Problems with my new central air

Question

Just had my central air replaced but this new one doesn't seem to work properly.  When it is in the cooling operation, it goes 'on and on' blowing hard (at least for 20 minutes) and I need to cover myself as I am very sensitive to hot and cold.  When the cooling finally stops , I become hot very quickly. I told my installer but he didn't seem concerned and pointed out that the outside unit's grills needed some cleaning. This morning I decided to check my humidistat and it was at 80.  What do you think about the functioning of this unit?  My place is 1,300 sq. ft. 2 bedrooms and 2 bath rooms.  My unit costs me $5,600. A lot for a senior.

Kay8008870 · Answer

call the manufacturer!!  they do not want people installing their equipment and having it not work...be a squeaky wheel...it took a full year, but FINALLY the owner of the company came out and had to re-install the PROPER unit correctly...I truly hope you get answers soon!!

Judy Mitchell · Answer

This is not something that you want to try to fix yourself- it could void your warranty.  Call installer again and give him the opportunity to fix the problem again.   Let him know that you will call the manufacturer as Kaytheresa suggests.  Then the Better Business Bureau if he doesn't give you any satisfaction.  It may very well be a malfunctioning part that is an easy fix.  Don't give up!

Rankinrw · Answer

Here's something that you can try yourself. Most newer HVAC systems allow you to controll the fan speed and allow you to run the fan in a slower state all the time to keep the air circulating in your house, which does two things, it moves the air and is always filtering the air. Call the company you purchased/installed it and let them know that you are not happy with the performance. They should be happy to comeout to adjust things to your liking. If they are relucntant to do so call the manufacturere and ask them for help.

I have my system set to circulate the air at low fan speed when not actively cooling and it kicks up to a fast fan speed when cooling is taking place. Works very well in our three story town home for both heating and cooling.

Jeanette S · Answer

Call the company that put it in first.  Then follow up with a letter.   If that does not work, call the manufacturer.
We actually had the Manufacturing rep come out to our house and the installer...a VERY WELL RESPECTED DEALER IN OUR AREA...had butchered the wiring so badly it finally caught fire.   We were lucky it did not burn the place down.   
We had been working with the installer company for almost a year and finally got a completely different new unit!

It may take some time, but do not get stressed.  Just make up your mind that you are right and go for what you know is right. 
Don't let them push you around!   You don't have to threaten!  Good luck!
Keep in mind also that there are laws against 'abuse of the elderly' that you can report the installer and the manufacturer to!

Jerry Clement · Answer

It sounds like the unit may be over-sized for your space and the result is the unit is not properly dehumidifying the space, no matterwhat it should be handled under warranty

Jorja Love · Answer

Rankinrw,  I do this with my fan and AC in the summer and just the fan during the winter just to filter the dust in the air.  My house is zoned, so I have 2 older AC units and both needs replacing...I'm not looking forward to the cost.  
Any reputable HVAC installer should honor his/her work and not brush off your concerns.  The manufacturer should be your last resort.  If you find that you have to go that route, ask if your warranty is in jeopardy or voided if you seek a second opinion about the install and if the manufacture will recommend someone.

Fran Eriksen · Answer

The unit is not working correctly call the service man back and ask for a different service man.  I to hate that cold air blowing on my and where  light weight sweater all summer.  Running the furnace fan all the time will not solve the problem.  If you want to have air circulating you need to have a air circulating  fan installed where it brings in the outside air and expelling the  
inside air out .       Large homes have these besides the furnace/ac

Debby · Answer

I am also dealing with a/c problems, but mine are mold in certain vents in the ceiling and one closet.  A/C company said there was nothing wrong with the install and they don't know why I'm getting mold in vents.  Long story short, we called finance company and stopped the payment process until this gets figured out.

Viv11065873 · Answer

We were told the humistat should simply be in the on position.

