Emergency AC Repair
When the air stops during a heat wave—or you notice burning smells, water leaks, or a breaker that won’t stop tripping— treat it as an HVAC emergency. Our team prioritizes no-cool and safety issues in Wayne and nearby towns, with diagnostics focused on getting you stable fast and preventing secondary damage.
When It’s an Emergency (and When It’s Not)
- Emergency: no-cool during excessive heat, smoking equipment, electrical/burning smells, repeated breaker trips, water actively leaking, or loud banging/grinding noises.
- Urgent, but not life-threatening: frozen coils, weak cooling, warm air, or short cycling without odors or smoke.
If you suspect a gas leak, fire, or electrical hazard beyond your AC unit, call emergency services first.
Stabilize the System Before We Arrive
- Set the thermostat to Off. If the coil is iced, set the fan to On to thaw.
- Replace a clogged filter and make sure supply/return vents are open.
- Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker; reset once only. If it trips again, leave it off.
- Inspect the condensate drain/pump. If water is present, turn the system off to prevent damage.
- Clear debris from around the outdoor unit (2–3 feet of space).
What We Check During an Emergency Visit
Power & protections. Breakers, disconnects, float switches, and fuses to ensure safe operation.
Electrical under load. Capacitors, contactors, relays, fan/compressor amps, and control boards.
Airflow path. Filters, blower operation, duct restrictions, and coil cleanliness.
Refrigerant circuit. Pressures, temperature split, and leak indicators (sight, dye, or electronic detection).
Condensate management. Drain clearing, pan condition, and pump function to stop water damage.
Safety review. Overheating risk, wiring integrity, odors, and isolation of failed components.
Common Emergency Causes & Fixes
Failed capacitors/contactors. Frequent summer failures; fast swap restores operation when motors are healthy.
Shorted fan or compressor. Trips breakers; we test windings and advise repair vs. replace.
Frozen evaporator coil. Airflow or charge issue; we thaw, correct airflow, and verify charge.
Blocked condensate drain/pump. Can cause ceiling leaks; we clear and treat lines.
Control faults. Thermostat/board errors that mimic larger failures; corrected with calibration or replacement.
Refrigerant leaks. We locate, repair if feasible, and weigh in the proper charge for performance and reliability.
After-Hours Availability & Expectations
Coverage is available nights, weekends, and holidays. Response times depend on weather and call volume; life-safety and severe no-cool situations are prioritized. For older systems with major failures, we stabilize first (safe operation, water control, temporary cooling guidance) and then review repair vs. replacement options.
Preventing the Next Emergency
- Change filters every 1–3 months in cooling season.
- Keep 2–3 feet of clearance around the outdoor condenser.
- Don’t run the system if coils are iced—thaw first to avoid damage.
- Schedule spring maintenance (AC tune-up) to catch weak parts before heat waves.
Emergency AC Repair FAQs
What counts as an AC emergency?
No-cool in extreme heat, burning/electrical smells, smoke, repeated breaker trips, active water leaks, or loud banging/grinding. Shut the system off and schedule emergency service.
Should I turn the system off?
Yes—turn it Off if there’s a smell, smoke, repeated trips, or ice on the coil. You can set the fan to On to thaw a frozen coil.
Do you come after hours in Wayne?
Yes, we provide 24/7 coverage for Wayne and nearby towns. Arrival windows vary with weather and call volume.
What can I check before you arrive?
Thermostat on Cool/Auto, clean filter, breaker/disconnect, clear debris around the outdoor unit, and inspect the condensate line/pump.
Related Services
AC Repair
Diagnostics and dependable fixes for all systems.
UpgradeAC Replacement
Older or failing units replaced with modern systems.
New SystemAC Installation
Right-sized central air & ductless, clean installs.
CareAC Tune-Up
Prevent emergencies and improve efficiency.
DuctlessDuctless Mini-Splits
Repair and install room-by-room comfort.
HeatingEmergency Heating Repair
24/7 response for no-heat and safety issues.
Service Areas
Local to Wayne with seasonal maintenance across nearby towns.