Air-Wave Air Conditioning Corporation

Some good news & some bad news. I contacted Air-​Wave last year to come and clean & store my terribly dirty window air conditioner. Come Easter weekend, they returned with my now spotlessly clean unit, and re-​installed it, and tested it to make sure it turned on & the compressor ran. Check! But months later, came the first hot day of spring… the machine ran for 30 minutes, and then shut off — completely dead. 4 days later, a technician came to take a look. Long story short — they took it back to the shop, and called to say that the compressor was dead, and that they could give me a $ 300 discount on a new $ 600 unit!!! Wait, what? I sent you an air conditioner that worked, you return it to me broken, and I still have to pay $ 300? After a few pointed phone calls, and a discussion with the efficient & businesslike Jardel, Air-​Wave agreed, and purchased a new, comparable AC unit, and installed it in a week and a half, at no cost to me. While frustrating at times, Air-​Wave did the right thing.

We’ve used Air-​Waves for maybe 10 years in town different apartments. Initially we wanted to hire someone to come in and install an AC in the spring and then take it out in the fall and store it as our apartment was tiny. During that time I’ve also purchased two AC units from them, both of which have worked well. The install/​uninstall process always goes fairly smoothly — I’ve often had the same guy every time (I need to find out his name as he’s awesome). The only minor issues in my book…
— They seem to prefer checks over credit cards which is almost a deal breaker. Twice a year I have to dig out my checkbook. Oh, checks.
— I’ll agree that their phone manner is generally pretty brusque. It doesn’t really bother me, but a tiny bit of friendliness would probably increase their bottom line.
— In all of the years we’ve used them, we’ve only had one issue with the install and it was when the guys «upgraded» us to clear panels the fit between the window frame and the unit. Whatever. I think they had forgotten the solid panels and passed it off as an upgrade.

I would never, ever use this company again nor recommend them to anyone. I hired them to remove an AC in the Fall, clean it, store it over the Winter and re-​install it in the Spring. Nothing went well, and the company’s attitude was terrible.
The men who came to take it were okay, but they didn’t use the dirty tarp they laid down (why bother putting it down if you are going to work away from it and, maybe, clean the tarp once in awhile), but that wasn’t a big deal.
The real problems, yes plural, started when they called to re-​install the unit in the Spring. They told me I had to be available all day and, when I pushed, they said I could call the morning of the installation and get a 4 hour window. When they showed up, they worked a long time to install the AC in the same window it had been in before and, then, when I asked to test it before they left (they put it in and never turned it on), it turned on but the fan didn’t blow.
Very nonchalantly, they said they’d take it back and call when it was fixed. They didn’t care that it wasn’t broken when they took it away the previous Fall. And, if I hadn’t asked to test it, they would have left me with a broken AC. Also, all they did to «fill the hole» where the AC had been when they took it out, was tape a plastic garbage bag (that they asked me to provide) around the opening.
A few days later, a man called to say that they were giving me a «new and better» AC and that they would come on Tuesday and, once again, I needed to be available all day. When I asked him what happened to my original unit, he responded, in a condescending tone, «why do you care, you are getting a new and better one.» When I asked him to let me check my calendar, he said quite rudely, «I don’t have time for that, call back if the day isn’t good.»
When they came to install (this is the second install already), they put a clearly not-​new AC in my existing frame. When I pointed out that the outer case of the unit was cracked and the levers for directing left and right airflow were missing, the delivery guy said he’d come back later in the week with them.
I called a few days later and nobody at the company knew what I was talking about. So after sending photographs (yes, they made me do that) and pushing through to a manager, he said he’d come out and «assess.» I told him there was nothing to «assess» as he had the pictures and I needed the AC fixed or a new one and that I couldn’t keep missing work days waiting for them to come. He said he’d come on Monday, first thing, and that it would be resolved.
He did show up the first thing on Monday, but he came only prepared to «assess» not address the problem of the broken AC in any material way. He looked at it and said it needed two parts (the two parts I said it needed all along — a new cover and left-​to-​right levers — the same part and missing part I had sent him pictures of the prior week) and he said he’d call when they were in. He also admitted that the unit was a floor model, but kept insisting it was «new,» despite being a floor model with broken and missing parts.
Once again, several days later, the same rude man from the prior call, called to tell me the parts were in and I’d need to be home on such and such a day. I told him I wouldn’t do that and they needed to make me the first appointment. With sarcasm dripping from each word out of his mouth — he agreed. Finally, a few days later, as scheduled, a guy came and put in the new parts. It is working now.
I should also mention that I paid the initial deposit and then, the balance, immediately when they were requested. I also tipped the guys who took it away and the guys who came the first two times to re-​install (after that, I stopped tipping).
In the above recounting, I didn’t go into detail about the odd things that happen with this company. For example, they showed up and, then one guy went to the truck for a tool which took over twenty minutes or one guy tells me they need to get a new frame while the other guy says that’s crazy when the first guy leaves the room.
My experience is that this is a terrible company that broke my 2 to 3 year old AC, misrepresented the replacement AC they «gave» me as being «new», were incredibly rude on multiple occasions and required constant pressure from me to get the situation resolved.
I will close where I opened: I would never, ever use this company again nor recommend them to anyone.

