Common Types of Air Conditioners
There are a few different kinds of air conditioners on the Des Moines market. While HVAC professionals can work with most types, knowing which one you have will ease your company hunt.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name suggests, portable ACs 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 a common choice for apartments, condos, or individual rooms.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-splits have an outdoor unit and multiple interior units, with no ductwork required. They offer flexible installation options, individual room temperature control, and higher energy efficiency.
- Window-mounted ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Des Moines condos, apartments, and townhomes. These budget-friendly, convenient 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 AC users deploy their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- Split ACs: Split ACs have two main elements: one indoors and one outdoors. They offer silent operation, greater energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
- Central AC: These are the most common home air conditioners, offering consistent, precise temperature control. They feature a central unit that cools and purifies outside air and sends it through ducts to various rooms in your home.
How to Choose Your Des Moines AC Repair Service
While you might want to resolve your AC issue quickly, you should do some essential research before signing a contract with 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
Iowa's Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board licenses sheet metal, refrigeration, hydronic, and HVAC contractors. Apprentices, journeymen, and master technicians need individual licenses, but "helpers" under a journeyman or master do not.
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
Check customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB recognizes businesses that resolve complaints effectively and honor their warranties.
It's common for even the best AC repair companies to have both positive and negative reviews. Read each one carefully, and avoid a provider if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
We recommend getting at least three different estimates to find the best value. Get a written copy of each quote, and learn more about installer guarantees, emergency repair availability, manufacturer warranties and permitting fees.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Hvac Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Des Moines
What's the cost of an AC repair job in Des Moines?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $63–$169 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $84–$211 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,265–$3,795 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,602 |
When is the best time to replace an AC unit?
Is hiring an HVAC company better than doing the repair on my own?
How many years until I should replace my AC unit?
My HVAC problem is urgent. How quickly could a company respond?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
