A humming outdoor unit with a fan that will not turn is the call we get most in July in Memphis, TN, and the cause is usually a failed run capacitor. That inexpensive component starts the compressor and fan, fades for years without complaint, and then quits under peak load. It is far from the only suspect, though. Contactors pit and stop passing clean power, condenser fan bearings dry out, small refrigerant leaks drain away cooling capacity, and evaporator coils ice over when a clogged filter strangles airflow.
At Memphis HVAC, each cooling call starts with measurement. Capacitors are metered against the rating on the label. Amp draws on the compressor and fan motor are compared to the data plate. Refrigerant charge is judged by superheat and subcooling, not by pressure readings alone, and any icing prompts a look at the evaporator coil, blower wheel, and filter. This matters because one warm-air complaint can hide four different faults at four very different prices, and a refrigerant top-off that ignores the leak is just a short-term rental on cold air.
Central air, heat pumps running in cooling mode, and ductless mini splits from every major brand are all in our wheelhouse. Because our trucks carry capacitors, contactors, fan motors, hard-start kits, and condensate pumps, most AC repairs are completed the same visit. If the compressor has failed on an older system, we tell you so directly and show you the numbers on repairing versus replacing. Call (901) 749-7931 and we will get cold air flowing in your Memphis home again.
When the heat goes out, see Furnace Repair in Memphis.
How Much Does AC Repair Cost in Memphis?
For most Memphis homeowners, an AC repair comes in somewhere between $150 and $650. Small electrical parts like capacitors and contactors sit at the low end, while refrigerant leaks, coils, and compressors cost more. Every repair starts with a diagnosis and a clear, upfront price.
| Repair | Typical cost | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitor replacementThe most common AC failure; outdoor unit hums but won't start | $150–$400 | The most common AC failure; outdoor unit hums but won't start |
| Contactor replacementWorn relay that stops the condenser from starting | $150–$350 | Worn relay that stops the condenser from starting |
| Condenser fan motorFan won't spin, unit overheats and shuts down | $300–$700 | Fan won't spin, unit overheats and shuts down |
| Refrigerant leak repair + rechargeVaries with where the leak is and how much charge is lost | $300–$1,500 | Depends on leak location and refrigerant type |
| Evaporator coil replacementCorroded or leaking indoor coil | $1,000–$2,500 | Corroded or leaking indoor coil |
| Compressor replacementOn systems past 10–12 years, replacement usually makes more sense | $1,500–$3,000 | On systems past 10–12 years, replacement usually makes more sense |
These are common price ranges, not quotes. We confirm the exact price after diagnosing your system.
Factors That Change the Price
- The age of the system and whether parts are still readily available
- Refrigerant type, because R-22 recharges are much more expensive
- Whether the repair is urgent, after hours, or can be scheduled
- Access to the equipment, like rooftop units or tight attic air handlers
When a quote climbs toward the cost of replacement on an older unit, we'll lay out repair and replacement prices together, with no pressure either way. Call (901) 749-7931 to get your price.
Warning Signs for AC Repair
Spotting the early warning signs gives you the chance to act before the situation spirals into something far more expensive. Here are the most common indicators that it's time to call a professional:
- Breaker trips or a burning odor at startup
- Hissing or bubbling sounds that suggest a refrigerant leak
- Room-temperature air from the registers even though the AC is running
- Water dripping from the indoor unit or showing up on the ceiling below
- Cooling bills climbing while the house stays sticky and warm
- Frost or ice forming on the copper lines or the indoor coil
- A condenser fan that sits still while the outdoor unit hums
- The system short-cycling every few minutes without cooling the house
Don't Wait for a Total Failure
A failing capacitor, clogged condensate drain, or dirty flame sensor rarely fixes itself and usually gets more expensive to address the longer it runs. If you notice any of these signs, contact Memphis HVAC at (901) 749-7931 for a prompt inspection.
AC Repair FAQ
Why Hire a Professional for AC Repair?
An air conditioner puts several hazards into one cabinet. The capacitor can deliver a painful shock long after the breaker is off, the condensing unit is wired for 240 volts, and the refrigerant circuit is a sealed, pressurized loop that federal rules forbid venting. Servicing it properly takes gauges, a recovery machine, and a vacuum pump, not a DIY recharge can. Diagnosis has its own traps. A frozen coil is as likely to be an airflow issue as a charge issue, and recharging a system that still leaks throws money away while moisture and acid work on the compressor.
Professional service sees the full picture, not just the symptom. Our technicians meter electrical parts before replacing them, make charge decisions from measured superheat and subcooling, locate leaks with electronic detectors and dye, and check the filter, blower, and static pressure any time airflow could be the issue. The result is a repair that lasts the season instead of a guess that fails in three weeks. If your system is not worth saving, we will tell you directly, backed by numbers rather than a sales pitch.
What to Expect From Our AC Repair
Every visit follows a step-by-step method refined over years of hands-on experience. Here's a look at each step our Memphis HVAC team takes:
Testing First
Capacitors, the contactor, motors, and amp draws are all measured, the charge is evaluated through superheat and subcooling, and the coil, filter, and drain are inspected so the real failure is found.
Honest Findings & Quote
We show you what failed and why, then give a firm price before any work begins. If the compressor or coil points toward replacement instead, we lay out the honest math.
Same-Visit Repair
Since the common summer failures, like capacitors, contactors, and fan motors, are already on board, most AC repairs are wrapped up during the first visit.
Cooling Performance Check
Before we leave, we measure the temperature split, recheck amp draws and refrigerant charge, flush the condensate line, and run the system through a complete cooling cycle.
Questions About AC Repair?
Call Memphis HVAC to discuss your AC repair needs with an experienced technician.
Get Help: (901) 749-7931AC Repair Prevention Tips
Taking preventive measures can help you avoid costly heating and cooling problems down the road. Put these technician-approved steps to work around your property:
- Clear the condensate drain when you first turn on the AC each year
- Schedule a spring tune-up so weak parts are caught before summer arrives
- Change the filter monthly during cooling season; starved airflow is how coils freeze
- Avoid shutting registers in unused rooms, which raises static pressure and stresses the blower
- Rinse the outdoor condenser coil each spring and keep vegetation two feet back
- Never enclose the condenser; it needs open space on every side to shed heat
- Listen for new buzzing or clicking at startup, the classic sound of a dying capacitor
DIY vs. Professional AC Repair
A homeowner can swap a filter with ease, but diagnosing capacitors, refrigerant charge, control boards, and error codes calls for the equipment and know-how only a pro brings. Here's a comparison:
| Factor | DIY Attempt | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant | Recharge cans that ignore the leak | Leak found and fixed, then charge weighed in |
| Electrical Safety | Live 240V wiring and a charged capacitor | Power verified off, capacitors discharged |
| Iced Coils | Same ice, again and again | Cause of the icing traced and corrected |
| Troubleshooting | Guessing between look-alike faults | Instrument readings, not hunches |
| Parts | Parts that are almost the right rating | Ratings matched to the data plate |
| Outcome | Short-lived relief | Repair verified under real load |
Schedule Your AC Repair Service
Every day you wait puts more strain on a struggling unit. Get Memphis HVAC on the job today.
Call (901) 749-7931 TodayAreas We Serve for AC Repair
Wherever you are in the area, the same experienced team handles your AC repair. Find your community below.