Phil a · Answer

You have an average sized house, and depending on your region humidity, a 'normal' sized unit should work well. The T-Stat should be close to the return air register to accurately monitor and control air temp. You say your unit runs full blast the whole time. Modern units usually have 2 speed fans, low for when it has to cool a few degrees and high when it has to cool more degrees from where the room temp actually is. If you have a 2 speed fan, it sounds like it's trying to cool a LOT. Make sure all your ceiling/wall/floor registers are open. This improves air flow. Undersized units tend to run longer. Oversized units tend to run for shorter periods. If you replaced an old unit and nothing was changed as far as duct work air flow shouldn't be an issue. A few things to check. The T-Stat might be programmed incorrectly. If you have a humidistat, it may be set at too low a humidity, causing the unit to run longer trying to dry the air. 35% to 50% humidity is considered comfortable. Anything much lower might be too drying to the skin or sinuses. Until you get a service tech out there, you might try putting the FAN in MAN or ON instead of AUTO so that it circulates the house air continuously, making the temperature throughout the house more constant and even. It also allows the A/C unit to run less because the temperature at the T-Stat doesn't fluctuate so much. You can try all these tips and still call for service from the installer and explain what works and what doesn't. If they won't help you, call your local contractor board and complain. Phil

B · Answer

If u just had it installed it should still be under warranty. I had issues with mine and it was a modulator that needed replaced.

Sophia,M.,McConnery · Answer

Yes there is something wrong with the unit.Get them back in to fix it!

Louise Adkins · Answer

Insist that the company that installed it return and repair/replace.  If that doesn't work contact the manufacturer.

JRS · Answer

Call them again ask for a different person. There is something wrong. If they don't fix it, contact the senior complaint dept.

William · Answer

I agree with calling the installing company back to solve the problem. Have them send somebody other than the first installer.

Niki Hart · Answer

Invoke your warranty.  If the installer won't honor it then call the manufacturing company!  ASAP

George Knipp · Answer

I agree with most of the answers already posted. However, you may find some of the newer air conditioning units are not as cold as they had been when made with freon. The newer stuff they use has never seemed to get as cold. But humidity levels should not remain that high. It sounds as if the dehumidifing function is not working properly. Definitely contact the installer, or take additional steps to get it repaired or replaced.

Kristin · Answer

when we use our air, the humidisat is set at on. We only adjust it when we are leaving for the summer season and then usually down to 65 - with the thermostat at around 80.

Mary · Answer

It could just be your thermostat, but if the installer doesn't want to honor his work, invoke the powers of the BBB.  Companies hate that.  Even if they aren't members it will go on their record.  They will contact them also, just don't give up and let to much time pass.

Deanna Nassar · Answer

Not sure where you live.  Here in Richmond, VA  at least 2 of the stations have a consumer help line.  They take on the company, ask questions and often get results.  After all bad service on air doesn't help them get work.

Sophia,M.,McConnery · Answer

BBB is your other option for sure,if the person will not honor the warranty.Take all receipts to them and file a complaint!

Barbara C · Answer

$5600 seems like  a lot for your small place. I think you got taken right there.Did you get estimates before from several companies?

Ljgordon · Answer

Some thermostats can be adjusted so that the temperature spread is only a few degrees. Yours seems to have a wide spread. Some can be adjusted to maybe a 4 degree spread. e.g. on at 76 degrees and off at 72  or even closer, but it comes on and off more often.  I could say more but I have no idea what type of thermostat you have.

Renee Edwardh · Answer

I kept my thermostat from my old air condition.  My old a/c worked beautifully for over 30 years. Maybe I should ask the installer to install a new thermostat.  He didn't think it was necessary.

LaFawne · Answer

if I spent that much on a new unit, you bet they would be installing a new thermostat! Sorry you are not enjoying your new unit- I would keep calling until they make it right-

Margaret cornwell · Answer

We have the best unit from a Lennox dealer Henderson, NC and paid approx.  $15,000 and the sales person sold us the moon and the clouds rolled in and blocked the moon. Our condo is 1464 sq. ft. and the unit was not keeping the front part of the house cool or warm. We've had them out several times. This last time they adjusted the air in the back bedroom/closet.
This pushed a large amount of air to the front room. We are still not happy. It runs all the time. They said that is what it is suppose to do and the more it runs the better it is for the unit. WE HAVE A CHEAPER UNIT IN SUMTER SC AND IT WORKS GREAT. Only paid approx. $2500.00. If you ever have a choice between heat pump or gas (choose gas for heating).

Linda Johnson · Answer

I would have them change the thermostat, so it is compatible with your new unit.  That should have been included in your costs.

Renee Edwardh · Answer

Does cost an extra $60, but I will try the new one to see if it will change anything.

Renee Edwardh · Answer

Right now humidity is at 72 degrees, temps is 75.  It is midnight.

Jcraw · Answer

I would call the owner of the company you bought it from. Thermostat should have been included as well as the cleaning the exterior grills for top performance.   Your unit should be under warranty, including service to make it work properly. Call daily, if needs be. Be persistent. Don't rely on a lazy installer.    
That humidity is insane.

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