No one wants to deal with an A/C repair in the middle of summer. Unfortunately, they are often necessary. The good news is that you can take steps to prepare for them and minimize the cost. In this blog post, we will discuss the average cost of an air conditioning repair and provide some tips to help keep those costs down.
What Are the Factors that Affect the Cost of an A/C Repair Project?
You wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat. You adjust the thermostat, but it seems like the A/C system is blowing hot air. You check the breaker and give the unit a few taps, but it’s not coming back on. Now you’re stuck in the heat, trying to figure out how much it will cost to repair your air conditioner.
There are several factors that will affect the cost of your A/C repair Bensalem, PA project, including:
The Type of Air Conditioner You Have
What type of A/C systems do you have in your home? Do you have a mini-split system? If so, the repair will likely be less expensive than you would expect. This is because a mini-split is less complex than other types of A/C systems.
What if you have a central air conditioner? You can expect to pay more for the repair of this type of system because the cost of parts and labor will be higher. So, don’t be surprised if you get a quote that is higher than you were expecting.
The Severity of the Problem
There are many reasons why your cooling unit might stop working. Some of those causes are more serious than others and will require a more extensive A/C repair Bensalem, PA. If your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, for example, you have to prepare your pocket for a significant repair bill.
This is because the replacement of refrigerants is not something that you can do on your own. You will need to hire a professional to do it for you, and that will add to the cost of the project.
The Age of Your Unit
How old is your air conditioner? If it’s a newer model, you can expect to pay less for the repair than you would for an older unit because newer models are usually easier to fix.
On the other hand, if your A/C system is getting up there in age, the repair might be more expensive due to the fact that parts for older units can be more difficult to find. It usually takes more time to track down those components, and that will add to the entire expense of the A/C repair Bensalem, PA.
The Climate in Your Area
What if you have an energy-efficient air conditioner, but your technician asks for a higher price than you have expected to pay? The climate in your area might be the reason for that.
If you live in an area with a temperate climate, the parts for your cooling system will be less expensive than they would be if you lived in a hot and humid climate. This is because systems in extremely hot and humid weather have to work harder, which means they wear out faster.
The Experience Level of the Technician
The last factor that will affect the cost of your A/C repair Bensalem, PA is the experience level of an HVAC contractor.
If you choose to hire a professional who is just starting out, you can expect to pay less for the repair than you would if you hired a more experienced technician. However, keep in mind that an inexperienced contractor might not be able to properly diagnose the problem or correctly fix it the first time around.
This could end up costing you more money in the long run, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision. Also, you should hire a reliable HVAC expert even if you need to spend a bit more money upfront.
Common A/C Repair Problems and Their Costs
Now that you know the factors that affect the expense of an A/C repair Bensalem, PA, let’s take a look at some of the most common air conditioning problems and their respective costs:
Refrigerant Leaks
Is your air conditioner no longer keeping you cool and comfortable? One of the reasons why this could be happening is because your unit might be leaking refrigerant. Depending on the severity of the leak, you might have to pay anywhere from $200 to $800 to get it refilled and have the copper coils repaired or replaced.
Compressor Failure
During summer, A/C systems run 24/7 to keep indoor spaces cool and comfortable. That’s why most manufacturers make air conditioners more durable to withstand constant use. The compressor, in particular, is designed to last for a long time. However, it can still fail eventually.
Compressor replacement usually costs between $200 and $1000, depending on the make and model of your unit. If the compressor is still under warranty, you might be able to get it replaced for free or at a discounted price.
A Faulty Blower Motor
The blower motor is responsible for circulating air inside the A/C unit. And if your cooling system works overtime to blow air but doesn’t seem to be doing a good job, it is not surprising that the motor might be failing.
But for a more accurate diagnosis, you should have an A/C repair Bensalem, PA technician take a look at your air conditioner. If the culprit is a faulty blower motor, that’s something you have to take care of right away. You just have to prepare some cash because a replacement motor might break your bank.
A Clogged Condensate Drain
During the cooling process, water vapor condenses on the coils and drips into a pan below. The pan then drains the water through a condensate drain. But over time, this tube can get filled with dirt and debris. When that happens, the water will start to back up and overflow into your home.
Cleaning or replacing a condensate drain is a relatively easy and inexpensive job. You can do it yourself if you’re handy with tools. But if you’re not confident about your skills, having a dependable technician on your side can be a wise decision. Either way, it shouldn’t cost you more than $100.
Blown Fuses or Tripped Breakers
Sometimes, all you need to do to get your air conditioner up and running again is to reset a breaker or replace a blown fuse. But if the problem persists, there might be something wrong with your electrical system.
This is a job that’s best left to the professionals because it requires special tools and skills. The cost of repairing an electrical problem can range from $50 to $450, depending on the severity of the issue.
How about the price tag for problems such as a frozen evaporator, a clogged filter, or a faulty capacitor? You should schedule a consultation with an A/C repair Bensalem, PA technician to get an accurate estimate.
How to Save Some Cash on an Air Conditioning Repair
There’s no doubt that air conditioning repair can be expensive. But there are a few ways you can save some cash:
Check if Your Unit is Still Under Warranty
Like any other appliance, your air conditioner is also covered by a warranty. This means that if it breaks down within the warranty period, you can have it repaired or replaced for free.
But before you call your HVAC contractor, make sure to check the terms and conditions of the warranty. Some companies only cover specific parts or repairs. Others might require you to pay a deductible before they shoulder the rest of the bill.
Get an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner
How old is your air conditioner? If it’s more than a decade old and it stops working, it will come with a hefty bill because most of its major components can be challenging and stressful to find.
On the other hand, if you have a newer unit, it will be easier to find replacement parts. And since it’s more energy-efficient, it will cost you less to operate.
So, if your cooling unit is already showing signs of wear and tear, it might be time to replace it with a new one. Today’s Air Conditioning systems are not only more energy-efficient but also have better features.
Schedule Regular Maintenance Checks
Prevention is always better than cure. By having your air conditioner regularly checked by a professional, you can avoid expensive repairs in the future.
During these maintenance visits, the technician will clean the unit, check for any signs of damage, and make sure that all its parts are working properly. This way, you can catch problems early on and fix them before they turn into bigger issues.
Contact the Pros for Dependable A/C Repair Bensalem, PA!
Perhaps, you have done your homework on which contractor to call for your A/C repair projects. How’s the experience? There are multiple service providers to choose from, right? And you’re probably confused about who to trust and depend on.
If that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place! The HVAC professionals at JR Michalski Heating & AC Inc will take care of all your cooling needs and requirements – from regular maintenance to emergency repairs. We have the experience and skills to get the job done right, and we’re always up for a challenge.
Contact us at 215-752-1442 today to schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!
