Air Conditioner Repair: 5 Signs You Might Need One
Air Conditioner Repair Insight & What To Do
When your AC stops working in the Sacramento heat, it’s not just uncomfortable—it’s stressful.
At Kendrick Heating & Air, we believe in making things simple. No technical jargon. No surprise bills. Just honest answers and guaranteed air conditioner repairs from Kendrick Built technicians.
Here are five common signs you may need an AC Repair—and what you should do next.
1. Warm Air Coming Out of Your Vents
When your AC is running but the air coming out feels more like a hair dryer than a cool breeze, something’s definitely wrong. This is one of the most common signs that your system needs a professional ac repair.
There are a few possible culprits:
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Low refrigerant levels – Your system needs refrigerant to cool the air. If it’s low, there may be a leak.
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Faulty compressor – This is the heart of your AC system. If it’s not working right, the air won’t be cooled properly.
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Thermostat issues – Sometimes it’s as simple as a faulty setting or sensor misreading the temperature.
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Dirty evaporator or condenser coils – When coils are covered in dust or grime, your system struggles to do its job efficiently.
🛠 Don’t guess—and definitely don’t sweat it out. One of our Kendrick Built technicians will perform a full diagnostic to get to the root of the problem and explain your options clearly. We’ll never push repairs you don’t need, and we’ll fix it right the first time—guaranteed.
2. Weak or No Airflow
If you put your hand up to a vent and barely feel anything—or nothing at all—your air conditioner is trying to tell you something’s wrong. Poor airflow means your system is struggling to circulate cool air throughout your home, and that puts added strain on the whole system.
Here are some of the most common causes:
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Failing blower motor – This motor is responsible for pushing air through your ducts. If it’s slowing down or burned out, airflow will suffer—or stop altogether.
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Clogged air filter – A dirty filter chokes off airflow and can cause your system to overheat or freeze up.
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Dirty coils – When evaporator or condenser coils are covered in dust, dirt, or mold, it can restrict airflow and cooling efficiency.
- Frozen evaporator coil – If your system is low on refrigerant or has poor airflow, the coil can freeze solid—blocking air from moving at all.
👉 Pro tip: Before you panic, check and replace your air filter. It’s a simple fix that can solve a lot of issues. If airflow is still weak, call Kendrick. Our certified techs will pinpoint the problem and explain your options clearly—no gimmicks, no pressure.
3. Unusual Noises: Banging, Buzzing, or Hissing
Your air conditioner should hum, not scream for help. If you’re hearing banging, buzzing, rattling, hissing, or screeching noises coming from your AC unit, those sounds aren’t just annoying—it means an air conditioner repair is in your future.
Here’s what those sounds might mean:
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Banging or clanking – Often caused by a loose or broken part, like a disconnected fan blade or a failing compressor. Left unchecked, these parts can do serious damage.
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Buzzing – This might mean electrical issues, a failing motor, or even debris caught in the outdoor unit.
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Hissing – Could indicate a refrigerant leak, which not only reduces performance but can be hazardous to your system—and your wallet.
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Screeching – Usually linked to a worn-out belt or bearing in the motor. It’s loud, yes, but also a sign your AC is working way harder than it should.
It’s tempting to ignore weird noises, especially if your system is still cooling “okay.” But waiting often turns a minor repair into a major one—or worse, a full system replacement.
4. AC Constantly Turns On and Off (Short Cycling)
If your AC is turning on and off every few minutes, you’re dealing with what’s called short cycling—and it’s not just annoying. It’s hard on your system, inefficient, and a surefire sign you may need an air conditioner repair.
Here’s what might be causing it:
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An oversized system – Bigger isn’t always better. If your AC is too large for your home, it cools the space too quickly, then shuts off—only to turn right back on. This constant cycling creates wear and tear and doesn’t properly dehumidify your air.
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Low refrigerant – When refrigerant is low (often due to a leak), your system may struggle to complete a full cooling cycle and shut off prematurely.
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Electrical or control board issues – Faulty wiring, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a damaged control board can cause erratic behavior and interrupt normal operation.
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Clogged air filter or frozen coil – Blocked airflow or a frozen evaporator coil can also cause your system to shut down repeatedly to protect itself.
5. Your Energy Bills Are Climbing
Noticing a steady increase in your energy bills—but your home still isn’t getting as cool as it should? That’s a strong sign your AC is working harder than it needs to.
Here’s what could be driving those costs up:
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Worn-out components – As parts age or wear down, your system loses efficiency and has to run longer to reach the same temperature.
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Dirty coils or filters – When your system can't breathe properly, it strains to push air and maintain cooling.
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Low refrigerant – If your system is leaking refrigerant, it has to work harder (and longer) to cool the same space.
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Aging unit – Older systems naturally become less efficient over time, especially if they haven’t been regularly maintained.
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Improperly sized system – If your AC is too small or too large for your home, it won’t run efficiently and can drive up your bills.
💡 Bonus Tip: Don’t Wait for It to Get Worse
A small air conditioner repair now can save you thousands later. Plus, catching issues early helps extend the life of your system.
Why Homeowners Trust Kendrick for AC Repairs
✔️ Kendrick Built Technicians – Professionally trained and tested
✔️ Workmanship Promise – We own our mistakes and fix them for free
✔️ No Lemon Guarantee – Major part fails in the first 5 years? We replace it
✔️ Fair, Transparent Pricing – No shady upsells or hidden fees
✔️ Serving Sacramento and surrounding areas
📞 Ready to Fix Your AC?
Call Kendrick Heating & Air at (916) 860-1908 or visit
Let us help you get back to cool—with zero stress and zero compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does an AC repair cost in Sacramento?
A: It depends on the issue, but Kendrick offers flat-rate diagnostic pricing with no pressure to commit to repairs.
Q: Can I fix my AC myself?
A: You can try simple things like replacing your filter or checking your thermostat. Beyond that, it’s best to let a pro handle it safely and properly.
Q: How fast can you get here?
A: Often the same day or next-day service, depending on availability.
Need HVAC Service?
Contact the experts at Kendrick Heating and Air.
Call us at 916-252-4822!