No matter where you live in the world, we can all agree that keeping your heating and cooling unit in excellent condition throughout the year is a goal that mustn’t be overlooked. The reality is that replacing or repairing an AC unit can often present a few challenges.
Not only do AC repair costs vary a lot, but finding the right repair package that includes repair and maintenance can be hard to find. This search can be especially daunting for new homeowners who are new to the complexities of AC repair.
To make the cost estimation easier for you, we have prepared an AC repair - Houston guide that outlines key points to consider.
all-in-one-guide
Cost of AC Repair - Houston, TX
When getting an estimate for the AC repair cost, you must know what is included in the repair package. Usually, AC repair packages vary from one HVAC contractor to another.
If you are looking for HVAC repair technicians in Houston, you will find that some technicians are providing complete maintenance and repair. Again, some repair companies are only providing the repair. This is why, before hiring an AC repair company, you must first check what is included in the package.
Nowadays, there is a trend among reputable and experienced HVAC contractors that they are providing complete AC maintenance and repair to their customers at an affordable price. These services include cleaning the filter, repairing the fan and evaporator coil, checking the AC leaks, removing dust, etc.
Things to do before deciding to repair your AC
No. 1
Evaluate the Air Conditioner’s Efficiency
An air conditioner’s efficiency is the ratio of produced cool air and energy consumption. It means the higher the AC’s efficiency, the more money you will save while operating the unit.
Older cooling units used SEER to indicate their efficiency. Usually, older cooling units had an efficiency under 10. On the contrary, newer ACs use SEER2 to indicate their efficiency, and the efficiency starts from 14.3. From this, you can easily understand that the newer cooling units are more energy-efficient than the older ones.
If you have an older cooling unit, it is obvious that it is running on low efficiency. Now, if your older units require repairs that consume much more electricity than they should and provide low performance, it is not financially viable to repair the unit. Instead, you should replace the older unit with a new one.
However, if you have an AC unit with high energy efficiency, you must repair the unit ASAP.
No. 2
Factor in the AC unit’s Age
After the AC’s efficiency, you will have to consider the age of the cooling unit. If your cooling unit is more than 10/12 years old, it is likely that repairs will not improve its performance. If the repair is done incorrectly, it can further damage the unit. This is why it is not advised to repair an older unit.
However, if you have a newer cooling system that requires repair, you are good to go with the repair.
No. 3
Consider the Frequency of Repairs
Finally, you will need to consider the frequency of the repairs. If you have been visiting the repair shop quite often, it indicates that there are some serious underlying issues with the HVAC unit. In this situation, no honest HVAC repair technician will suggest you spend money on repairs. Instead, you will be recommended to purchase a new one.
If you are looking for an HVAC contractor, Houston has some of the best repair companies for residential and commercial HVAC services. Technicians at these HVAC companies are certified and equipped with the tools that are required for AC repair and maintenance.
Houston, TX
Top 3 Factors Influencing the AC Repair Cost
No. 1
AC Repair Parts
AC repair costs will vary depending on the parts that need repairs. For example, if the AC thermostat needs replacement, it will cost you less than 100 USD. However, if the compressor needs repair, it can cost you 1000 USD.
Now, if the compressor is severely damaged or needs replacement, it can cost you more than half of the price of a new cooling unit. In this situation, purchasing a new cooling unit is advised.
For other parts, such as the evaporator coil, fans, and air filter, you can do the repair under 200-300 USD.
Again, if you have a malfunctioning thermostat and if you want to replace it with a smart one, it can cost you up to 200 USD. But why this price variation?
Installing a smart thermostat is a useful feature that will allow you to schedule the temperature according to your preference. Also, these thermostats can detect the human presence. As a result, when there is no one in a particular room, it stops producing cold air for that room. Eventually, this leads to less energy consumption.
No. 2
Repair Package
As we touched on earlier, AC repair packages and pricing will vary from one company to another. Sometimes, new homeowners get enticed by focusing on the price of the repair packages.
Things look appealing, they sign up, and then they find out that many repair costs are not included—leading them to spend much more money on repairs and maintenance in the long run.
We can not stress this enough—before selecting a package, you must check what is included in the repair package. Are all the required repairs coming with the package? If not, how much extra will you have to pay for more repairs?
Also, avoid choosing the package that comes to you first. Compare different repair packages, and select the one that meets your repair requirements and that is within your budget.
No. 3
Refrigerant Type
Knowing what type of refrigerant your unit runs on is important in identifying if you must replace your AC unit. Since regulations are constantly expanding, this may change depending on the age of your unit.
Due to the use of R22 as a coolant in AC being banned since 2020, if your AC unit still requires it and needs refilling, you will have difficulties finding it. Likewise, if you do find it, you may have to pay much more than the actual price. This is why it is recommended that if you have an older cooling unit that still uses R22, you should try to replace it ASAP.
Now, if you have a new AC unit and it uses the R410A coolant, you will not have to worry about increased costs.
Takeaways
Repairing and maintaining your home’s AC units can be easy and stress-free when done proactively. Selecting the right AC repair package that will guarantee that you are always covered should anything arise is the best warranty you can give yourself. Additionally, ensuring that you are aware of what the repair package includes will allow you to rest assured that repairs are covered.
Once you find a professional and experienced team to provide the AC support you need, when you need it, you will experience relief that you are always in good hands. Simply knowing that your AC units will always be functioning at their optimal level for sustainable energy consumption and cost savings is something you can enjoy for years to come.
