Common Types of Air Conditioners
HVAC technicians have the expertise to service most air conditioner models, but knowing more about what you have can be beneficial. Below, we'll describe each of the common AC systems.
- Central AC: These are the most common residential AC systems, offering precise, consistent temperature control. They feature a central unit that cools air from outside, purifies it, and sends it through ducts to different rooms in your home.
- Window-mounted ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Calumet City apartments, townhomes, and condos. These budget-friendly, convenient units are designed for cooling single rooms and small spaces, and they fit snugly in a window frame or dedicated wall slot. Many window-mounted air conditioner users deploy their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name hints, portable AC systems don't require permanent installation or ductwork. Instead, they remove hot air through an exhaust hose connected to a window or nearby vent. They're preferred for condos, apartments, or individual rooms.
- Split ACs: Split air conditioner systems have two main elements: one inside and one outside. They provide peaceful operation, improved energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split air conditioners have an exterior unit and multiple interior units, with no ductwork required. They offer flexible installation options, higher energy efficiency, and individual room temperature control.
How to Choose Your Calumet City AC Repair Service
While you might want to resolve your AC issue quickly, you should do some essential research before hiring a repair service. Take the following steps to ensure you find the best company for your home.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
There's no state HVAC license in the Land of Lincoln. Instead, cities and counties are free to set their own requirements and regulations. Check with your local building department for more information.
You should also check a company has sufficient liability coverage, even if your state doesn't require it. Choosing an insured company will protect you if something gets damaged during work.
Read Customer Reviews
Read customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB accredits businesses that handle complaints professionally and honor their warranties.
It's normal for even the best AC repair companies to have both positive and negative reviews. Read each one carefully, and avoid a business if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
Obtain at least three detailed, written estimates from different companies for the best deal. A good estimate should consider additional fees such as permitting costs. You should also ask about the emergency repair process, installer guarantees, and manufacturer warranties.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Calumet City
What's the cost of an AC repair job in Calumet City?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
Common Repair | Average Cost |
---|---|
Clogged air filter | $64–$172 |
Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
Thermostat | $86–$214 |
Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
Frozen condenser coils | $1,286–$3,859 |
Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
Compressor replacement | $600–$1,629 |
How do I know if my air conditioning system needs repair?
- Clogged air filter
- Dirty evaporator coil
- Fan motor failure
- Faulty thermostat
- Faulty wiring
- Coolant leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Brokencapacitor
- Faultycompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Incorrectly sized system
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
When is the best time to replace an AC unit?
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
How many years until I should replace my AC unit?
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