What Are the Most Common AC Repairs?

When your air conditioning system isn’t working the way it should, it can be downright stressful, especially when it’s getting hot outside. At Town Oil, we get it. Whether your home feels warmer than usual, the system keeps cycling on and off, or you’re hearing strange noises from the unit, it’s natural to wonder: Is this a quick fix or something more serious?


Thankfully, most air conditioning issues stem from a handful of common problems. Many of them are fixable without replacing your entire system. As a reliable HVAC contractor serving Connecticut homes since 1963, we believe in educating our customers—not overwhelming them. That means no scare tactics, just straightforward answers and honest recommendations.


Below, we’ll walk you through the most common air conditioning repair issues we handle, what causes them, and how to spot the warning signs early. Because when you know what to look for, you can make smarter decisions—and stay cool with confidence.


Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is vital to the heat exchange process your cooling system uses. It absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. If there’s a leak, your system loses its ability to cool properly.

Signs of a problem include:


  • Your AC is blowing warm air
  • Hissing or bubbling sounds near the refrigerant lines
  • Ice forming on the refrigerant line or evaporator coil


If your central air conditioning system is losing refrigerant, a technician will locate the leak, repair it, and recharge the refrigerant to the correct level. It's important to address leaks quickly with an AC repair—not only do they reduce efficiency, but refrigerant can be harmful to the environment.


Frozen Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coil pulls heat from your indoor air. If airflow is restricted or refrigerant levels are off, the coil can freeze over, which prevents the air conditioner from cooling properly.

Warning signs of this issue are:


  • Warm air blowing from vents
  • Ice or frost on the indoor unit
  • Increased energy bills


When you call us for AC repair services, first, the coil needs time to thaw (your technician may shut off the cooling system for a few hours). Then, we’ll check for causes—often a clogged air filter, dirty coil, or low refrigerant. We’ll provide the appropriate AC repair to solve the problem and prevent the issue from happening again.


Malfunctioning Thermostat

The thermostat controls the operation of your air conditioning system, as well as your home heating systems. If it’s not reading the temperature correctly or communicating with the system, your air conditioner might short cycle or not turn on at all.


Signs of a thermostat issue include:


  • The air conditioning system doesn’t respond to thermostat changes
  • Uneven cooling throughout the home
  • HVAC systems cycle on and off frequently


Depending on the issue, the thermostat may need recalibration, new batteries, or a full replacement. If your home still has an older model, upgrading to a smart thermostat can boost efficiency and comfort. We replace HVAC thermostats all the time and can help you find the perfect model for your needs.


Capacitor or Contactor Failure

The capacitor and contactor are electrical components that help power the motors within your air conditioner. When they fail—often due to age, heat, or electrical surges—your cooling system may stop running altogether.


Problems you may notice include:


  • The air conditioning unit won’t start
  • Humming noises from the unit
  • The air conditioner starts but quickly shuts off


Fortunately, these are fast, affordable repairs when caught early. When you call us for air conditioner service, our HVAC technicians will test the components and replace them as needed. We always use quality parts to extend the life of your system and avoid repeat issues.


Drainage Issues and Clogged Condensate Lines

Your air conditioner removes humidity as it cools, sending the moisture through a drain line. If that line gets clogged, it can back up and cause water damage or trigger a system shutdown. You want to schedule an AC repair right away to avoid mold growth that can impact your home’s indoor air quality.


Signs of a problem include:


  • Water around your indoor unit
  • Musty smells
  • Your air conditioning unit shuts off unexpectedly


We’ll clear the blockage and check the cooling system for any signs of water damage. To prevent this issue, schedule annual air conditioning services. During maintenance, we clean and inspect the drain line along with many other tasks to help your air conditioner run efficiently and avoid breakdowns.


Worn Out Fan Motors

An air conditioner has two major fans: one that blows air over the indoor coil and another that pushes hot air outside from the condenser unit. If either motor wears out, airflow stops—and so does your cooling.



Motor problems can cause:


  • A fan that fails to spin
  • Rattling or buzzing noises
  • Warm air from vents


Fan motors can often be repaired or replaced without needing a full air conditioning replacement. At Town Oil, we’ll always walk you through your options and help you decide what’s most cost-effective.


Compressor Problems

The compressor’s job is to pressurize the refrigerant and move it through the cooling system. If it fails, cooling stops.


Signs of a problem include:


  • Your air conditioner won’t cool at all
  • Strange noises from the outdoor unit
  • Circuit breaker trips when the AC turns on


Compressor repairs can be complex and costly, so we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons. In some cases, it makes more sense to replace the air conditioner, especially if your system is 10+ years old. But don’t worry—we’ll explain everything clearly and never push you into a decision.


Honest, Local AC Repair in Central Connecticut

Since 1963, Town Oil has been helping families across Hartford County stay comfortable year-round. We’re proud to be a third-generation, family-owned company that values transparency, reliability, and treating every customer like a neighbor.


If your AC is acting up, give us a call for air conditioning repair. We’ll walk you through what’s going on in plain language, give you straightforward pricing, and help you make the best choice for your home. No pressure. Just honest service you can trust.