Common AC problems and how a technician fixes them
| The problem | Usual cause | What the technician does |
|---|---|---|
| AC blowing warm air | Failed capacitor or contactor, low refrigerant, or a dirty outdoor coil | Replaces the part, finds and repairs the leak, or cleans the coil |
| Outdoor unit hums but the fan won't spin | Failed capacitor or fan motor | Tests and replaces the capacitor or motor |
| Ice on the refrigerant lines | Low airflow from a dirty filter or coil, or low refrigerant | Restores airflow and checks the refrigerant charge |
| Water leaking inside | Clogged condensate drain line or pan | Clears the line and checks the safety switch |
| AC won't turn on at all | Tripped breaker, thermostat fault or a tripped float switch | Traces the power and control circuit and repairs the fault |
Heating or cooling problem right now?
Tell us what's happening and where you are. Calls are answered 24/7, and it's free to call.
What to check before you call
- The thermostat is set to cool and a few degrees below room temperature, and its batteries aren't dead
- The breaker for the outdoor unit and the furnace or air handler hasn't tripped
- The air filter isn't clogged; a blocked filter can freeze the indoor coil
- The outdoor unit isn't blocked by plants, leaves or grass clippings
If those are fine and the AC still isn't cooling, turn it off to protect the compressor and call 317-314-8486.
Common AC repairs and what they cost
National figures from Angi give a guide to common repair prices. Indianapolis prices are usually close to these.
| Repair | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Capacitor | $100 to $250 |
| Thermostat | $150 to $350 |
| Blower or fan motor | $200 to $700 |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $250 to $1,500 |
| Compressor | $800 to $3,000 |
Source: Angi, HVAC repair cost (national). A failed compressor on an older unit is often the point where replacement makes more sense.
Heat pump repair
A heat pump cools in summer and heats in winter, so a fault can show up in either season. Common calls are a heat pump that won't switch modes, ice that doesn't clear in winter because of a defrost problem, and an outdoor unit that runs but can't keep the house comfortable. In a hard Indianapolis freeze, many heat pumps lean on backup electric heat, which is normal for short spells but expensive if it runs all the time.
AC replacement in Indianapolis
Angi puts the average AC replacement in Indianapolis at $5,157, with most homeowners paying between $3,355 and $7,105 depending on the size and type of unit (Angi, AC replacement cost in Indianapolis). Replacing an AC that's past 10 to 15 years old, or one that uses R22 refrigerant, is often better value than a major repair. See the full furnace and AC replacement cost guide.
When a broken AC is urgent
During a heat advisory, a dead AC can be dangerous for babies, older adults and anyone with a health condition. Call 317-314-8486 right away, keep blinds closed, use fans, and move to the coolest room in the house while you wait.
Where can I get AC repair near me?
We take AC repair calls from across Indianapolis and Marion County and from these central Indiana towns. Call 317-314-8486 with your ZIP code and we'll connect you with a licensed technician who works near you.
- Indianapolis, IN
- Carmel, IN
- Fishers, IN
- Westfield, IN
- Noblesville, IN
- Zionsville, IN
- Lebanon, IN
- Greenwood, IN
- Franklin, IN
- Avon, IN
- Brownsburg, IN
- Mooresville, IN
- Greenfield, IN
- Shelbyville, IN
How this works: Plumbers in Indianapolis Today is a referral service. When you call 317-314-8486, we connect you with an independent, licensed heating and cooling contractor who serves your area. The contractor quotes, performs and stands behind the work, not us.
Related heating and cooling help
- Heating and cooling in Indianapolis
- AC and heat pump repair
- Furnace repair
- Furnace and AC replacement cost
Why is my AC blowing warm air?
The most common causes are a failed capacitor or contactor in the outdoor unit, low refrigerant from a leak, a dirty outdoor coil, or a frozen indoor coil from a clogged filter. A technician can test each one.
How long does a central air conditioner last?
Most central AC units and heat pumps last around 10 to 15 years. Regular tune ups and clean filters help them reach the top of that range.
Do you handle heat pumps as well as AC?
Yes. Call 317-314-8486 for heat pump repair or installation and we'll connect you with a licensed technician who works on heat pumps near you.