When you need cool air on a long, hot summer day in Southern California, nothing is more disappointing than to discover your AC has conked out. Not only does this mean you’ll be uncomfortable in your own home, but it can also result in an expensive bill from your HVAC mechanic.
What Air Conditioning Repairs Could I Be Billed for?
The answer isn’t exactly straightforward. AC repair costs depend on a number of factors, some of which you have no control over. Here’s what an HVAC repairman might consider when billing you:
- Location
Where exactly is your AC? Because the cost of AC repair often varies depending on where it’s installed, although that’s not a hard-and-fast rule. - Labor
Every HVAC company works differently. Some will charge you an hourly rate, while others use a flat fee based on the job. One method is not necessarily better than the other. Still, you should decide for yourself which option you’d prefer. - Type of AC Unit
The price of repairs also depends on the type of air conditioning equipment you have installed in your home. For the most part, AC units installed in windows tend to be relatively inexpensive to repair, mostly because they’re much simpler pieces of equipment. Central air systems are much larger and have more complicated components, which require more time and more expensive parts. - Type of Repair
Perhaps the biggest determinant of AC repair cost is what type of repair it is. In other words, precisely what is wrong with your system. Sometimes the problem is as small as replacing a fuse, which is usually cheap and easy. Even recharging a refrigerant system is fairly inexpensive. However, other problems can be much more expensive. For instance, evaporator coils, compressors, and condensers can all bring your bill into the thousands, at which point it might make more sense to completely replace your AC unit.
- Location
If The Air Conditioner Ain’t Broke, You Don’t Have to Fix It
The best way to save money on AC repairs is to maintain your unit. Every spring, have a qualified technician inspect your AC system so it’s ready to beat the summer heat. If something comes up in the annual inspection of your AC, a good technician will advise you on what to do.
While maintenance will cost you some money, it will also reduce the number of repairs you’ll need over time and increase the lifespan of your cooling equipment. In the final analysis, maintenance will save you money.
If The Air Conditioner’s Broke, Maybe You Shouldn’t Fix It
If your air conditioner needs a significant repair and your equipment is more than ten years old, you might want to consider buying a new unit.
While this option seems more expensive, it often ends up being cheaper than repairing an old unit. With a new unit, you won’t have to worry about more repairs just around the corner. Plus, thanks to advances in efficiency, you’ll likely end up saving money on utility bills.
If you need to know how much it will cost to be to repair your AC unit, contact Rowland Air today!