Common Types of Air Conditioners
By understanding which type of air conditionerunit you have, you'll feel more confident in your provider search. St. Charles HVAC contractors have experience with different AC makes and models, and they can tailor their skills to your needs.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split AC units have an outdoor unit and multiple interior units, with no ductwork required. They offer flexible installation options, higher energy efficiency, and individual room temperature control.
- Window ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for St. Charles townhomes, condos, and apartments. These compact, affordable units are designed for cooling small spaces and single rooms, 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.
- Split ACs: Split air conditioners have two main elements: one inside and one outside. They provide silent operation, greater energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
- 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 various rooms in your home.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name implies, 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 popular for condos, apartments, or individual rooms.
How to Choose Your St. Charles AC Repair Service
While you might want to resolve your AC issue quickly, you should carefully investigate what's out there before committing to a repair service. Take the following steps to ensure you find the most reliable 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.
Many states and cities also require companies to carry liability insurance. Even if your community doesn't require it, we still recommend choosing an insured company. This will protect you if an accident happens or something gets damaged.
Read Customer Reviews
Find customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB accredits contractors that respond to complaints effectively and honor their warranties.
It's common for even the best AC repair businesses to have both positive and negative reviews. Read each one carefully, and avoid a provider if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
Obtain at least three detailed, written estimates from different providers for the best price. A good estimate should factor in 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 St. Charles
What's the cost of an AC repair job in St. Charles?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
Common Repair | Average Cost |
---|---|
Clogged air filter | $65–$174 |
Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
Thermostat | $87–$217 |
Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
Frozen condenser coils | $1,303–$3,909 |
Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
Compressor replacement | $600–$1,650 |
What are some signs that I should call an HVAC repair company?
- Clogged air filter
- Dirty evaporator coil
- Fan motor failure
- Faulty thermostat
- Faulty wiring
- Refrigerant leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Defectivecapacitor
- Malfunctioningcompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Incorrectly sized system
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
When is the best time to replace an AC unit?
Is hiring an HVAC company better than doing the repair on my own?
How quickly can an HVAC company in St. Charles respond to emergency repair requests?
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