Air Conditioning Repair — San Diego, CA

Expert AC Repair Services in San Diego

Sweeney HVAC Solutions LLC provides professional air conditioning repair services for residential and commercial customers throughout San Diego, CA and surrounding communities. Whether your central air conditioner has stopped working entirely, is cooling poorly, making strange noises, or running up your energy bills, our licensed technicians can diagnose and repair the problem quickly and correctly.

We repair all types of cooling systems including central air conditioners, ductless mini-split systems, heat pumps in cooling mode, package units, window air conditioners, and portable AC units. We service all major brands including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, York, Goodman, Daikin, Bryant, American Standard, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, and LG.

Same-day and next-day repair appointments are available for most situations. For AC emergencies, our 24/7 emergency line at (760) 300-0573 is available around the clock.

How Your Air Conditioning System Works

Understanding how your air conditioner works can help you recognize problems earlier and communicate more effectively with our technicians. A central air conditioning system operates on a simple but elegant principle: it does not create cold air, it removes heat from inside your home and transfers it outdoors.

The system has two main components: the indoor air handler (or evaporator unit) and the outdoor condenser unit. Refrigerant circulates between these two units, absorbing heat from indoor air at the evaporator coil and releasing that heat outdoors at the condenser coil. A compressor in the outdoor unit pressurizes the refrigerant to keep it cycling continuously.

Your blower fan moves air across the cold evaporator coil, cooling and dehumidifying it before distributing it through your ductwork. The thermostat monitors indoor temperature and cycles the system on and off to maintain your desired comfort level.

When any component in this system fails or degrades — whether it is the compressor, the refrigerant charge, the evaporator coil, the condenser coil, the blower motor, the capacitor, the contactor, or the thermostat — the entire system's performance suffers. That is why accurate diagnosis is so important before beginning repairs.

Common AC Problems and Causes

The table below lists the most common air conditioning problems we encounter in San Diego and their typical causes:

Problem	Common Causes
AC not cooling	Low refrigerant, dirty coils, failed compressor, restricted airflow
AC not turning on	Electrical issue, failed capacitor, tripped breaker, thermostat problem
AC short cycling	Oversized unit, dirty filter, refrigerant leak, electrical fault
Ice on outdoor unit	Low refrigerant, dirty evaporator coil, restricted airflow
Water leaking inside	Clogged condensate drain, frozen coil thawing, cracked drain pan
High energy bills	Dirty coils, low refrigerant, aging equipment, poor insulation
Loud or unusual noise	Loose parts, failing bearings, debris in unit, compressor damage
Uneven cooling	Duct leaks, blocked vents, undersized system, zoning issues

Our AC Repair Process

When you call Sweeney HVAC Solutions for an air conditioning repair, here is what to expect from our service process:

Service call scheduling. We will schedule your appointment at a time convenient for you. We provide a service window and will call ahead when the technician is on the way.
System inspection. Our technician will perform a comprehensive inspection of your AC system, including refrigerant pressure checks, electrical component testing, airflow measurement, coil inspection, and thermostat verification.
Diagnosis and written estimate. After completing the inspection, our technician will explain what is wrong with your system in plain language and provide a written estimate for all recommended repairs. We never begin work without your approval.
Repair completion. We carry common AC parts on our service vehicles to complete most repairs in a single visit. If a specialized part must be ordered, we will schedule a prompt return visit.
System testing. After completing all repairs, we fully test your air conditioning system to confirm it is operating correctly, efficiently, and safely.
Maintenance recommendations. We will advise you on any preventive maintenance steps you can take to extend the life of your system and prevent future breakdowns.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your AC

One of the most common questions we are asked is whether it makes more sense to repair an existing air conditioner or replace it with a new one. The answer depends on several factors:

Repair Makes Sense When:

The system is less than 8–10 years old
Repair cost is less than 50% of replacement cost
The system uses R-410A refrigerant
The system has been well maintained
The compressor is still functioning
Energy bills have not increased significantly

Replacement Makes Sense When:

The system is 12–15+ years old
Repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement cost
The system uses R-22 refrigerant (phased out)
The compressor has failed
Energy bills have increased significantly
The system requires frequent repairs
The system is undersized or oversized for the home

Our technicians will give you an honest assessment of your specific situation. We will never recommend replacement when a repair is the better value, and we will never recommend a repair on a system that is clearly at the end of its service life.

