If Your Air Conditioner Could Talk, It Would Ask You To Do This
If you’ve lived through a Phoenix summer, you know one universal truth: your air conditioner isn’t just a luxury—it’s a full-blown survival tool. When the temps soar past 110°, it’s not the time to find out your AC is in need of these three common ac repairs.
At Hobaica, we’ve seen what happens when hardworking AC systems finally throw in the towel. The good news? Most of the top repairs we handle could’ve been caught—or totally avoided—with a little know-how and maintenance.
So today, we’re breaking down the top three AC repairs Phoenix homeowners face, why they happen, and how to keep your cool (literally and figuratively) when they do.
1. The Run Capacitor Throws in the Towel
This little component has one job: help your AC motor start and keep running smoothly. But when it fails? Your system might hum, click, or just sit there in silence, begging for help like a dehydrated cactus.
Why it Happens:
- Age and wear
- Extreme heat (we’re looking at you, Phoenix sun)
- Power surges from monsoon season lightning strikes
How to Avoid It:
- DIY Tip #1: Give your outdoor unit a little shade—but don’t smother it! A well-placed umbrella or tree can help reduce the heat strain on internal components, but always keep airflow clear.
- DIY Tip #2: Listen for warning signs. A constant hum with no airflow is often a cry for capacitor help.
- Maintenance Magic: Our techs check and test capacitors during regular tune-ups to spot early signs of weakness. Replace it before it leaves you high and sweaty.
2. The Contactor Decides It’s Had Enough
Your contactor is the behind-the-scenes switch that sends power to your AC’s key parts. When it’s burnt or pitted, it either won’t connect—or won’t disconnect. Not ideal when you’re trying to chill.
Why it Happens:
- High-voltage arcing wears it out over time
- Dust and grime from Phoenix haboobs (dust storms)
- Age and electrical issues
How to Avoid It:
- DIY Tip #1: Keep the area around your outdoor condenser unit clean. Sweep away leaves, trim plants, and keep dust from building up.
- DIY Tip #2: Peek inside the outdoor unit grill (without touching anything)—if you spot burnt or charred-looking parts, give us a call.
- Maintenance Magic: Routine checkups catch these contactor issues before they cause full-blown system failure. We’ll test voltage, inspect connections, and swap bad parts on the spot.
3. Your Coils Are Dirtier Than a Toddler’s Hands
Your AC’s evaporator and condenser coils are where all the heat-exchanging magic happens. When they get coated in dirt and debris, your system loses efficiency—and your utility bills take the hit.
Why it Happens:
- Phoenix is dusty, dry, and full of airborne debris
- Dirty air filters let more particles pass through
- Pets, home projects, and even candles can add to the grime
How to Avoid It:
- DIY Tip #1: Change your air filter every 30–60 days, especially in summer. A clean filter keeps dust from collecting on your coils.
- DIY Tip #2: Rinse the outside unit with a garden hose once a month (AC off!). Spray at a 45-degree angle and gently clean off any gunk.
- Maintenance Magic: Our team deep-cleans coils during tune-ups using non-damaging tools and safe solvents. We’ll get the hidden gunk out and your efficiency back up.
Why These Common AC Repairs Are More Frequent in Phoenix
Phoenix is tough on AC systems. On the hottest days, your air conditioner is likely running 16–24 hours a day just to keep up. Combine that with:
- Extreme UV exposure
- Dust storms and monsoons
- Hard water and mineral buildup
- High energy loads from city-wide use
…and you’ve got the perfect recipe for burnout—literally. That’s why we always recommend preseason maintenance and why so many of our customers join our Total Care Club.
Keep It Cool With the Total Care Club
Want to avoid these repairs entirely? Our Total Care Club is like a spa membership for your AC—with a team of friendly, highly trained Hobaicans checking every bolt, belt, and coil.
Club benefits include:
- Two precision tune-ups per year (AC + heat)
- Priority scheduling (aka skip the sweaty line)
- Discounted repairs
- No overtime fees—even on weekends!
We’ll catch problems early, keep your system running like new, and help lower your energy bills in the process. That’s what we call a win-win-win.
Stay Ahead of the Heat With Hobaica
If your AC is:
- Making strange noises
- Starting and stopping too frequently
- Not cooling like it used to
- Or just feeling off…
Don’t wait until the hottest day of the year to get it checked. These top three repairs are common—but also totally manageable when caught early. And of course, when you need a professional, Hobaica is standing by to serve you.
Call 602-633-9555 or contact us online today for fast, friendly service.
