When the thermostat light (Emergency Heat Light) is flashing or on during normal operation (whether in the cooling or the heating mode, but not the Emergency Heat mode), this usually indicates that the outdoor unit is "locked-out". This means the outdoor unit has shut itself off because of a problem, and it sends a signal to the thermostat, letting you know that there is a problem. When this happens, the indoor unit tends to keep on running because the indoor unit doesn't know there is a problem. And if the outdoor unit isn't running, the indoor unit will most likely never satisfy the thermostat; it will just keep running and running and running. Many systems, like the York Stellar Series units have a diagnostic feature. When you see the light flashing, it flashes a code. You can count the number of flashes, usually between two and nine, and then it just repeats itself. You can then reset the system by turning the thermostat "off", waiting thirty seconds then turning it back on again.

This should restart the system, but it may take up to 10 minutes for the outdoor unit to start up. Some systems require shutting the power to the indoor unit off momentarily, then back on. The light should also go out. After 10 minutes, see if the outdoor unit is running. problem with ac unitIf the light doesn't go out or if the unit doesn't start, you may need to call for service, assuming you checked for the obvious; window ac unit saleslike tripped breakers or the outdoor reset button.how much for a central ac unit Sometimes a unit will "lock-out" on a fluke or a weather-related condition, and resetting it will solve the problem. But if the unit "locks-out" again, most likely there is a problem and you should schedule a service-call. York Stellar Series Flash Code:

2 code- off on high pressure 3 code- off on high discharge temperature 4 code- off on low discharge temperature 5 code- default defrost, defrosting too often 7 code- bad ambient sensor 8 code- bad liquid-line sensor Other Heat Pump Systems: High pressure or high temperature switch open Low pressure or low temperature switch open High pressure switch open - some units have a manual reset button located on the outdoor unit - possible cause: blocked air filter or coil, bad fan motor, overcharge, running heat on a hot day, stuck contactor in heating mode Defrosting too much (weather conditions related) - possible cause: outdoor unit in a snow-drift or covered in ice.Why does Dominion have the Smart Cooling Rewards program? How does the program work? Dominion will install a device, also known as an A/C cycling switch, on or near your air conditioner or heat pump system.  Since it's outside, you don't need to be home during installation.

During periods of high electrical use - usually the hottest days of summer - Dominion may call an “event” which means we will cycle your air conditioner or heat pump compressor on and off for defined intervals.  The fan will stay on circulating already cooled air.  The switch is programmed to cycle your AC unit half of the time it ran preceding an event. Example: If your AC runs non-stop the hour before an event, then it will run 30 minutes for each hour of the event duration. This is accomplished by running 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. At the end of the event your AC returns to normal operation. What is peak electric demand? How often will my air conditioning be cycled? When will it occur (days of week, time of day, time of year)? How will I know when my program participation is active? How do I know when my system is being cycled? How will I be notified of a cycling event? Cycling events will be posted on the day of the event to the respective Smart Cooling Rewards web page for North Carolina and Virginia as well as participating customers' MYA page. 

The events are also posted to the Dominion Facebook page and Twitter.  The postings typically precede the event by an hour. Participants can also subscribe to text alerts by texting SMART to 898366. How do I request that my system not be cycled? If you would like to stop the cycling of your home's cooling system on a particular date, call 1-888-366-8280 and someone will be able to answer your questions and opt you out of that particular cycling event. You may select up to two days per summer season to opt out of a cycling event.  If you opt out more than twice in one season, you will not be eligible to receive an incentive payment that year. Do I have to adjust my thermostat or change any other settings? Will you have access to any other systems in my house? Will the switch affect the other appliances in my home? Will I notice any changes in my home’s comfort? Want to receive updates from UX Magazine about new articles, UX events and jobs?No matter what the problem, we’re here to help.

Before you call for service, try these simple tips for troubleshooting air conditioners. Is it getting power? Check your fuses or circuit breakers to make sure they don't need to be present Remember, if your home's power is out or disconnected, your system may not work Is the thermostat set correctly? Make sure your thermostat has power Check that your thermostat is set to cooling or heating mode and not set to "off" Make sure the thermostat is set to the right setting and temperature No Heat / Insufficient Heat Do you have a new or newly remodeled home? Was any work done on your fuel or electricity lines recently? Check to see if your gas or electricity has been turned off. If this is the case, having it turned back on may solve the problem. Check to see if your thermostat is on, and what temperature it's set at. If your thermostat is turned off or set incorrectly, turn on and/or reset thermostat. Check your home's circuits and fuse box.

If you have an open circuit breaker or burned-out fuse, switch on the circuit or replace the fuse. Remove any snow drifts resting against your outdoor unit. Review our list of Heating System Symptoms & Repairs No cooling / Insufficient cooling Check the doors and windows in your home. Close any open doors or windows as cool air may be escaping through them.If your thermostat is turned off or set incorrectly, turn it on and/or reset thermostat. Review our list of Common A/C Compressor Symptoms & Repairs Check around your outdoor unit. If there are any leaves, hedges or property walls butting up against it, your system may have frozen up due to a dirty coil. Make sure your outdoor unit has 1' of clearance all around it. Check the filters in each of your system components (where applicable). If any of your filters are dirty, consult your manual to clean or replace it. Or call your dealer to do this for you. Check to see if there is any air coming through your vent.

Your indoor blower may not be operating. If this is the case, you should contact your dealer. Review our list of Air Flow Symptoms Stale and stuffy air If you have a whole-home air cleaner or air exchanger, make sure it is switched on and its filter is clean. For even more tips on improving your indoor air quality, click here. Review our list of Common Indoor Air Quaility Symptoms Too dry or too much moisture in the air Check to make sure your humidifier is switched on. Many times, homeowners turn off the humidifier at the end of the previous heating season and forget to turn it back on when needed. Make sure your humidifier’s damper or water valve is open. If it’s closed, consult your manual to open or unclog. Check your humidifier setting and adjust the indoor relative humidity settings to bring greater comfort to your home. Review our list of Whole House Humidifier Symptoms A high pitched sound often, although not always, indicates a lack of return air.