Air conditioner repair in Danville
When the AC stops keeping up on a Danville summer afternoon, the house heats up fast. Here's how to narrow down what's wrong, what's safe to check yourself, and when to call.
Common AC problems and what they usually mean
| What you notice | Common causes |
|---|---|
| Blowing warm air | Outdoor unit not running (breaker, capacitor, contactor), low refrigerant from a leak, dirty outdoor coil |
| Outdoor unit humming but fan not spinning | Failed capacitor or fan motor |
| Ice on the copper lines or indoor coil | Clogged filter, blocked return, low refrigerant, failing blower |
| Water around the indoor unit | Clogged condensate drain, cracked drain pan, or a frozen coil melting |
| Short cycling (on and off every few minutes) | Oversized system, thermostat placement, refrigerant or electrical problems |
| Running all the time but not cooling well | Dirty coils, low refrigerant, duct leaks, aging equipment |
| Loud buzzing, banging or squealing | Electrical parts, loose panels, failing motors. Turn it off and call |
What you can safely do
- Replace the air filter. It's the number-one cause of airflow problems.
- Check breakers and the outdoor disconnect.
- If you see ice, turn the system to Off and the fan to On to let it thaw for a few hours. Running it frozen can damage the compressor.
- Hose off the outdoor coil gently (power off at the disconnect first) if it's caked with grass clippings, pollen or dirt.
- Clear the area around the outdoor unit, about two feet on all sides.
Don't open electrical panels, handle refrigerant, or replace capacitors yourself. Capacitors can hold a dangerous charge even with the power off.
What a good repair visit includes
A good technician will usually check electrical components (capacitor, contactor, wiring), measure refrigerant pressures and temperatures, inspect the coils and drain, and explain the problem in plain language before fixing anything. If refrigerant is low, there's a leak. Ask whether they'll look for the leak rather than just topping off the refrigerant.
Refrigerant: why it matters now
Many existing home systems use R-410A or, in older units, R-22. Federal rules have been phasing these refrigerants down, and in May 2026 the EPA changed its rules on installing older R-410A equipment. Industry groups expect refrigerant prices to keep rising (ACCA, May 2026). If your system needs repeated refrigerant top-offs, that's worth weighing in a repair-or-replace decision.
Questions to ask
- What exactly failed, and why?
- Is this part under the manufacturer's warranty?
- What's the total price, including the trip and diagnostic fee?
- If it's a refrigerant leak, where is it and can it be repaired?
- For jobs over $1,000: what's your Virginia contractor license number? (DPOR lookup)