Summer is one of the much-awaited seasons of the year. The sun shines bright, and the temperature is perfect for going out and exploring. But sometimes, it may get warmer outside, and you just want to stay at home in the comfort of your air conditioning unit.
Unfortunately, things may not go as planned, and your cooling system may break down and need A/C repair Yardley, PA. When this happens, you’re likely to feel afraid of being left in the heat and racking up a huge service bill.
But how much does an A/C repair cost? In this blog post, we’ll give you a breakdown of the different factors that affect A/C repair costs so you can be more prepared in case your unit needs some fixing. Keep reading!
Factors that Influence the Cost of an A/C Repair Project
Many homeowners leave their A/C repair Yardley, PA project unattended because they fear it would be too expensive. But the truth is that the cost of an A/C repair job varies depending on several factors.
Here are some of the things that affect how much you’ll spend on a task such as this:
Type of A/C System
The type of air conditioning system you have at home will greatly dictate the cost of repair. If you have a central A/C, you can expect to spend more on repairs than those who have a window unit.
The reason for this is that traditional air conditioners are more complex in design and require more labor to fix. They are also usually larger in size, which means more time is needed to bring them back to tip-top condition.
Age of the Unit
As your cooling appliance gets older, it becomes more susceptible to breaking down and will require more frequent repairs. In some cases, it may even need to be replaced entirely.
On the other hand, if you have a newer unit, it’s likely that any repairs will be much cheaper as the parts are still under warranty. Also, you do not need to use your own money to pay for any service as the company will shoulder the cost.
The Severity of the Problem
Before any A/C Repair Yardley, PA project starts, the technician will first assess the problem to see how severe it is. If it’s a minor issue, including a clogged air filter or a thermostat that needs to be recalibrated, the job won’t cost you much.
But if the problem is more complicated, such as a refrigerant leak or a broken compressor, your technician might charge you more for the service. These types of problems are usually more time-consuming to address and require more parts, which means a higher bill for you.
Location of the Unit
Is your air conditioner easily accessible? If it is, your contractor won’t have a hard time fixing it, and you won’t be charged for any extra labor.
But if your unit is located in a difficult-to-reach spot, such as on the roof or in a tight space, it will be more challenging for the technician to work on and may cost you an arm or a leg.
How Do I Limit the Costs of an Air Conditioner Repair?
Homeowners are always looking for ways to save money, and that includes A/C repair Yardley, PA jobs. If you want to keep the costs of your project to a minimum, here are some tips you can follow:
Do Your Homework.
It’s common for some people to stick to the first A/C repair Yardley, PA company they find online without doing any research, especially if their unit breaks down in the middle of summer and they need it fixed ASAP. But this is not a good idea as you might end up overpaying for the service.
To avoid this, take the time to compare different contractors. Read online reviews, ask for referrals from friends or family, and get quotes from at least three companies. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Change Your Filters Regularly.
One of the best ways to keep your A/C unit in good shape is by regularly replacing its filters. This simple task can go a long way in preventing common problems that often lead to repairs.
Most experts recommend changing your filters at least once every three months or as needed. If you have pets at home or someone in your family suffers from allergies, you might need to do it more often.
Avoid Fixing the Problem Yourself.
We understand how inconvenient it will be when your air conditioner stops working in the middle of a heatwave. And because you want to bring it back to life as soon as possible, you might be tempted to inspect and fix your unit yourself.
But unless you’re a trained technician, we advise against this as you might do more harm than good. You might also void your warranty if you open up your unit without professional help.
Regular Maintenance Should be a Top Priority.
Like cars, air conditioners need regular tune-ups to stay in good shape. Most manufacturers recommend having your unit serviced at least once a year, preferably before the start of the cooling season.
During maintenance visits, your technician with a solid reputation in A/C repair Yardley, PA will clean the unit, inspect it for any potential problems, and make the necessary adjustments. This simple task can help improve your unit’s efficiency, extend its lifespan, and prevent future issues.
Give it Enough Time to Rest.
Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool, especially during the summer. So when the weather starts to get warmer, we advise against turning it on and off constantly.
Doing this will put a lot of stress on your unit and might lead to problems in the long run. Instead, give it some time to rest in between uses. If you’re going on vacation, we recommend switching it off completely to save energy.
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean.
Your air conditioner has two units, an indoor and an outdoor one. While most people focus on the former, it’s crucial to keep the latter clean as well if you want your A/C system to function at its best.
Over time, the outdoor unit will accumulate dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris. So make it a habit to check it every now and then and give it a good cleaning. You can use a garden hose to remove any dirt and debris that’s built up on the unit.
Inexperienced vs. Well-Trained HVAC Contractor – Why Should You Spend More on Hiring an Experienced Technician?
We all know how important it is to have a functional and efficient air conditioner during the long scorching months. But when your unit has stopped working, you might rely on the first A/C repair Yardley, PA technician you can find over the internet.
While there’s nothing wrong with this, you might not be getting the best value for your money. Inexperienced contractors might not have the skills and knowledge to properly diagnose and fix the problem. As a result, they might charge you for unnecessary repairs or even damage your unit further.
On the other hand, working with a licensed and certified HVAC company with top-quality A/C repair Yardley PA under their belt comes with a lot of benefits. Some of which include:
The Root Cause of the Breakdown can be Detected Quickly.
An HVAC system is a complex piece of machinery consisting of different parts that need to work together to take your home comfort to the next level. So when its cooling performance is not up to par, it can be challenging to find the root cause of the problem.
But with experienced contractors, they can quickly narrow down the possibilities and get to the root cause of the issue. Not only will this help save you time and money, but it will also ensure you enjoy long-term results.
Advanced Tools and Equipment are always Used.
The tools and equipment used in HVAC repair play a significant role in the success of the job. With fully equipped technicians, you can be confident that they will only use the latest tools and equipment to get the job done efficiently.
This is important when it comes to A/C repair Yardley, PA since the coolant used in these units can be quite damaging to the environment. So, using the wrong tools and equipment can lead to the release of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. In some cases, it might also put your family’s health and safety at risk.
Warranty on Services is Provided.
When you work with a licensed and certified company, they will always offer a warranty on their services. This is a clear indication that they are confident in the quality of their workmanship. In case something goes wrong, you can always count on them to fix it without charging you an extra fee.
Around the Clock Emergency Services are Available.
It’s hard to predict when your A/C unit will develop some potential problems. Sometimes, it might even malfunction in the middle of the night, and you cannot afford to wait until morning to have it fixed when it’s brutally hot outside.
Fortunately, the most trusted HVAC contractors offer 24/7 emergency services. So regardless of the time of day or night, you can always depend on them to respond to your call and address your concerns without delay.
Contact an Expert A/C Repair Yardley, PA Today!
At JR Michalski Heating & AC Inc., we understand how important it is for you to have a 100% efficient air conditioner, especially during the hot summer months. This is why we offer a wide range of A/C repair Yardley, PA services designed to meet your specific needs and budget.
Whether you need a routine check-up or a comprehensive repair service, we got you covered. Our technicians are meticulous and have attention to detail, so you can rest assured that your unit is in good hands.
Please drop us a call at 215-752-1442 for more information!
