What our technicians see every day, and what it means for your comfort
As AC repair season heats up in the Inland Northwest, we start to see the same problems over and over again. While no two homes are exactly alike, air conditioners tend to break down in surprisingly predictable ways—especially if they’ve been running hard for years or haven’t had regular maintenance.
We thought it might be helpful to pull back the curtain and show you exactly what goes wrong in a typical AC system.
1. Bad Capacitors
The “spark plug” of your AC system
If your AC unit won’t turn on, or it’s trying to start but keeps clicking or humming without actually running, there’s a good chance the capacitor has failed.
Capacitors store and release electrical energy to help your AC compressor and fan motors get started. When they wear out, you’re left with a system that’s either completely dead or struggling to operate.
What it looks like: A technician will open your outdoor unit and test the capacitor with a multimeter. In many cases, it’s visibly swollen or leaking oil—a clear sign it needs replacement.
Why it happens: Age and heat are the biggest culprits. Capacitors naturally degrade over time, especially during long, hot summers when your system is under heavy load.
What to do: Capacitors are relatively inexpensive and quick to replace, but this is a job for a licensed pro—there’s a high voltage charge involved.
2. Dirty Coils
When your AC can’t breathe, it can’t cool.
Both your indoor evaporator coil and your outdoor condenser coil need to be clean to work efficiently. Dirt, dust, and even cottonwood fluff can build up on these surfaces, blocking airflow and making your system work harder than it should.
What it looks like: On the outdoor unit, you might see grime, debris, or clumps of material stuck to the fins. Indoors, the evaporator coil can get coated with dust or even mold if filters haven’t been changed regularly.
Why it matters: Dirty coils reduce your system’s ability to transfer heat. That means longer run times, higher bills, and in some cases, a system that simply can’t keep up with the heat.
What to do: Regular maintenance includes coil cleaning, and it makes a big difference. We use specialized cleaners and gentle tools that clean without damaging the delicate fins.
3. Refrigerant Leaks
Low refrigerant = low performance.
If your AC is running, but your home still isn’t cooling down, it might be low on refrigerant. Contrary to popular belief, refrigerant doesn’t get “used up” over time. If it’s low, there’s a leak somewhere.
What it looks like: Leaks can be small and hard to spot with the naked eye. Our techs use leak detectors and dye tests to track down the source. You might notice ice buildup on the refrigerant lines or around the indoor coil—a common sign of low refrigerant.
Why it matters: Running an AC system with low refrigerant not only means poor performance—it can also damage the compressor, leading to much more expensive repairs down the line.
What to do: A technician will find and repair the leak, then recharge the system to proper levels. If your system uses R-22 (which is now phased out), we’ll walk you through your options.
4. Clogged Drain Lines
A small issue that can cause big water problems.
Your AC doesn’t just cool your home—it also removes moisture from the air. That moisture collects in a drain pan and exits through a small pipe. But over time, algae, dirt, and mold can clog the drain line.
What it looks like: You might notice water pooling around your indoor unit or dripping from unexpected places—like a ceiling vent. Some systems will shut off entirely when the drain is clogged to prevent water damage.
Why it matters: Water backups can cause mold, structural damage, and even electrical issues if not addressed quickly.
What to do: During an AC tune-up, we flush the drain line and clean the pan to keep everything flowing the way it should.
5. Worn Contactors and Relays
Small components, big consequences.
These are the electrical switches that control your AC’s compressor and fan motors. Over time, they can wear out, become pitted, or get stuck—causing your system to fail to start or shut down erratically.
What it looks like: Inside your outdoor unit, these parts look like small boxes or switches. A technician will inspect for signs of wear and test for continuity.
Why it matters: Bad contactors can prevent your system from starting at all, or cause intermittent, frustrating failures.
What to do: Replacement is usually fast and affordable—but it takes experience to diagnose correctly.
Final Thoughts: Know the Signs, Avoid the Stress
We know that AC problems often happen when you least expect them—usually on the hottest day of the year. That’s why understanding what goes wrong (and how we fix it) can give you a sense of control and confidence as a homeowner.
Our technicians at Hurliman Heating have seen it all, and they’re trained to fix it right the first time—with honesty, professionalism, and that classic work ethic you can count on.
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above—or if your system just isn’t keeping up the way it used to—don’t wait. The earlier we catch a problem, the easier (and often cheaper) it is to fix.
Schedule your AC Check-Up
Call Hurliman Heating today to book your appointment, or ask us about seasonal check-ups to prevent surprise breakdowns altogether. We’re here to keep your home comfortable, cool, and stress-free.
