• September, 18 2023

AC is hot or cold, and other problems

Air conditioners often hum along efficiently for years, taken for granted until the moment they stop working their magic. Then what?

Here’s a look at some common AC problems:

Won’t work at all

Nothing ruins a summer day more quickly than an air conditioner that won’t turn on.

Stay calm. Check to see if the circuit breaker is tripped. That can knock the AC off.

If it’s not the circuit breaker, the problem may be loose wires or a faulty thermostat. We have diagnostic equipment that can find the problem.

It’s on, but…

The air coming from the vents is warm, not cool.

Here again, it may be a tripped circuit breaker. Or a very dirty air filter.

Other possible causes: low refrigerant level, malfunctioning components, or a clog in the ducts.

It runs nonstop.

Even on the hottest of days in New York an AC system should turn off occasionally.

Check the air filter first. If it’s clean, the likely problem lies with the thermostat, electrical parts or the compressor.

It’s short cycling.

“Short cycling” is the term for a system that is constantly starting, then turning off, only to restart. The thermostat may need calibration, or the filter may need cleaning.

Pay attention to this problem. It can hurt your compressor, the system’s most expensive part. And it’s also running up your energy bill and wearing down the motor and other parts. 
Elite HVAC techs answer calls 24/7.

Ice in summer!

If you see ice on the AC system, you need to check the filter. If it’s clean, check the condenser, blower fan and ducts. Don’t delay. The system may soon grind to a stop.

Please note: Many of these problems can be avoided or minimized if you have your AC system checked periodically by an experienced technician.