
Air Conditioning Contractor in Westwood, NJ for AC Installation & Repair
Most air conditioning contractor calls in Bergen County involve cooling system failures during the first heat wave of summer, aging equipment reaching end of service life, or properties adding central air to heating-only systems. An air conditioning contractor provides installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement services for residential and commercial cooling systems including central air conditioners, ductless mini-split systems, heat pumps in cooling mode, air handlers, condensing units, evaporator coils, and related ductwork.
In Westwood and throughout Bergen County, air conditioning contractors must hold valid New Jersey HVAC licenses, maintain liability insurance, and obtain permits for equipment installation to comply with building codes and refrigerant handling regulations.
H. Hofmeister & Co. Inc. is a licensed air conditioning contractor in Westwood, NJ. The company holds New Jersey HVAC License #19HC002574 and provides air conditioning contractor services to residential and commercial properties throughout Bergen County.
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H. Hofmeister & Co. Inc. Plumbing Heating AC Sewer Serving Bergen County.
Central Air Conditioning Installation for Whole-Home Cooling
Many properties built before 1990 were constructed without central air or operate original equipment installed when the home was built. Central air installation requires evaluating existing ductwork capacity, electrical service amperage, and outdoor unit placement. Ductwork originally designed for heating often lacks sufficient airflow capacity for cooling, leading to reduced performance and higher operating costs if not addressed.
A common issue locally involves mismatched indoor evaporator coils and outdoor condensing units. Air conditioning systems require precisely matched components based on capacity, refrigerant type, and manufacturer specifications. Improper matching reduces efficiency significantly and increases risk of compressor failure.
Homes with hot water heat, steam radiators, or electric baseboard heating require complete ductwork installation. Bergen County building codes require ductwork in unconditioned spaces reminding insulated to prevent condensation and energy loss. Property owners planning system upgrades often review professional air conditioning services when evaluating installation options and system design.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems for Targeted Cooling
Ductless mini-split systems are commonly installed in homes adding cooling to specific areas without existing ductwork, including finished basements, room additions, garages, and home offices. These systems connect outdoor condensing units to indoor air handlers through refrigerant lines, allowing independent temperature control for each space.
Multi-zone ductless systems serve multiple indoor units from a single outdoor condenser, providing flexible comfort control. Proper installation includes careful refrigerant line routing, condensate drainage, and indoor unit placement to avoid airflow discomfort or operational issues.


AC Repair for Cooling Failures and Performance Problems
Most air conditioning repair calls in this area involve refrigerant leaks, failed capacitors, dirty condenser coils, frozen evaporator coils, or electrical control issues. Systems that stop cooling completely typically experience compressor or electrical failures, while systems that run continuously without maintaining temperature often suffer from airflow restrictions or refrigerant charge problems.
A frequent seasonal pattern occurs when systems sit idle for months and fail during the first extended heat wave. Refrigerant leaks, capacitor failures, and moisture-related electrical issues commonly surface during initial startup after long inactivity.
Frozen evaporator coils indicate restricted airflow or refrigerant issues. Systems must shut down completely to thaw before proper diagnosis. Continued operation during freeze conditions risks compressor damage.
Air Conditioning Maintenance for Efficiency and Reliability
Many summertime AC failures trace back to deferred maintenance. Systems operating without annual service accumulate debris on condenser coils, lose refrigerant gradually, and develop electrical connection issues from thermal cycling.
Outdoor units surrounded by vegetation, mulch, or debris frequently overheat due to restricted airflow. Condensing units require at least 24 inches of clearance on all sides to operate efficiently. Units with blocked airflow experience capacity loss and high-pressure shutdowns during peak temperatures.
Gradual refrigerant leaks cause declining performance over multiple seasons. Annual maintenance should include refrigerant pressure verification, coil cleaning, electrical inspection, and condensate drain servicing. Homeowners seeking proactive care often explore expert air conditioning services in Westwood for ongoing system maintenance.


AC Replacement for Aging or Inefficient Equipment
Many Westwood properties still operate air conditioning systems installed in the 1990s or early 2000s with low efficiency ratings. Replacement becomes cost-effective when operating costs remain high, major components fail, or refrigerant type changes make repair impractical.
Systems using R-22 refrigerant face high refrigerant costs and limited availability, making replacement more economical than repair when leaks occur. Modern systems operate at higher efficiency levels and require complete system replacement rather than partial upgrades.
All AC replacements in Bergen County require permits, load calculations, and inspections verifying compliance with current electrical and mechanical codes.
Air Conditioning Contractor Pricing in Westwood, NJ
Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
Emergency AC Service | $250 – $1,500+ |
Seasonal AC Tune-Up | $250 – $550 |
AC System Replacement | $5,000 – $18,000 |
Ductless Mini-Split Installation | $5,500 – $12,500 |
Central AC Installation | $8,500 – $19,500 |
Thermostat Repair or Replacement | $250 – $600 |
Refrigerant Leak Detection & Recharge | $395 – $950 |
Ductless Mini-Split Repair | $250 – $1,200 |
Central AC Repair | $250 – $1,100 |
Air Conditioning Repair | $250 – $1,500 |
Air Conditioning Diagnostic | $250 – $350 |
Evaporator Coil and Condenser Unit Replacement
Evaporator coil failures typically result from refrigerant leaks caused by corrosion or drainage issues. Coil replacement involves refrigerant recovery, system evacuation, new coil installation, and precise refrigerant charging. In many cases, replacing older coils improves heat transfer efficiency compared to original equipment.
Outdoor condensing units generally fail after 12–18 years due to compressor wear, electrical failure, or refrigerant leaks. Replacing only outdoor units is rarely cost-effective when indoor components are aging or incompatible. Complete system replacement ensures matched components and balanced efficiency.
Modern condensing units operate significantly quieter than older models and offer improved performance for properties concerned about noise near living areas.
Zoning Systems for Multi-Level Comfort Control
Homes with multiple levels, additions, or finished basements often experience uneven cooling. Zoning systems divide a single system into independently controlled areas using motorized dampers and multiple thermostats.
Proper zoning design is critical. Systems lacking bypass dampers or variable-speed blowers experience excessive pressure and noise. Bergen County homes with multi-story layouts benefit most from zoning, improving comfort and reducing energy use. Our HVAC contractor services include zoning system design and installation.
Emergency AC Service During Heat Waves
Emergency air conditioning calls peak during sustained summer heat waves when systems operate continuously. Common emergencies include complete cooling loss from compressor failure, electrical issues, or airflow restrictions.
Emergency response focuses on restoring cooling quickly, stabilizing indoor temperatures, and scheduling comprehensive repairs when conditions allow. For immediate assistance, our emergency plumbing repairs team provides 24/7 response throughout Westwood and Bergen County.
Why Bergen County Properties Require Professional AC Service

Contact H. Hofmeister & Co. Inc. to schedule your in-home estimate for a new cooling system. Whether you're replacing a failing unit or installing AC in a newly built space, we’ll deliver comfort that lasts.
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