AC Repair in South Fulton
Most summer breakdowns come down to a few parts: a run capacitor, a contactor, a refrigerant leak or a worn compressor. We find which one failed, repair it and test the rest, across South Fulton and nearby towns.
Outdoor unit humming?
Until it is fixed: Keep the outdoor unit's panel closed. The capacitor inside can hold a charge after the power is off.
Is it worth replacing a compressor on an AC unit?
Sometimes. If the system is fairly new and has a good coil with no history of leaking it can make sense to replace the compressor. If the system is older replacing the system will generally give better value for money. In South Fulton age is the main factor. The average house in Cliftondale will be around 2005. This means many of the outside units will have been running for 20 long, humid summers. The compressor will be doing most of the work as the demand for cooling will peak in July/August. If your system is using R-410A it can still be serviced. We will explain both options based on the age, coil and leak history. You can then decide.
What an AC repair visit covers
The part that quit is why you called. While the panels are open, we check the parts around it too.
Run capacitor and contactor under test
Electrical parts metered
The capacitor, contactor and wiring get tested against their specs, so a weak part is caught before it strands you.
Fan and compressor start
We watch both motors start and run. A slow, labored start often points back to a tired capacitor.
Refrigerant charge read
Pressures and temperatures show whether the charge is right. Low means a leak. Existing R-410A systems can still be serviced.
Outdoor coil and fan
We look for a coil packed with grass clippings or pine straw, and a fan blade that wobbles or drags.
A full cooling cycle
The system runs a full cycle while we read the air temperature going in and coming out.
Drain and wiring check
Before we leave, the condensate drain is flowing and the wiring at the outdoor unit is tight.
What is the most common part to fail on an AC unit?
In South Fulton summers it's the run capacitor, with the contactor close behind. A bad capacitor leaves the unit humming. A bad contactor leaves it silent, or running nonstop.
| What to know | Run capacitor | Contactor |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A metal can that gives the motors a starting kick | A switch that sends power to the outdoor unit |
| Where it sits | Inside the outdoor unit's control panel, usually beside the contactor | Same panel, between the thermostat's signal and the compressor |
| Usually found in | Nearly every central AC and heat pump outdoor unit | Every split AC and heat pump outdoor unit |
| What failure looks like | A hum, but the fan or compressor won't start | Unit won't start, or keeps running and won't shut off |
| What the repair needs | Power off, stored charge drained, a matched replacement fitted | A new contactor, then a check of why the contacts burned |
What a failing AC sounds like in a South Fulton home
- Air from the supply vents feels about room temperature instead of cool.
- The outdoor unit hums or buzzes, but the big fan on top never spins.
- The system clicks on and off every few minutes instead of running steady.
- Frost or ice forms on the thick copper line at the outdoor unit.
- The house feels damp and sticky at your usual setting.
If two or more match, turn the system off at the thermostat and call us.
Frost on the suction line
AC repair questions we hear in South Fulton
These come up on most repair calls in South Fulton. If yours isn't here, call or send the form.
Cost and refrigerant
How much does it usually cost to fix an AC?
It depends on the part. The most common repair will be a capacitor/contactor. This will be around $180-$400. This is typical for metro Atlanta. Any leaks or compressor issues will be more. Your quote depends on what we find.
Can I just add refrigerant to my AC?
No. Refrigerant work is for a technician with the right gauges and recovery gear, and opening the panel puts you near a capacitor that holds a charge. Besides, if it's low, it leaked.
Leaks and compressors
What is the most common cause of low refrigerant in an AC system?
Leak. The system is a closed system. The refrigerant doesn't get used up, so a low charge means a leak. We will check the coils, line set and fittings to identify where the leak is. We can then recharge. Home AC isn't covered by the EPA leak repair regulations.
How do I tell if my AC compressor is bad?
The outdoor fan runs but the air stays warm, the unit hums or clicks without starting, or the breaker trips each time it kicks on. A weak capacitor causes the same signs, so it gets tested first.
On the day
Can I run my AC if it's low on Freon?
No. Low refrigerant will cause the compressor to run hot and long. This can cause the indoor coil to freeze and cause the meltwater to overflow the tray. This can cause the leak repair to become a compressor job. Turn the system off and call us.
Is there a reset button on my air conditioning unit?
Generally no. Please check your thermostat is on cool and that the breaker hasn't tripped. If it has please reset once. If it continues to trip leave it off. We are open 7am-7pm every day.
Outdoor unit humming? Shut it off and call.
Tell us what the system is doing, whether you heat with gas or a heat pump, and its age if you know it, so the tech brings the right parts.
(470) 912-2502Open every day, 7am to 7pm