Running, but the air isn't cold
Often a dirty filter or coil, low refrigerant from a leak, or a failing capacitor. A leak needs to be found and fixed, not just topped off.
Often repairable
AC Repair · Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville & El Dorado Hills
AC Not Cooling?
AC Not Cooling?
Call Senga.
Sacramento summers don't wait for a good time. Tell us what your air conditioner is doing and we'll help you find the fix, or tell you honestly when it's time to replace it.
You don't need to diagnose it first. That's our job.
Common AC problems
What Is Your Air Conditioner Doing?
Most AC problems have more than one possible cause. Here are the symptoms we hear about most in the Sacramento region, and how we tend to read them.
Ice on the coil or refrigerant lines
Usually restricted airflow or low refrigerant. Turn the system off and let it thaw so it doesn't flood the drain pan or stress the compressor.
Call soonWater leaking inside
A clogged condensate drain is the usual cause. Left alone it can stain ceilings and trip the safety switch that shuts the system down.
Call soonOutdoor unit won't start
Often a capacitor, contactor or fan motor. These are usually smaller parts and a repair, not a replacement.
Often repairableBreaker keeps tripping
Resist the urge to keep resetting it. A repeat trip points to a motor, compressor or wiring problem worth checking first.
Depends on the causeLoud, grinding or squealing
Noise is the system asking for attention early. Catching a failing motor or bearing now costs less than catching it later.
Call soonMusty or burning smells
Musty usually means moisture in the coil or drain. A burning smell means shut it off and call.
Depends on the causeBills up, comfort down
An aging system works harder for the same result. Sometimes a tune-up helps. Sometimes it's time to talk replacement.
Worth a replacement talkDon't see yours? Call anyway. Tell us what's happening and we'll take it from there.
Call (916) 545-9053
How a diagnosis works
What a Proper Diagnosis Looks Like
A good repair starts with measuring, not guessing. Here is what that usually involves.
What it costs
What AC Repair Typically Costs in the Sacramento Area
You should know the ballpark before anyone gives you a quote. These are typical ranges for common repairs in our region.
| Repair | Typical range | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitor or contactor | $150 to $500 | A small part. Usually a straightforward repair. |
| Fan or blower motor | $400 to $1,200 | Repair makes sense on a newer system. |
| Refrigerant leak repair and recharge | $300 to $1,800 | Where the leak is, and the system's age, decide it. |
| Evaporator or condenser coil | $1,500 to $3,500 | Compare against replacement on a 10+ year-old system. |
| Compressor | $2,000 to $4,500 | Often the point where replacement wins. |
Typical industry ranges for the region, not a Senga quote. Your price depends on the part, the refrigerant, the system and how hard it is to reach, and an attic in July counts. Whoever you call, ask for the number in writing before work begins.
A quick rule of thumbRepair quote × system age
Over $5,000, replacement usually wins. Under it, repair usually does. It's a starting point, not the whole answer. We'll walk through the real numbers for your house, including what waiting is likely to cost.
Talk it through
Fair Oaks, CA
Before you call
Five Checks That Take Five Minutes.
Sometimes it's a quick fix. Run through these first. If the air is still warm, we're a phone call away.
- Check the thermostat. Set to Cool, below the room temperature, with fresh batteries if it takes them.
- Check the air filter. A clogged filter chokes airflow and can freeze the coil. Replace it if it's dirty.
- Check the breaker and the outdoor disconnect. If the breaker trips again right away, stop and call.
- Look at the outdoor unit. Clear leaves and debris. Is the fan spinning? Is it humming but not starting?
- Look for ice. Ice on the indoor coil or the copper lines means turn it off, let it thaw, then call.
Built for Sacramento heat
Why Air Conditioners Work Harder Here.
A system that's fine in a mild climate can struggle through a Sacramento Valley summer. A few things worth knowing.
Triple-digit afternoons
When it's over 100 degrees for days, a system runs near-continuously. Weak parts that survive an average July fail in a heat wave.
Hot attics
Ducts and air handlers in a summer attic lose cooling before it reaches the room. Leaky or undersized ducts make it worse.
Heat wave demand
Repair calls spike when the heat does. A spring or early-summer tune-up is the cheapest way to avoid a 105-degree breakdown.
Older refrigerants
Systems that still use R-22 cost more to recharge every year. Newer systems use different refrigerants, so repair and replacement math is changing.
