A new AC/DC air conditioner has arrived! (2023)

FAQs

Why is my new AC not working? ›

Some of the most common reasons a central air system stops working include: coolant has run too low, the air filters are blocked or dirty, the coils are frozen over, or there is an electrical issue. To help you troubleshoot what exactly is wrong with your central AC, we've detailed the most common issues below.

Makes sure your ductwork is clear and free-flowing. Runs your new unit through a complete cycle, at least once, to ensure everything is working properly. Check the balance and effectiveness of cool air in each room of your home. Cleans up and dispose of any trash or debris after completing the installation.

One of the main causes of your AC not cooling is a low refrigerant level. Refrigerant is necessary to produce cool air. Solution: Contact an HVAC company. A licensed HVAC professional will have the proper equipment to measure the levels inside your unit, and a method to properly dispose of the used refrigerant.

Clogged air filters are one of the most common reasons a thermostat clicks but AC does not turn on. A filter cleans the air before it circulates throughout your home, trapping dirt particles, dust, and pollen. Over time, these contaminants will clog the filter, limiting airflow to the HVAC system or furnace.

The easiest explanation for your AC not turning on is a thermostat problem. Check to ensure your thermostat is on, set to "cool," and that the temperature is set to a few degrees cooler than the normal ambient temperature of your home. You may also need to replace the batteries.

One of the most expensive parts of your AC unit is the compressor. As the heart of your system, the compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the system, which is responsible for cooling the air in your home.

There is no doubt that the best time to replace HVAC systems is during the off-season. More than often, the off-season stretches from late September to mid-November and from early March to mid-May is the best time to replace HVAC system for your home or business.

Air Conditioner Cost FAQ

The average cost of a new AC is $5,856, but it can range from $3,800 to $7,500. This price is for a central AC unit. Other types of air conditioning systems, such as a window or portable unit, cost less.

Your thermostat is basically the brain of your AC system. It tells it when to kick in, what temperature to hold, and shows any other metrics of your AC system. The thermostat should be the first thing to check on when your system begins to malfunction—as it could be something as simple as a different setting.

How long to wait after installing air conditioner? ›

Moving a New, Unused Unit

This placement could cause damage to the mounting of the compressor. If on its side or back for more than a day, leave it in an upright position and unplugged for 24 hours.

The most common causes of broken air conditioning leaks or compression issues. If you are feeling cool — but not cold — air, the issue could be a clogged filter, a problem with the cooling fan, signs of radiator trouble, or it could simply mean it's time to recharge your AC.

If your AC is not cooling your home (but is still blowing cool air through the vents), one of the primary culprits is that your house has insufficient insulation and air leaks. Faulty insulation and air leaks are one of the biggest causes of your home being able to stay cool in the summer.

How To Check an AC Unit. To test your central air conditioning system, turn the AC unit on, place a thermometer on the supply register for five minutes, then check the temperature and compare it to the temperature from the return vent.

Alternatively called the reset switch, the reset button allows devices that utilize it, such as a computer or peripheral to be rebooted. Usually, the button is on the front of the device, next to or near the power button.

Is there a reset button on outside AC unit? ›

Some air conditioning systems have a reset switch, which is a small, red button. Typically, the button will be on the outdoor unit. If you have a problem locating it on the outdoor unit, you may find relevant details on the equipment's manufacturer's manual. Press the red button for three seconds and release.

The longevity of your system can also depend on other factors such as the quality of the original installation and how well the unit was maintained. But the general rule is that if your system is over ten years old, it's time to give the replacement option some serious consideration.

A 10-year-old AC may not be suitable for everyday use and may consume more energy than a newer split AC, thereby increasing not just your maintenance costs, but also your electricity bill. Unless an expert says that you cannot have a better model than your current window AC, it's time to say replace instead of repair.

Here's how long some of the most common types of AC last:

Portable AC — 5-10 years. Residential single whole-home AC unit — 15 years. Central air-source heat pumps — 15 years (and up to 20–25 years if well-maintained and in a well-insulated home) Ductless mini-split AC systems (heat pumps) — 20 years.

