When an air conditioner stops cooling, leaks onto the floor or trips the breaker, the cause is rarely what the unit seems to be telling you. Shred Designs diagnoses split, cassette, ducted and multi-split air conditioners with gauges and a multimeter rather than by swapping parts, so you pay for the repair the unit actually needs.
Our technicians work from Kamakis on Eastern Bypass and often reach sites in Kamakis and Ruiru the same day. If you are fitting a new unit rather than repairing one, see AC Installation.
Common AC Faults and What We Do
Symptom | Usual causes | What we do |
Runs but does not cool | Dirty filters or coils, low refrigerant from a leak, failed outdoor fan or capacitor, blocked airflow | Check pressures and airflow, clean the coils, find and repair any leak before recharging, replace failed parts |
Water leaking indoors | Blocked or badly sloped drain, dirty evaporator coil, cracked drain tray, melting ice | Clear and flush the drain line, clean the coil, correct the drain fall, repair the tray |
Ice on the indoor unit or pipes | Low airflow from clogged filters or a fan fault, low refrigerant | Defrost the unit, clean filters and coil, test the fan, check the refrigerant level and look for leaks |
Will not switch on, or trips the breaker | Failed capacitor or contactor, compressor fault, wiring fault, wrong breaker rating | Test the electrical components and compressor windings, repair or replace what has failed |
Loud or rattling noise | Loose panels, damaged fan blade, failing fan or compressor bearing, outdoor unit not level | Tighten and rebalance, replace the motor or blade, re-level the outdoor unit |
Bad smell from the vents | Mould and bacteria on the coil and drain tray, wet filters | Chemical wash of coil and tray, clean the drain, clean or replace filters |
Error code, or remote not responding | Sensor fault, control board fault, remote or receiver fault, power surge damage | Read the code, test the sensors, repair or replace the board, replace the remote or receiver |
Switches on and off rapidly | Oversized unit, faulty temperature sensor, low refrigerant, dirty outdoor coil | Check sizing and sensor, clean the outdoor coil, test the refrigerant charge |
High electricity bills | Dirty coils, refrigerant leak, failing compressor or fan, old fixed-speed unit, high room load | Service the unit, measure running current, repair faults and advise whether replacement makes sense |
What We Repair
AC gas refill and leak repair Leak detection, repair and recharge for R410A, R32, R134a and R404A systems, weighed in to the nameplate charge rather than topped up by feel. | Compressor and capacitor replacement Testing and replacement of compressors, run and start capacitors and contactors on split, cassette and ducted units. |
Fan motor replacement Indoor blower and outdoor fan motors, bearings and blades replaced and balanced to remove noise and restore airflow. | Control board (PCB) repair Diagnosis and repair of indoor and outdoor control boards, sensors, remote receivers and display faults, or replacement where repair is not sound. |
Coil cleaning and chemical wash Deep cleaning of evaporator and condenser coils, blower wheels and drain trays to restore airflow and remove odours. | Drain clearing and tray repair Flushing of blocked condensate lines, correcting drain fall and repairing or replacing cracked trays and pumps. |
Sensor and thermostat replacement Replacement of room, coil and defrost sensors and thermostats that cause false readings and short cycling. | Scheduled AC servicing Cleaning, inspection and measured performance checks for homes, shops and offices, with a written note of findings. |
Gas Refill Is Not a Service
A sealed AC circuit does not use up refrigerant. If a unit needs gas, it has a leak, and topping it up without finding the leak means paying for the same gas again in a few months. We leak-test first, repair the leak, vacuum the circuit and recharge to the nameplate quantity. If the leak is in a coil that cannot be repaired economically, we tell you so and quote the coil or the unit.
What an AC Service Includes
- Filters washed or replaced
- Evaporator and condenser coils cleaned
- Drain line flushed and tray checked
- Fan motors and bearings checked
- Capacitors, contactors and electrical connections inspected, and earthing checked
- Pressures, temperatures and running current measured
- Remote and controls tested
- A written note of findings and anything that needs attention
For most homes and offices, service every six months. Units in dusty locations such as the Eastern Bypass and construction-heavy parts of Ruiru, and units that run all day in shops, restaurants and salons, benefit from servicing every three to four months.
Our Repair Process
- Fault report and safety check. You tell us the symptoms and any error code, and we confirm the unit is safe to inspect.
- We test with gauges and a multimeter, and identify the cause rather than the nearest part.
- Quote before major parts. Anything beyond a minor repair is quoted and agreed with you before we replace it.
- Repair and test. We repair, run the unit and confirm it cools, drains and cycles correctly.
- Explanation and handover. We explain what failed and what to do to prevent it, and leave the site clean.
Repair or Replace?
We will tell you when repair is not worth it. A failed compressor on a unit that is many years old, a corroded coil, or an older R22 unit all usually point towards replacement. R22 is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol, so both the gas and parts get harder to source. If replacement makes sense, our AC installation team can size and fit the new unit.
Brands We Repair
We repair most major brands, including Carrier, Trane, Toshiba, LG, Samsung, Daikin and Midea.
Shops, Restaurants and Offices
For businesses with several units, we keep a record of every unit’s make, capacity, gas and fault history so repeat problems are spotted early. A scheduled plan is often cheaper than breakdown visits: see HVAC maintenance contracts. For VRF, chilled-water and ducted central plant, see Commercial & Industrial HVAC.
Shred Designs tip Before you call: wash washable filters every two to four weeks, check the breaker and remote batteries, and see whether the outdoor fan is turning. If an error code is showing, tell us what it says. It saves time on the first visit. |
Related services
- AC Installation
- HVAC Maintenance Contracts
- Commercial & Industrial HVAC
- Ventilation & Air Quality
- Car AC Repair
- All HVAC Installation & Repair services
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Common causes are dirty filters or coils, low refrigerant from a leak, or a failed outdoor fan or capacitor. Switch the unit off and clean washable filters. If it is still warm after an hour of running, call us.
How much does AC repair cost?
It depends on the fault. Clearing a drain or replacing a capacitor is a small job, while a compressor or control board repair costs more. We diagnose first and quote before replacing major parts.
Does my AC need gas every year?
No. A sealed system does not consume refrigerant. If it needs gas, it is leaking and should be leak-tested and repaired, not just topped up.
How often should I service my AC?
Every six months for most homes and offices, and every three to four months for units that run all day in dusty locations, shops, restaurants and salons.
Can you repair an AC someone else installed?
Yes. We work on the unit in front of us, whoever fitted it.
Do you attend emergency breakdowns?
Call 0704 879 675. We prioritise businesses where a breakdown stops trade, and we often reach sites in Kamakis and Ruiru the same day.
Book an AC repair or service Tell us the make, the symptoms and where the unit is, and we will arrange a visit. Request a quote | Call 0704 879 675 | info@shreddesigns.co.ke Shred Designs Limited, Pemwa Building, Kamakis, along Eastern Bypass |
