Common Types of Air Conditioners
By knowing which type of air conditionersystem you have, you'll feel more empowered in your contractor search. Towson 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 Towson townhomes, apartments, and condos. 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 set up their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- Split ACs: Split air conditioner systems have two main elements: one indoors and one outdoors. They offer quiet operation, greater energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
- 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.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split AC systems have an exterior unit and multiple interior units, with no ductwork required. They offer flexible installation options, individual room temperature control, and higher energy efficiency.
- Central AC: These are the most common residential AC systems, offering precise, consistent temperature control. They feature a central unit that cools and purifies outside air and sends it through ducts to different rooms in your home.
How to Choose Your Towson AC Repair Service
You likely want a swift resolution for your air conditioner's problem. However, before recruiting a repair company, it's important to carefully investigate how well it fits your home's needs. Here are a few essential steps to follow.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
Maryland HVAC contractors need licensure from the Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractors. A master license requires three years of journeyman experience, 1,875 hours of HVAC work performed in the last year, and a comprehensive trade exam.
You should also verify a company has sufficient liability insurance 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
Check customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB accredits contractors that handle complaints professionally 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 company 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 factor in additional fees such as permitting costs. You should also ask about the emergency repair process, manufacturer warranties, and installer guarantees.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Towson
How much can I expect to pay for AC repair in Towson?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
Common Repair | Average Cost |
---|---|
Clogged air filter | $65–$172 |
Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
Thermostat | $86–$215 |
Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
Frozen condenser coils | $1,292–$3,876 |
Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
Compressor replacement | $600–$1,637 |
How do I know if my air conditioning system needs repair?
- Clogged air filter
- Dirty evaporator coil
- Fan motor failure
- Faulty thermostat
- Faulty wiring
- Refrigerant leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Malfunctioningcapacitor
- Malfunctioningcompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Incorrectly sized system
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
Is hiring an HVAC company better than doing the repair on my own?
How many years until I should replace my AC unit?
How quickly can an HVAC company in Towson respond to emergency repair requests?
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