Quite disappointed with my experience with this business:
We booked the special spring cleaning offer ($ 89 for first AC, $ 49 for subsequent AC units) to have them come to our apartment and inspect and clean the units as needed. They claimed that the majority of AC units can be cleaned on site but in the rare scenario that one needs to be taken away, they will do a «deep-​clean» in their workshop.
They arrived several hours late, with little time to finish work before our building’s weekday cut-​off time for workmen to stop work. However, that didn’t matter in the end because actually they couldn’t clean the units on site.
Granted, they were old units, but the whole process felt like a massive bait and switch operation:
– They said they’d need to take each unit away and charge $ 289+tax for deep cleaning.
– When I balked, they then said, «OK, we can replace your three units. It’ll cost $ 2000.»
– When I asked for a breakdown of that price, and what model units they proposed as replacements, they gave me the model numbers. I looked them up, and it was far, far cheaper to buy them online. So that is what we did — and had them installed by the building staff instead.
The entire process felt dishonest. If, instead, AirWave had done the following, I might have felt less cheated:
– been honest about the actual cleaning they could do, perhaps by asking detailed questions about the age and condition of my AC units beforehand
– provided proper documentation with details of proposed new AC units, with model numbers, specifications and prices to let the customer see what options were available and compare prices
– specified how much installation and removal of the AC units would cost
– not given a verbal round number quote which they seemed to assume I’d just accept unquestioningly
To add insult to injury, two final points:
– They tried to charge $ 35 for a certificate of insurance (which all coop and condo buildings require for workmen, and no company has ever charged for before).
– They claimed to only accept cash or checks. I insisted on paying by CC.

If I could do a minus on the stars I would. The full explanation here would take too long. But briefly, when they returned the air conditioner after it was to be cleaned (it’s a thru-​the wall AC), the outside was dirtier than when they picked it up. It had fingerprints and a smudge I can’t get off. I wouldn’t know at this point if they even cleaned the inside. They did not put it into the sleeve correctly and bent the control panel trying to shove it in.
I called another company later after I called to complain to Air-​Wave. The technician I called heard my frustration and was kind enough to send someone over to look at the problem. When he came he pulled the AC out, pushed the metal shell back in a bit and reinstalled the AC so it fit perfectly inside the metal frame. Air-​Wave said they would send someone over to replace the control panel but I don’t trust them to pull off the front of the AC to install a new control panel after what they already did so I have to leave the control panel as it is. Had to pay a second time to get it installed correctly, but learned my lesson. Hiring these people was a total waste of time and money. It was returned dirty and reinstalled improperly. If I read a good review about Air-​Wave I I wouldn’t believe a word of it.

Just moved to NYC in the midst of summer– needless to say I needed an AC unit and FAST. These guys were great. They delivered the AC within the time frame provided and they assembled it under fifteen minutes– 1 – 5 minutes! Speedy and friendly service– what more could I ask for? Downside was that the unit was quite expensive at around $ 600 for a small studio AC unit, but the service and product is superb. I would definitely recommend this company.

Had Air-​Wave uninstall two air conditioners from our old apartment, clean mold out of them, and reinstall them in the new apartment.
The good:
* They cleaned the mold out of the ACs.
* They installed the ACs in the new apartment centered in the window, with custom cut plexiglass on both sides (even though one of the AC units still had its wings) for no extra charge.
The bad: Poor customer service, multiple mistakes, confusion about payment.
* Harold from the office left 7 voicemails over 2 days when I was away (and had notified them that I would be away) asking me to call to arrange installation.
* The technicians showed up at the door at 7:30am on the wrong day to reinstall the ACs. When I called the office to say they had the wrong day and it was not a good time, the office staff asked several times if there was «any way» I could let them do it right then. Moreover, when I tried to confirm the schedule for the correct day, Harold in the office refused to speak to me. He said he could not speak to me until the technicians returned at the end of the day with the paperwork, and was generally unwilling to listen, uninterested in helping, and brusque to the point of rudeness.
* One of the two ACs still had a lot of mold inside it after it was reinstalled. I didn’t notice this until after the technicians had left, so they had to come and take it away a second time for cleaning, resulting in 5 – 6 more days without the AC. The second time it was actually clean.
* The invoice and technicians said cash or certified bank check only, but the office said credit cards and personal checks were fine. Not clear what payment methods are acceptable.
The cost:
Due to a miscommunication between myself and my spouse we each thought the other had inquired about the price, so we ended up not finding out until afterward. The cost was $ 400 per AC, so it likely would have been more cost effective to replace one or both of the units.
Note: This business has multiple listings on Unilocal.According to
and
the following addresses and phone numbers all belong to this same business:
* 1637 Stillwell Avenue, Bronx, NY 10 461
* 172 Madison avenue, Suite 304, New York, NY 10 016
* 2421 Jerome Ave., Bronx, NY 10 468
* 212−545−1122
* 718−933−1011
* 212−933−1011
* 718−933−1414

