AC not cooling
The compressor may not be running, refrigerant may be low, or the system may be unable to keep up with extreme heat. We test pressures, temperatures, and airflow to find the cause before recommending a repair.
Delray Beach, FL
24/7 AC repair in Delray Beach
When the AC stops working in Delray Beach, the house heats up fast. Our technicians are based locally at 956 SW 20th Ct, Delray Beach, FL 33445, so most Delray Beach calls are a short drive, not a cross-county trip. We diagnose the real problem and explain what needs to be fixed before any work begins.
24/7 Emergency Service · Licensed & Insured AC and Electrical Technicians.
- Local Delray Beach shop
- No-cooling and after-hours emergency calls
- Central AC, heat pumps, and mini-splits
- Written estimates before work starts
35+ Years in Business · Licensed & Insured AC and Electrical Technicians · Open 24 hours · 7 days a week · 24/7 Emergency Service
Common problems
What we repair most often
Water leaks or frozen coils
Clogged drain lines, low refrigerant, and poor airflow can all cause ice or water damage. We clear drains, check refrigerant levels, and inspect blower operation.
Short cycling
If the system turns on and off rapidly, it may be oversized, low on charge, or have a failing control or sensor. Short cycling wears out components and wastes energy.
Unusual noises or smells
Grinding, squealing, or burning odors can indicate motor, capacitor, or electrical problems. We inspect the contactor, capacitor, fan motor, and compressor connections.
Symptoms we get called for
The specific signs that usually mean a repair call
These are the situations we see most often in Delray Beach homes and condos. None of them confirm a specific part has failed on their own — that is what the diagnosis is for.
Blowing warm air
The blower runs but the air coming out of the vents is room temperature or warmer. This can point to a failed compressor, a lost refrigerant charge, or a stuck reversing valve on a heat pump.
Ice on the refrigerant lines
Ice forming on the copper line set or the indoor coil usually means airflow across the coil is restricted or the refrigerant charge is off. Running the system with ice on it can push liquid refrigerant back into the compressor and damage it.
Water pooling at the air handler
Water at the base of the indoor unit or a stained ceiling below an attic air handler usually traces back to a clogged condensate drain line, a cracked drain pan, or a float switch that has already done its job and shut the system down.
Breaker tripping at the condenser
A breaker that trips when the outdoor unit tries to start can mean a failing capacitor, a seized compressor, a grounded wire, or a contactor that is welded shut. Repeated resets do not fix the underlying fault and can make it worse.
Short cycling
The system turns on for a minute or two, shuts off, then starts again shortly after. Causes include a dirty flame or freeze sensor, an oversized system, low refrigerant, or a thermostat placed somewhere it reads the room incorrectly.
Rising electric bills without a change in habits
A slow refrigerant leak, a dirty coil, or a motor drawing more current than it should can raise run time and consumption gradually enough that homeowners notice the bill before they notice reduced comfort.
Burning smell from the vents or the unit
A burning smell can mean dust burning off a coil that just started after being off, or it can mean an overheating motor or electrical connection. If the smell persists after a few minutes of run time, shut the system off and call us.
What to expect
What a repair visit looks like
- Step 1
Schedule the visit
You call or book online and tell us what the system is doing — warm air, tripping breaker, water, noise, or smell. That detail helps us bring the right parts on the truck.
- Step 2
On-site diagnosis
The technician checks refrigerant pressures, electrical readings, airflow, and the condensate system to find the actual failure instead of guessing from symptoms alone.
- Step 3
Written scope and price
Before any repair starts, you get the diagnosis in plain language along with a written price for the fix. You get a written scope and price after we see the equipment — not a phone quote.
- Step 4
Repair performed
With your approval, the technician completes the repair — replacing the failed part, correcting the refrigerant charge, clearing the drain, or repairing the wiring found at fault.
- Step 5
Test and verify
We run the system, recheck pressures and temperatures, confirm the breaker holds under load, and make sure the original symptom is actually gone before we leave.
Cost factors
What affects the repair price
| What changes the price | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Time of call | After-hours and holiday calls carry a higher labor rate than standard daytime service. |
| Part availability | Common capacitors and contactors can often be replaced same-day; specialized boards or compressors may need to be ordered. |
| Accessibility | Rooftop, attic, or tight closet units take longer to reach and service than ground-level equipment. |
| Age and condition | Older systems with corrosion or multiple prior repairs may need more extensive work than a single failed part suggests. |
We do not publish flat-rate prices because an honest repair quote depends on what is actually wrong. We diagnose first and give you a written estimate before starting work.
When to call for emergency AC repair
- Complete loss of cooling during a heat wave
- AC breaker that trips repeatedly or will not stay on
- Burning smell, sparking, or visible damage near the unit
- Water leaking into ceilings, walls, or flooring
- Someone in the home is heat-sensitive or medically vulnerable
Any of these warrant our emergency AC service line instead of a next-day appointment.
Licensed, insured, and permitted
Delray Beach Air Conditioning & Electrical is a collective of licensed electricians and air conditioning technicians. Work is performed by licensed, insured crews, including permitting and inspection where your municipality requires it. Open 24 hours · 7 days a week.
Local knowledge
AC repair in Delray Beach
- Coastal corrosion affects condenser coils and electrical connections east of Federal Highway
- Older homes may have ductwork or electrical panels that limit AC performance
- Condos and townhomes often require HOA coordination for equipment access
- Permits are required for some electrical repairs tied to the AC circuit
See which cities and neighborhoods we cover on our areas served page, or browse more answers on the AC FAQ.
Air conditioning services
Where to go next after a repair diagnosis
A diagnosis usually ends in one of three places: fix the failed part, plan a replacement, or get the system on a maintenance schedule so the same fault doesn't return.
Not cooling right now? Emergency AC service
If the house is already hot or the breaker keeps tripping, start with the 24/7 emergency line instead of a scheduled repair visit.
Read moreRepair costs adding up? AC installation & replacement
When the compressor has failed or refrigerant is leaking internally, replacement math often beats another repair. See how sizing and permits work.
Read morePrevent the next breakdown with AC maintenance
Dirty coils, clogged drains, and weak capacitors cause most repeat repair calls in coastal Delray Beach homes.
Read more
AC repair questions
Contact
Request service
Tell us what's going on and when you'd like us out. For anything that feels like a safety issue — burning smell, scorched outlet, sparking — call instead.
- (561) 816-5331
- admin@acdelray.com
- 956 SW 20th Ct, Delray Beach, FL 33445
- Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
24/7 Emergency Service
956 SW 20th Ct, Delray Beach, FL 33445View on Google Maps