A failing air conditioner is perhaps one of the worst things that can happen to your home during a long, hot summer. The best way to avoid a broken unit is to schedule regular service maintenance, but sometimes things simply go wrong.
There are several signs to look for when deciding whether or not to call a professional to examine your air conditioning unit. If it doesn’t appear to be working or there’s little air coming from the vents, that’s a sign to call the repair company.
Other major signs would be strange noises or smell coming from the unit, which could signal a technical issue or ongoing leak inside the unit. Other telltale signs would be short cycling, visible leaking, or a frosty unit, which means restricted air.
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, call your local repair company right away. The unit may need a new evaporator, capacitor, condenser, Freon, or some other type of recharge for the refrigerant. The average expense will be somewhere between $164 and $507, as most homeowners report a cost of approximately $325 for repairs.
Repair Costs Breakdown
The following list will break down costs based on specific problems:
- Refrigerant repair or leak detection: $225-1,600
- Air conditioner refrigerant recharge: $160-400
- Replace Circuit Board: $120-600
- Replace relays, fuses, or circuit breakers: $15-300
- Replace Thermostat: $60-250
- Hard start compressor repair: $100-250
- Replace capacitor: $90-400
- Replace home air compressor: $1,350-1,800
- Replace evaporator coils: $650-1,200
- Replace condensing unit fan motor: $100-300
- Replace condensate pump: $90-250
- Basic troubleshoot service: $75-180
HVAC professionals will perform yearly tune-ups for around $80-100, which can save you a ton of money in the long run. Besides saving your home money, regular service maintenance also gives homeowners peace of mind to know that their equipment won’t simply burn out on a hot day.
Ignoring Or Postponing An Air Conditioner Repair
Some of the warning signs listed above may seem trivial at first, but if ignored for too long, they could mean major damage. For example, a smell from the air conditioner could mean a leak inside the wall. Leaks within the home mean major repair bills for the future.
If you ignore the basic warning signs that signal your unit needs a repair, it can also mean higher energy bills. Weak or reduced cooling will make your home warm. Moreover, as your unit struggles to keep up with the thermostat, it will mean higher utility bills because the device never gets any time to rest.
READ: The Major Applications of a Digital Multimeter
In addition, systems put under this type of strain will likely overheat, which means more damage and higher bills in the future. Therefore, it’s best to get your unit inspected immediately to avoid big bills or major damage down the line.
Finding A Professional Repair Service
If you’ve experienced any of the problems in this guide, it’s time to pick up the phone or perform an online search for a local air conditioning repair company. Make sure to find a professional company that specializes in HVAC repairs and services, as many general handyman companies aren’t experienced in air conditioner repairs.
To find the best air conditioner repair company near you, do your homework to compare prices and service packages. Get referrals and then check certifications to make sure the company you wish to contact is experienced with your needs.
Consider asking the following questions when choosing an AC repair company:
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- How many years has your company been in business?
- Are there warranties or guarantees for the work?
- Are your technicians certified by professional HVAC organizations?
- Can you perform work under my unit’s warranty?
- Can you provide testimonials or references for your company?
- Are there financing options for larger repairs?
- Can your company provide a written estimate before we begin?
Many HVAC professionals will belong to groups such as Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) or the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), so these sites will provide referrals in your area.
For those in the Nashville area, however, look no further than the Lee Company for Heating & Air Conditioning Services in Nashville, Tennessee.
Conclusion
For those individuals who live in a warmer climate, it’s vital to make sure your air conditioner is in tip-top shape. The absolute best course of action would be to schedule regular maintenance on the unit to ensure that it works well when the warmer months roll around.
Annual tune-ups by HVAC specialist will save you money and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner. If a repair is needed, make sure to hire a technician who is both trained and certified in HVAC repair so they can get the job done in a timely and efficient manner. Stay cool this summer by being prepared year-round.