Signs Your AC Needs Repair — Don't Wait

Many air conditioning problems get worse and more expensive the longer they are ignored. Watch for these warning signs and call us before a small problem becomes a major breakdown:

Your home is not reaching the temperature set on your thermostat
Your AC runs almost continuously but the house stays warm
You notice a significant increase in your electric bill
Your AC is making banging, grinding, squealing, or hissing sounds
You notice ice forming on the refrigerant lines or outdoor unit
Water is dripping from your indoor air handler
There is a musty or burning smell when the AC runs
Certain rooms in your home are much warmer than others
Your AC cycles on and off very frequently (every few minutes)
Your thermostat display is unresponsive or shows incorrect readings

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS — AC REPAIR

How do I know if my air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced?

Generally, if your air conditioner is less than 10 years old and the repair cost is less than half the cost of a new system, repair is usually the better choice. If your system is 12–15+ years old, requires frequent repairs, uses R-22 refrigerant (no longer manufactured), or has a SEER rating below 13, replacement is often more cost-effective over the long term. Our technicians will give you an honest assessment of both options.

Why is my air conditioner running but not cooling?

This is one of the most common AC complaints we receive. Possible causes include: low refrigerant due to a leak, a dirty or clogged air filter restricting airflow, a frozen evaporator coil, a failing compressor, dirty condenser coils, a malfunctioning thermostat, or blocked return air vents. A technician needs to diagnose the specific cause before repairs can be made.

Why does my AC keep turning on and off every few minutes?

This is called short cycling and it is damaging to your compressor. Common causes include: an oversized air conditioning system, a dirty air filter, low refrigerant, a frozen evaporator coil, a failing thermostat, or electrical issues. Short cycling wastes energy and significantly shortens the life of your compressor. Call us to diagnose and correct the problem.

How often should I change my AC air filter?

For standard 1-inch filters, every 30–60 days is typical for homes with pets or allergy sufferers. Homes without pets in normal conditions can often go 60–90 days. Thicker 4-inch media filters typically last 6–12 months. A dirty filter is the single most common cause of AC problems and reduced efficiency. Check your filter monthly and replace when it appears gray and dirty.

Why is water dripping from my air conditioner?

A small amount of condensation near the outdoor unit is normal. However, water dripping inside your home from the air handler indicates a clogged condensate drain line. This is a common problem and can cause water damage to ceilings, walls, and floors if not addressed promptly. We can clear the drain line and install a condensate safety switch to prevent future flooding.

My AC is making a loud noise. What could it be?

Different noises indicate different problems: banging or clanking often means a loose or broken part inside the compressor or blower; squealing or screeching usually indicates a failing belt or bearings; rattling may be debris in the unit or loose panels; clicking at startup/shutdown is normal, but constant clicking can indicate a relay or electrical issue; hissing may indicate a refrigerant leak. Any unusual noise should be evaluated by a technician.

How much does AC repair typically cost in San Diego?

AC repair costs vary widely depending on the problem. Common repairs range from $150–$250 for a capacitor replacement, $200–$400 for a contactor or relay, $300–$600 for refrigerant recharge (plus leak repair), $500–$1,200 for a blower motor, and $1,200–$2,500+ for compressor replacement. We provide written estimates before beginning any work.

Does Sweeney HVAC offer any warranty on AC repairs?

Yes. We warranty our labor on all AC repairs. Parts warranties vary by manufacturer — most parts carry a 1-year manufacturer warranty, and some carry longer coverage. We will explain the warranty terms for any parts we install. New equipment installations include full manufacturer warranties, which we register on your behalf.

SCHEDULE AC REPAIR

(760) 300-0573

Same-day appointments available

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