How to Know What Your AC Repair Should Cost
Determining how much your home AC repair service will cost can be tricky, but there are a few factors that will play a role in the overall cost of the repair.
- If you have a newer system and it is regularly serviced, it will generally be cheaper to have it repaired.
- If your system is older and is not frequently maintained, then repair costs can be high.
However, there are some instances in which the level of damage to your AC system will also play a role.
The Size & Complexity of Your AC System
When it comes to air conditionerrepair, one of the first factors that will affect the cost of your repair is the size of your AC system. If your AC unit is larger, it can cost more to repair it and service it. Larger AC units can require expensive parts that make the overall cost of the repair increase. Another thing that can impact the overall price is if your home has multiple AC units that work together to cool your living space.
The Age of Your AC System
As your air conditioning system ages it will experience more wear and tear, especially when it is not serviced on a regular basis. As parts of your system break down, it may lead to more extensive repairs and require more replacement parts. A good way to combat the deterioration of your AC unit is to have it tuned up often.
In some cases, your AC system may be nearing the end of its service life. The average AC unit lasts about 10 - 15 years, so if your AC is reaching the end of its lifespan, you should determine if it makes more sense to replace it rather than repair it. If the cost to repair your air conditioning is more than half the cost of a new unit, it is more cost effective to have your AC unit replaced with a newer and more efficient AC system.
When You Are Having Your AC Unit Repaired
The next factor that can impact AC repair costs is the time you have your AC repair done. If your AC unit breaks down during the summer, repair costs will be higher since contractors handle a much higher volume of AC repairs during the summer. Additionally, regardless of the season, repair rates will usually be higher for after hour repairs and weekend repairs.
To prevent costly repairs, it is important to have your AC unit tuned-up on a regular basis before the peak cooling season in order to ensure it can handle its most taxing season without breaking down. Consider scheduling your maintenance when the AC Contractor is slow and ask for a discount if you schedule early!
How Often You Have Your AC Unit Serviced
The frequency with which you have your AC unit serviced can also greatly impact the repair cost. A well maintained unit will have less dirt and dust obstructing airflow.
To get the best results and protection from having your AC unit serviced, it should be done at least once a year, right before your area’s cooling season. Having it serviced before the cooling season helps it run more efficiently and require less unexpected repairs. The servicing of your AC unit will allow a technician to spot any issues before they become major repairs.
The Level of The AC Repair
The last factor that will affect the cost of the repair will usually be how extensive the repair is. If the repair requires one or more replacement parts or requires a high level of expertise to fix, the repair will cost more. The best way to protect against this factor is to address your air conditioner’s issues right away. If you notice that your AC system is malfunctioning, such as blowing lukewarm air or is cycling on and off more than usual, you should turn it off to avoid further damage and call an HVAC technician.
At R.S. Andrews, we specialize in a variety of air conditioning services to cover your AC needs. Whether you need your AC system repaired, maintained or replaced, we can help.
To get your AC unit repaired, give us a call today!