Four quick things to try while the house is still bearable:
- Check the breaker. Look for a tripped breaker for the AC or the air handler in your panel, and check the outdoor disconnect switch near the condenser.
- Look at the filter. A clogged filter can choke airflow enough to freeze the coil or stop cooling.
- Check the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to Cool, the setpoint is below room temperature, and the batteries aren’t dead.
- Find the condensate line. Many systems have a safety switch that shuts the AC off when the drain pan fills up.
If none of that brings the cold air back, it’s time for Randallstown air conditioning repair from someone who does this every day. Bruce Solomon Plumbing, Heating & Air fixes central air systems, ductless units and heat pumps in homes across Randallstown, MD 21133.
Who Handles AC Repair in Randallstown?
AC repair is the diagnosis and fixing of a cooling system that isn’t running, isn’t cooling, or is running poorly. Here in 21133, that’s been the Solomon family’s business since 1984. Nobody we send is new to the trade, each tech has ten-plus years of service calls, and the parts bins in the van mean a broken AC is usually running again before we pack up.
The company is still family run, and founder Bruce Solomon, a state-licensed Master Plumber (#6867), gets calls from other tradespeople when they’re stumped. There’s more on how Bruce built the business if you want the backstory.
The Homeowner Checks, Explained
Those four quick checks solve more calls than you’d think, so here’s a bit more on each.
Breakers and power
A tripped breaker can mean a one-time surge, or it can point to a failing part that draws too much current. Reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call, because repeated resets can damage the compressor.
The filter
If you can’t remember the last time you changed it, start there. Hold it up to a light. If you can’t see through it, replace it and give the system a few hours.
The condensate drain
In summer, your AC pulls gallons of water out of the air. That water drains through a small pipe, and algae or sludge can clog it. If you see water in the pan under the indoor unit, that’s probably why the system shut off. In split-levels and homes with finished basements, the air handler is often tucked in a utility closet where nobody looks until the carpet gets wet. A quick glance at the pan once a month in July and August can save you a soggy floor.
Central Air Repair in Randallstown: The Usual Suspects
When the simple checks don’t work, it’s usually one of these. Our technician will test before guessing, using meters and gauges to confirm which part failed, so nothing gets replaced that wasn’t actually broken.
Capacitors
A capacitor gives the compressor and fan motor the jolt they need to start. When one fails, you’ll often hear the outdoor unit hum without the fan spinning. It’s the single most common AC repair we make, and we carry them on every truck.
Contactors
The contactor is the switch that tells the outdoor unit to turn on. Contacts get pitted and burned over time, and a stuck contactor can even keep the unit running when it should be off.
Condenser fan motors
If the fan on top of the outdoor unit isn’t turning, the system can’t get rid of heat. A bad motor leads to high pressures and, eventually, a shutdown.
Control boards and thermostats
Sometimes the equipment is fine and the signal is the problem. A loose low-voltage wire, a failing thermostat or a damaged control board can keep the outdoor unit from ever getting the call to start. We test the whole chain, from the thermostat to the condenser, before replacing anything.
Refrigerant leaks
Low refrigerant doesn’t happen from normal use. It means there’s a leak. We find the leak, repair it where it makes sense, and recharge the system to the correct level. Topping off without fixing the leak just puts off the same call.
Frozen evaporator coils
Ice on the indoor coil or the copper line outside usually comes from weak airflow or low refrigerant. Turn the system off (leave the fan on) to let it thaw, and don’t chip at the ice. Then we’ll find what caused it.
Storm Season and Tree Debris in 21133
Two local things keep us busy every summer.
The first is thunderstorms. Those humid Maryland afternoons often end in lightning, flickering lights and power surges. Surges are hard on capacitors, contactors and control boards, so an AC that quits right after a storm is a very common call. A surge protector at the outdoor unit can help. If your AC went quiet after a storm, check the breaker first, then give us a call rather than repeatedly flipping it back on. Often it’s a single blown part that we can swap in the driveway with what’s already on the truck.
The second is trees. So many Randallstown homes sit on wooded or shaded lots, and each summer the outdoor units collect cottonwood-type fluff, seed pods, leaves and grass clippings. When the fins clog, the unit overheats and may shut down on its own safety limit. Keep a couple of feet clear around the condenser and gently hose the fins from the inside out when the power is off. If you want someone to handle that every year, ask about our maintenance plans or other air conditioning services we offer in Randallstown.
Repair, or Is It Time to Replace?
We’d always rather fix a system that has good years left. You’ll get an honest answer, and we won’t push a new unit unless it truly makes sense. When the compressor has failed on an older system, or the unit uses R-22 refrigerant, replacement is often the smarter call. In that case, we’ll lay out new AC installation options side by side.
A few other things worth knowing:
- If you have a heat pump rather than a straight AC, many of the same parts apply, and we also handle heat pump repair and service.
- If the AC runs but the house still feels damp and dusty, the answer may be better air filtration and humidity control.
- Come fall, the same team handles furnace repair in Randallstown, so you only need one number for both seasons.
Your carpet stays clean, because covers go on shoes and a mat goes under the tool bag. And your AC stays our focus until it’s blowing cold; we won’t wander off to a larger job with yours in pieces.
AC Not Working? Answers Here
Why is my AC running but not cooling the house?
Usually it’s one of four things: a dirty filter, a failed capacitor on the outdoor fan, a clogged condenser coil, or low refrigerant from a leak. Check the filter and make sure the outdoor fan is spinning, and if both look fine, it’s time for a technician.
Why is my air conditioner frozen?
A frozen AC is almost always caused by restricted airflow or low refrigerant. Switch the thermostat to off with the fan on to let it thaw, then have the cause diagnosed so it doesn’t happen again.
Can you fix my AC the same day?
Often, yes, if you reach us early and the day’s calls leave an opening. Because the common parts travel with the tech, the repair itself usually happens on that first stop.
Should I keep resetting the breaker if my AC keeps tripping it?
No. A breaker that trips repeatedly is warning you about an electrical or compressor problem, and resetting it again and again can cause more damage.
Get a Cooling Tech to Your Door
If the house is warming up and the quick checks didn’t help, give us a call. Get a cooling tech to your door by dialing (410) 833-2188, or describe the problem through our website so the tech knows what to expect.
Caring Technicians
Our technicians know how to treat your home with respect. We come prepared with booties and drop cloths to protect your home.
Always On Time
Your time is very important to us. We strive to show up at your home when we say we will fully equipped for the job.
We Focus On You
You're our first priority! We will not leave you to service a new or bigger job. We focus on outstanding customer service!
Locally Owned
We don't just work here, we live here, too! We know all of the homes in the areas we serve and are familiar with your home's model.