When the air conditioning quits in Dunwoody, GA, the house tells you fast, and so does everyone in it. The part that fails most often is the humble run capacitor: a few dollars of electronics that starts the compressor and fan, weakens quietly for years, and finally lets go on a brutal afternoon, leaving the outdoor unit humming but the fan still. Right behind it come pitted contactors that no longer pass power cleanly, condenser fan motors with dry bearings, refrigerant leaks that slowly bleed the system's capacity away, and evaporator coils that ice over solid whenever airflow collapses behind a clogged filter.
Dunwoody HVAC repairs air conditioners diagnosis-first. Our experienced technicians test rather than guess: capacitors metered for microfarads against the label rating, compressor and fan amp draws checked against the data plate, refrigerant charge evaluated by superheat and subcooling rather than pressure alone, and the evaporator coil, blower wheel, and filter inspected whenever icing is in the picture. That matters because the same warm-air complaint can be four different faults at four very different costs, and topping off refrigerant without finding the leak just rents you cold air until it escapes again.
We service every common residential cooling system from all major brands, and our trucks stock the summer failure parts: capacitors, contactors, fan motors, hard-start kits, and condensate pumps, so most repairs are finished the same visit. When a compressor has truly failed on an aging system, we say so plainly and lay out the repair-versus-replace math honestly. For fast AC repair anywhere in Dunwoody, call (470) 200-3365 and an experienced technician will be on the way.
When the heat goes out, see Furnace Repair in Dunwoody.
How Much Does AC Repair Cost in Dunwoody?
The typical AC repair in Dunwoody costs $150 to $650. Where you fall in that range depends almost entirely on which component failed. Dunwoody HVAC diagnoses the problem first and gives you a written price before any work starts.
| 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 replacementBurned or pitted switch that powers the outdoor unit | $150–$350 | Burned or pitted switch that powers the outdoor unit |
| Condenser fan motorOutdoor fan stops, compressor trips on high heat | $300–$700 | Fan won't spin, unit overheats and shuts down |
| Refrigerant leak repair + rechargeDepends on leak location and refrigerant type | $300–$1,500 | Varies with where the leak is and how much charge is lost |
| Evaporator coil replacementCorroded or leaking indoor coil | $1,000–$2,500 | Major repair; worth weighing against replacement on older systems |
| Compressor replacementLargest single repair; often weighed against a new system | $1,500–$3,000 | On systems past 10–12 years, replacement usually makes more sense |
Typical ranges for common repairs. Your exact price is quoted after diagnosis.
What Moves the Cost Up or Down
- How old the unit is and how easy its parts are to source
- 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 (470) 200-3365 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. Watch for these telltale signs that professional help is needed:
- A burning smell or repeated breaker trips when the AC starts
- The system short-cycling every few minutes without cooling the house
- Water dripping from the indoor unit or showing up on the ceiling below
- An iced-over evaporator coil or frozen refrigerant lines
- A condenser fan that sits still while the outdoor unit hums
- A hiss or gurgle from the lines, a common sign of leaking refrigerant
- Warm or room-temperature air blowing when the thermostat calls for cooling
- Cooling bills climbing while the house stays sticky and warm
Don't Wait for a Total Failure
Most HVAC failures start small, a weak capacitor, a squealing blower, a system that runs a little longer each week. Don't wait, get Dunwoody HVAC on the phone at (470) 200-3365 and we'll take a look right away.
AC Repair FAQ
The Benefits of Professional AC Repair
Air conditioning repair concentrates several hazards in one cabinet. Capacitors store a charge that bites long after the breaker is off, condensing units run on 240-volt circuits, and the refrigerant loop is a sealed, pressurized system that federal rules do not permit venting to the air; working on it takes gauges, a recovery machine, and a vacuum pump, not a can from the internet. The diagnostic traps are just as real: a frozen coil looks like a refrigerant problem but is just as often an airflow problem, and refilling a leaking system without repairing the leak wastes money while acid and moisture quietly damage the compressor.
What you get from a pro is a repair that holds. Our experienced technicians find leaks with dye and electronic detectors, base every charge decision on superheat and subcooling, test electrical parts with a meter before condemning them, and measure static pressure and inspect the blower and filter any time airflow is in question. Parts-cannon fixes tend to bring you back in a few weeks. Ours are built to last through the heat. And if the numbers say replacement is the better call, we show you those numbers honestly, without pressure.
How Our AC Repair Works
We follow a proven process to ensure every repair and installation is completed to the highest standards. Here's exactly how the AC repair process unfolds:
Full Cooling Diagnosis
We test capacitors, contactor, motors, and amp draws, evaluate the refrigerant charge by superheat and subcooling, and inspect the coil, filter, and condensate drain to find the true fault.
Clear Explanation & Price
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.
Repair From a Stocked Truck
Most AC fixes happen right away. We carry capacitors, contactors, fan motors, and other high-failure parts, so there is rarely a wait on a parts order.
Test Under Load
We confirm a healthy temperature split across the coil, verify amp draws and charge, clear the condensate line, and watch a full cooling cycle before we leave.
Not Sure What You Need?
We provide honest advice and upfront pricing on all AC repair work.
Call (470) 200-3365 TodayMaintenance Tips for AC Repair
Smart maintenance is almost always cheaper and easier than an early replacement. Start with these practical measures our team relies on:
- Have the AC serviced every spring, ahead of the first real heat
- Listen for new buzzing or clicking at startup, the classic sound of a dying capacitor
- Never enclose the condenser; it needs open space on every side to shed heat
- Rinse the outdoor condenser coil each spring and keep vegetation two feet back
- Leave vents open in every room, since closing them strains the blower
- Replace the filter every month in summer, since restricted airflow is the top cause of frozen coils
- Flush the condensate drain line with the season's first use to head off clogs
Should You DIY or Call a Pro?
While some minor tasks like changing filters or checking a thermostat can be handled by homeowners, most HVAC work involves refrigerant, gas combustion, and high-voltage electricity, jobs that call for professional expertise. Here's a comparison:
| Factor | DIY Attempt | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant Leaks | Adding refrigerant while it keeps leaking | Leak repaired and correct charge restored by weight |
| Electrical Safety | Risk of shock from 240V and stored charge | Circuits tested dead before any work |
| Frozen Coils | Same ice, again and again | Airflow or charge problem identified and fixed |
| Diagnosis | Guessing between look-alike faults | Measured with meters, gauges, and clamps |
| Replacement Parts | Close-enough capacitors and motors | Correct ratings for your exact unit |
| Outcome | Works until the next hot spell | Repair verified under real load |
Talk to a AC Repair Expert
The sooner you call, the sooner your comfort is back. Reach Dunwoody HVAC for fast service.
Get Help: (470) 200-3365Areas We Serve for AC Repair
Wherever you are in the area, the same experienced team handles your AC repair. Find your community below.