Common Types of Air Conditioners
By knowing which type of air conditioner you have, you'll feel more empowered in your company search. Marion HVAC technicians have experience with different AC makes and models, and they can tailor their skills to your needs.
- Window ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Marion apartments, condos, 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 air conditioner users install their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split air conditioner units have an exterior unit and one or more indoor units, with no ductwork required. They offer individual room temperature control, flexible installation options, and higher energy efficiency.
- 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.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name suggests, portable air conditioners 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.
- Split ACs: Split AC systems have two main elements: one indoors and one outdoors. They provide peaceful operation, improved energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
How to Choose Your Marion 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 most reliable company for your home.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
Iowa's Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board licenses refrigeration, sheet metal, HVAC, and hydronic contractors. Apprentices, journeymen, and master technicians need individual licenses, but "helpers" under a journeyman or master do not.
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 recognizes 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 company if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
Obtain at least three detailed, written estimates from different companies 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.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Hvac Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Marion
How much can I expect to pay for AC repair in Marion?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $62–$164 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $82–$205 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,233–$3,699 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,562 |
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
- Brokencapacitor
- Defectivecompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Improperly sized unit
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
When is the best time to replace an AC unit?
What do I do if my AC is running but not cooling?
Why should I hire an HVAC professional? Couldn't I repair my air conditioner myself?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
