South Shore · Air Conditioning
AC Repair And Installation On The South Shore
Central air running but not cooling, a frozen coil, or water near the air handler? See what to check, what a repair involves, and when to replace, then call to reach an independent local pro.
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Overview
Central Air Help For South Shore Summers
A central air conditioner carries heat out of the house through refrigerant lines between an indoor coil and an outdoor condenser. When cooling fails, the cause usually falls into one of three groups: airflow, electrical parts such as the capacitor or contactor, or the refrigerant circuit.
Airflow problems are often something you can spot yourself. Electrical and refrigerant problems belong to a pro. When you call, you're connected with an independent local HVAC contractor who serves your town and can diagnose the system and quote a repair or a new one.
Signs Your AC Needs Repair
Warm Air From The Vents
If the fan runs but the air isn't cool, the outdoor unit may not be running, or the system may be low on refrigerant.
Ice On The Lines Or Coil
Frost on the copper line at the outdoor unit or on the indoor coil usually means weak airflow or a refrigerant problem. Running it frozen can damage the compressor.
Water Near The Air Handler
A clogged condensate drain or a cracked pan can spill water into an attic floor or basement ceiling, so check it right away.
The Outdoor Unit Hums But Won't Start
A humming condenser with a motionless fan often points to a failed capacitor or motor. Shut the system off to protect the compressor.
Short Runs And Sticky Air
An oversized or struggling system can cycle quickly without pulling moisture out of the air, leaving the house cool but clammy.
Right now
What To Check Before Calling For AC Repair
These checks are safe for any homeowner and can save a service call.
Turn It Off If It's Frozen
Switch the thermostat to off and the fan to on so the ice melts, which can take a few hours. Restarting a frozen system can make the damage worse.
Change The Air Filter
A clogged filter often leads to frozen coils and weak airflow. Replace it with the same size and check it monthly during heavy use.
Clear Around The Outdoor Unit
Trim plants back and remove leaves or grass clippings so air moves freely around the condenser. Don't open its panels; there's high voltage inside.
Check The Condensate Drain
If water is pooling near the indoor unit, a float switch may have shut the system down. Look for a visible clog where the drain line ends.
Confirm The Settings And Outdoor Switch
Make sure the thermostat is on cool and set below room temperature, and that the shutoff box mounted near the condenser hasn't been switched off.
What to expect
What An AC Technician Usually Checks
Expect the technician to measure airflow and the temperature drop across the coil, test the capacitor, contactor, and fan motors, and check refrigerant pressures. Anyone who handles refrigerant needs EPA Section 608 certification, so it's fair to ask.
If the system is low on refrigerant, ask where the leak is and whether it can be repaired, since topping it off without fixing the leak only buys time. On older systems that use R-22, a refrigerant no longer produced or imported in the United States, the pro may suggest replacement instead of a recharge.
Hire smart
How To Hire An AC Contractor
Massachusetts has no single HVAC license. Gas work needs a gas fitter license, oil burner work a Department of Fire Services certificate, ductwork a sheet metal license, and larger refrigeration systems a refrigeration technician license. Most heating and cooling installs need a town permit.
Know Which Credentials Apply
Home central air systems fall well under the 10-ton size that triggers a Massachusetts refrigeration technician license. What does apply: EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant work, a sheet metal license for new ductwork, which you can check on the state's occupational license lookup, and an electrician for the wiring.
Confirm The Permits
A new or replacement system generally needs electrical and building or mechanical permits. In Bridgewater, a permit card has to be in hand before work starts, and working without one can bring a triple permit fee.
Ask For A Load Calculation
For a new system, ask how the contractor sized it. A load calculation that accounts for insulation, windows, and sun exposure leads to better humidity control than copying the old unit's size.
Compare Written Quotes
Each quote should list the condenser and coil model numbers, efficiency ratings, line set and pad work, duct changes, removal of old equipment, and permits.
Ask For A Heat Pump Price Too
A heat pump uses the same kind of outdoor unit and adds efficient heating, and the sponsors of Mass Save offer heat pump rebates. If you're replacing central air, it's worth seeing both numbers.
Costs
What Affects The Cost Of AC Repair Or Replacement
Repair costs hinge on the failed part and whether refrigerant is involved. A capacitor or contactor is a small repair; a compressor, a leaking coil, or a refrigerant recharge is a much larger one, and heat waves can stretch contractors' schedules.
Replacement depends on system size, efficiency rating, whether the indoor coil and line set are replaced too, the condition of your ducts, and any electrical upgrades. Ask for written quotes covering the same scope, and weigh maintenance plans only after you've compared the installation itself.
Across the region
Air Conditioning Across The South Shore
Newer houses are more likely to have been built with ducts for central air, and parts of the South Shore are relatively young: Census estimates put Plymouth's median year built at 1982 and Bridgewater's at 1984, and Hanover's Housing Production Plan counts nearly half its homes as built since 1970. In older housing without ducts, ductless mini-splits are the usual alternative to window units.
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Questions
AC Repair And Installation Questions
Still not sure? Send a short request and a local pro can answer the specifics.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Start with the filter and the outdoor unit: a clogged filter or a condenser that isn't running are common causes. If the filter is clean and the outdoor fan is spinning, the problem may be refrigerant or electrical, which needs a technician.
How often should central air be serviced on the South Shore?
Once a year in spring is typical, before the first humid stretch. A tune-up lets a technician clean the condenser coil, check refrigerant pressures, and clear the condensate drain.
Can I add refrigerant to my AC myself?
No. Handling refrigerant requires EPA Section 608 certification, and a system that needs refrigerant has a leak that should be found and fixed.
Do I need a permit to replace central air in Plymouth?
Generally, yes. Plymouth's Inspectional Services issues permits online through OpenGov, and replacement equipment needs at least an electrical permit. Your contractor should apply before the work begins.
Should I replace my AC with a heat pump?
If your air conditioner is near the end of its life, a heat pump can take its place and heat the house as well. Mass Save sponsors offer heat pump rebates for eligible customers, so ask contractors to price both.
What if water is leaking from my air handler in the attic?
Turn the system off at the thermostat, catch the water, and check whether the drain line or float switch is clogged. Attic leaks can damage ceilings quickly, so call for service if you can't find the cause.
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