Permits and Title 24
Replacing a system in California typically needs a permit and verification. Repairing a part usually doesn't.
Utility rebates
If you're considering a heat pump instead of a like-for-like swap, SMUD and Roseville Electric customers may have rebates available. See heat pump options.
What homeowners say
Straight Talk Is How Senga Works.
4.7 on Google · Read reviews
All the benefits, all the risks, everything was put on the table. It allowed me to make an easy and informed decision.
The reps were super helpful in answering all of our questions and walking us through the whole process.
No money down and we couldn't be happier. It looks great and we would definitely use them again.
Verified Google reviews from Senga Energy customers. Same team, same approach, now for HVAC.
Senga Comfort Plan · Powered by Palmetto
Need a New System? Eligible Homeowners Can Get One for $0 Down.
Covered repairs and maintenance are included for the life of the plan. So the system stays the way it was the day it went in, and a breakdown is never a surprise bill again.
- $0 down
- Brand-new, high-efficiency HVAC
- Installation included
- Maintenance included
- Covered repairs included
- One predictable monthly payment
Checking your options uses a soft credit inquiry, so applying won't affect your credit score.
Available to eligible homeowners. Subject to approval and plan terms. Ask us for details when you call.
Under a minute, no jargon. See how the $0-down Comfort Plan replaces your system and covers it for the life of the plan. Watch on YouTube
sengaComfort PlanPowered by Palmetto
Serving Sacramento and the Foothills
AC repair and replacement across the Sacramento region. Not sure we cover your street? Call and ask. We probably do. See all service areas.
Questions
Straight Answers on AC Repair.
Don't see your question? Ask us on the phone.
How much does AC repair cost in Sacramento?
Most AC repairs in the Sacramento area run from about $150 to $1,800, depending on the part. A capacitor or contactor sits at the low end. Refrigerant leaks, motors and coils cost more, and a failed compressor can approach the price of a new system. Ask for the number in writing before any work begins.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
The usual causes are a dirty filter or coil, low refrigerant from a leak, a failed capacitor, or a frozen evaporator coil. Check the filter and thermostat first. If the air is still warm after that, turn the system off and call a technician so a small problem doesn't damage the compressor.
Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
Repair usually wins when the system is under about 10 years old and the fix is a smaller part. Replacement deserves a real conversation at 12 to 15+ years, when repairs keep coming, or when the quote is close to half the cost of a new system. A quick rule of thumb: if the repair quote times the system's age is over $5,000, replacing usually makes more sense.
How long does an air conditioner last in Sacramento?
Most central air conditioners last 12 to 15 years. Sacramento's long, hot summers mean systems run more hours than in milder climates, so maintenance matters. Attic installations also face extreme heat, which is hard on motors and electrical parts.
What should I check before calling for AC repair?
Make sure the thermostat is set to Cool and below the room temperature, replace a dirty filter, check the breaker and the outdoor disconnect, clear leaves from around the outdoor unit and look for ice on the indoor coil or refrigerant lines. If the system is iced up, turn it off and let it thaw before calling.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC in California?
Generally yes. Replacing an air conditioner or heat pump in California typically requires a mechanical permit and Title 24 verification, which can include duct leakage testing. Repairs to existing parts usually don't. Your contractor should handle the permit and tell you what's included in the price.
Can Senga help if I already have a repair or replacement quote?
Yes. We'll test the system, show you what we find and tell you whether the quote makes sense. Sometimes it really is time for a new system. Sometimes it's a small part. Call (916) 545-9053 and ask for a second opinion.
What is the Senga Comfort Plan?
A $0-down way to get a brand-new, high-efficiency system with installation, maintenance and covered repairs included, for one predictable monthly payment. It's powered by Palmetto and available to eligible homeowners. Checking your options is a soft credit inquiry, so it won't affect your credit score.
Which cities does Senga serve for AC repair?
El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Placerville, Granite Bay, Roseville, Rocklin, Loomis, Lincoln, Auburn, Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove and communities within about 50 miles of El Dorado Hills. If you're not sure, call and ask.
AC Repair · Replacement · Second Opinions · $0-Down Options
Don't Sweat It. Call Senga.
If your air conditioner isn't keeping up, the best time to deal with it is before the next heat wave. Call, tell us what's happening, and let's figure it out.
Call Senga Today (916) 545-9053Your home should feel comfortable. Getting help should feel easy.