AC Repair in Houston, TX
AC not cooling in the Houston heat? One free call connects you with an independent, licensed HVAC provider who can diagnose and repair it.
Call (832) 662-7612Free call. Independent, licensed providers. You agree on price with the provider.
If your AC is not cooling, check the thermostat, the air filter and the breaker. If it still runs warm, hums without starting or leaks water, call a licensed HVAC provider. Common causes are a failed capacitor, a frozen coil, a clogged drain or low refrigerant.
Signs your AC needs repair
- The AC blows warm or weak air
- The outdoor unit hums or clicks but the fan will not spin
- The system runs nonstop and the house never cools
- It turns on and off too often (short cycling)
- Water leaks around the indoor unit
- Ice on the coil or the refrigerant line
- A heat pump heats when you want cooling, or cools when you want heat
- Loud banging, squealing or grinding sounds
Most common AC problems in Houston
Blown or weak capacitor
The capacitor gives the compressor and fan motor a starting boost. When it fails, the outdoor unit hums, the fan does not spin, or the AC will not start. Heat waves make failures more common.
Frozen evaporator coil
Low airflow from a dirty filter, blower trouble or low refrigerant lets ice form on the indoor coil. Turn the AC off and let it thaw before calling.
Clogged condensate drain
Humid air creates lots of water. Slime can block the drain line and cause leaks or trip the float switch that shuts the AC off.
Refrigerant leak
Low refrigerant means weak cooling and icing. Refrigerant does not get "used up", so a provider should find and fix the leak, not just keep topping it off.
Heat pump reversing valve failure
The reversing valve switches a heat pump between cooling and heating. If it sticks, the system may blow warm air in summer or cold air in winter.
What the provider will usually check
- Thermostat settings and wiring
- Air filter, blower and airflow
- Capacitor, contactor and fan motors
- Refrigerant pressure and signs of a leak
- Condensate drain and float switch
- Reversing valve operation on heat pumps
The provider should explain the cause and the repair options before starting work.
Get help right away if
- You smell burning, see smoke or see sparks. Turn the system off at the breaker.
- Water is leaking onto ceilings or electrical equipment. Turn the AC off.
- The AC fails in a heat wave and someone at home is elderly, very young or has health needs.
- The outdoor unit was flooded. Do not run it until a provider has checked it.
What affects the cost of AC repair
- The failed part (a capacitor typically costs less than a compressor or coil)
- Refrigerant type and the size of any leak
- Age of the system and warranty status
- After-hours or emergency timing
- Repair cost compared with the age of the system
Ask the provider for the price, any diagnostic or trip fee, and their Texas license number before they start work.
Houston timing tip
Houston summers push AC systems for months, so parts wear out when the heat is at its worst. If your system is more than ten years old, ask about R-22 refrigerant. It is no longer produced, so leaks in older units can be very costly to fix.
AC Repair FAQs
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Common reasons are a dirty filter, a frozen coil, a failed outdoor fan or capacitor, or low refrigerant. A provider can test each one and tell you which repair makes sense.
Why does my outdoor unit hum but not start?
A humming outdoor unit with a stopped fan often points to a bad capacitor or a stuck motor. Turn the system off to avoid more damage and call a provider.
Why is my AC leaking water?
Most leaks come from a clogged condensate drain, a cracked drain pan or a frozen coil that melted. Turn the AC off and call a provider before the water damages your home.
Should I repair or replace an old AC?
Look at system age, repair cost, refrigerant type and how often it fails. If a costly repair is on a very old system, ask the provider to compare repair and replacement.
Who will repair my AC?
An independent, licensed HVAC provider in your area. We only route the call and do not do the repair. You agree on the work and price directly with the provider.
Related HVAC services
Houston areas we connect
Ready to talk to a licensed HVAC provider?
One free call. Ask about price, diagnostic fees and license before work starts.
Call (832) 662-7612