Common Types of Air Conditioners
By understanding which type of air conditionersystem you have, you'll feel more empowered in your company search. Elkhart HVAC contractors have experience with different AC makes and models, and they can customize their skills to your needs.
- Window-mounted ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Elkhart condos, townhomes, and apartments. 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 implies, portable air conditioner units 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 apartments, condos, or individual rooms.
- Central AC: These are the most common residential AC systems, offering consistent, precise 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.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split air conditioner 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.
- Split ACs: Split air conditioner units have two main elements: one indoors and one outdoors. They offer silent operation, enhanced efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
How to Choose Your Elkhart 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
Indiana doesn't issue HVAC contractor licenses at the state level. However, many counties and cities still require licenses within their limits. Each local government can choose what exams a company owner must pass and what filings they need to submit.
You should also check a company has sufficient liability insurance coverage, even if your state doesn't require it. Choosing an insured company will protect you if mishaps arise during work.
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 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 providers for the best deal. A good estimate should list additional fees such as permitting costs. You should also ask about manufacturer warranties, the emergency repair process, and installer guarantees.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Elkhart
What's the cost of an AC repair job in Elkhart?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
Common Repair | Average Cost |
---|---|
Clogged air filter | $63–$167 |
Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
Thermostat | $84–$209 |
Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
Frozen condenser coils | $1,253–$3,760 |
Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
Compressor replacement | $600–$1,587 |
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
- Defectivecapacitor
- Faultycompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Improperly sized unit
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Why should I hire an HVAC professional? Couldn't I repair my air conditioner myself?
Should my HVAC company have a private accreditation?
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