I have used this company for 5 years and had been very happy until this year. The air conditioner in my kitchen was installed improperly. When it rained my kitchen flooded. The air conditioner cover had been scotch taped on and it fell off and water was pouring in from the unit, the air contioner was pushed way too far out the window. When I called the company, I was told they could not help me for 2 days. I asked that I get a morning appointment and was told, no problem. The morning of the appointment I called to ask about what time to expect the workmen and was told I was scheduled for the afternoon. When I reminded them that I had requested a morning appointment I was told someone changed the route. I can’t do anything about it. I believe the company is now under new ownership and they are not as interested in servicing their clients in as friendly and professional a manner as they once were.

I needed my way expensive, moldy under window A/​C cleaned. Air Wave, though pricy (less than a new unit), did the job. And didn’t charge extra for the 3 flights up/​down. This is the SAME air wave as the Bronx listing (website has both #s: do they really have a Manhattan location or just a 212 #?), and the receipt has sticker on it to write the check to: AC Air Cooling Co: dba Air Wave, with a different Bronx address. Do they just job it out? No idea. But they did the job.

You would think that installing a wall-​in air conditioner on a window would be simple but it’s not. Apparently you need a license to do that and after calling Home Depot, AJ Madison, and several handymen in Manhattan, no one was up for the job. Thank goodness I found Air Wave who was able to do it in a timely and efficient manner. They are not cheap but they were able to do the job and they did it well.
The only reason I didn’t give them five stars is because even though they told me clearly on the phone that they accept credit cards (they even named all the credit cards — visa, mastercard, discover), the technician (who I had to pay) told me no credit cards — only cash or check. So although I had $ 300+ in cash that day, it was inconvenient and annoying, especially since i was told explicitly that credit cards are accepted.

Seeking an air conditioner repair from long reliable Air-​Wave Air Conditioning Corp. was a summer trip that turned into an urban version of «Groundhog Day.» To wit: Obtaining a remedy for a failed repair took 2 months of steady effort.
Needing a fix for an excellent, 2-​year-​old Frigidaire Energy Saver room air conditioner, I called Air-​Wave for service. Air-​Wave had been maintaining and repairing my home’s air conditioning for nearly all of the past 17 years. It also sold this Frigidaire unit to me, in Spring 2010.
Air-​Wave picked up my Frigidaire air conditioner for service in May 2012. Soon after, the Bronx-​based company said it made the repair, and it returned and reinstalled the unit less than a week later. That’s when things went south. Shortly after the Air-​Wave service men left my home, the Frigidaire air conditioner stopped working. The built-​in thermostat was stuck at one or two degree readings in the 60-​degree range. The air conditioner did not cool the air, with the exception of sporadic and short periods. The fan ceased working, spewing warm, foul air into my living room.
Attempts to have Air-​Wave return for a second try did not succeed. Two phone calls were met by a surly company representative who barked: «My men say the machine’s okay.»
Equally as surprising, the once reliable Air-​Wave declined outright to refund the cost of the repair — $ 271.
As a result of these repeated and unsuccessful attempts to obtain an effective repair or a refund of the $ 271 payment, my estimation of Air-​Wave has plummeted from that of a reliable and high quality service provider to one that can no longer be depended on.
There is a happy ending despite the failed repair. An appeal to the City of New York to right the situation produced a full and uncontested refund in the amount of $ 271 from Air-​Wave. This effort began on May 21, 2012 — the day I paid Air-​Wave $ 271, after the reinstallation — and did not end until August 3, 2012, the last day of discussing the matter with the City of New York. The process required engaging in roughly 15 phone calls, exchanging a few email messages, filling out forms, requesting and gathering receipts, photocopying pertinent documents, and mailing this paperwork to a New York City agency. A refund check arrived in late July.

For 2 years, Air-​Wave AC has faithfully come to my apartment, removed my ACs for the winter (otherwise the cold air would pour in) and cleaned /​stored them. Then, in the spring, back they come and install them for me. The guys they send are always friendly, helpful and professional. My ACs work perfectly when they arrive. They test them out for me to be sure. They make sure to caulk all the gaps so the cool air stays in, and the mosquitos stay out! For years I froze in the winter because nothing I covered my AC w/​kept the wind /​cold air out. And, they installed it so well in the Spring of 2011 that the front AC stayed rock solid during Hurricane force winds. I highly recommend them!

A first experience ordering an Air Conditioner in NYC. We ordered it during the Fall and they came out that day to install it. According to the installers, they can also come out and take it down and store it at the warehouse for the winter.
We gave Air-​Wave the dimensions of the slot in the window for the Air Conditioner and they brought out a unit that fit perfectly. They also had one on the van in the even this one didn’t fit.
A very professional experience.