leak: If your AC blows cool air sometimes but can’t hold temperature, you may have a refrigerant leak. Older R-410A systems and newer R-454B systems both develop leaks at coil joints and service valve connections over time. A leak is not a top-off — we locate the leak, repair it, and recharge the system to manufacturer specs.

• Compressor not running or humming: The outdoor unit hums or buzzes but the compressor never kicks in. This usually points to a failed run capacitor, a locked compressor, or a contactor that’s stuck. Capacitor failures spike every summer in South Carolina when temperatures stay above 95°F for days straight – the component just can’t handle the sustained load.

• Capacitor failure: This is the single most common AC repair we perform during Columbia summers. A failing capacitor causes the compressor or fan motor to struggle on startup, run intermittently, or not start at all. You might hear a clicking sound from the outdoor unit. Capacitors are inexpensive parts, but a correct replacement requires matching the exact microfarad rating to your system.

• Thermostat not responding: Your thermostat screen is blank, frozen, or not triggering the system. Before calling, check batteries (if applicable), verify the breaker is on, and make sure the system switch is set to cool. If the display works but the AC doesn’t respond, the issue may be a wiring fault between the thermostat and the air handler.

• Short cycling: Your AC turns on, runs for a few minutes, shuts off, and repeats. Short cycling wears down the compressor and drives up your electric bill. Common causes include an oversized system, a dirty condenser coil, low refrigerant, or a failing high-pressure switch. This problem won’t fix itself — every cycle adds stress to the compressor.

• High energy bills / AC running constantly: Your AC runs nonstop but barely keeps up. In Columbia’s summer heat, this can mean a refrigerant charge that’s dropped below spec, a condenser coil packed with cottonwood and debris, duct leaks pulling in attic air, or simply an aging system that’s lost efficiency. A diagnostic visit pinpoints the cause so you’re not throwing money at guesses.

• Strange noises (rattling, hissing, grinding): Rattling from the outdoor unit usually means a loose fan blade, a panel screw that’s backed out, or debris inside the cabinet. Hissing from the indoor unit can indicate a refrigerant leak at the coil. Grinding from the blower motor means the bearings are failing — run it too long and you’ll need a full motor replacement instead of a bearing repair.