It is highly unlikely that your unit will last 30 years before needing to be replaced, however, if you follow a regular preventative maintenance routine and run it appropriately, your chances of keeping the same unit for around 15 years increases dramatically.

Secondly, leaving an AC unit unused over a long period of time and exposed to the harsher aspects of winter weather can cause coils to freeze, leading to expensive maintenance costs.

It's recommended that you service your home air conditioning system at least once every year. The same goes for your heating system.

No industry remains untouched with its impact, which filters down to the air conditioning or the HVAC industry as well. The manufacturers now have to pay a greater price to procure the materials. As a result, the manufacturing cost increases, and so does the selling price.

The average cost of a new AC compressor is $800 to $2,800 for both parts and installation. * Compressors for smaller units, such as window or mini-split systems, start as low as $100. How much you pay depends on your compressor and home size, your HVAC system, and your warranty coverage.

With all things considered, your average monthly electricity costs to run a new high-efficiency central air conditioner unit in Toronto are likely between $50 – $150+/month based on all the above factors.

What is the most common part to fail on an AC unit? ›

The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.

A Freon recharge is a very common AC repair, though if you need one, there's probably also a leak somewhere that needs repairing. The average refrigerant refill cost is $200–$640 for a central AC unit, though fixing the leak may cost more.

Time to Turn on Your A/C

The air coming out of the top of the unit should feel warm, as warm air is being removed from your home by the system. Step 3: Let the system run for 10 - 15 minutes or more, until you can feel the indoor temperature cooling off in all parts of the home.

carefully. Many homeowners turn off the circuit breaker for the outdoor unit during the winter. In the spring, it's a good idea to carefully turn the circuit breaker back on at least 24 hours before powering up the air conditioning unit.

If it has been necessary to transport the portable air conditioner on its side, it should be stood upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in. If it was on its side for more than a day, leave standing for 24 hours before running.

Installing Your New HVAC Unit Replacement

The components installed may include the inside air handler or evaporator, outside compressor or condensing unit, new refrigerant supply lines, thermostat, condensate drain lines, and the condensate pump when applicable.

A permanently installed air conditioner is usable as soon as the installer has finished. That's because a competent installer will know when components have stabilized and will test the system prior to completing the job.

So, if your air conditioner isn't cooling, and you suspect a refrigerant leak, or if you've checked the air filter and thermostat to no avail, yes, you should shut your air conditioner off and call us right away.

Why is my compressor running but not cooling? ›

If you can hear the compressor running but the fridge isn't cooling, the problem is most likely either frost-clogged evaporator coils or a stuck or broken evaporator fan. If you hear no sounds and the compressor isn't running, or you hear a click, inspect the overload relay, start relay, and start capacitor.

If your air handler is running but not blowing air, there are two likely scenarios; either a broken AC blower belt or an issue with the motor itself. If the air handler is humming or buzzing, but not making the mechanical sounds of a motor running, you're most likely talking about an issue with the motor itself.

You might be low on refrigerant or have a worn out motor or a dirty evaporator coil. Not all AC problems demonstrate themselves with loud sounds or funny odors coming from your system. Some of them simply reduce the AC's ability to run, and all you notice is less cool air in the house.

Leaving your air conditioner on is actually more efficient than frequently turning it on and off. Having your AC on also allows you to better control humidity in your home throughout the day. The lower the humidity in a home, the more comfortable it feels during hot weather.

The short answer is yes, it is cheaper to leave your air conditioner on all day. But this does not mean that you should leave it on full blast, keeping your home so cold that you need a sweater or jacket to be comfortable.

After you've turned the system back on, it will take a bit of time for the air conditioner's internal circuitry to reset. It usually takes about 30 minutes, so sit tight until then.

The method to reset your thermostat will vary depending on the model. Common methods for resetting a thermostat include installing the battery backward for five seconds, pushing a recessed reset button with a pin or paper clip, or shutting off the breaker to the thermostat for 30 seconds.