Common Types of Air Conditioners
There are a few different types of air conditioner systems on the Barnstable Town market. While HVAC technicians can work with most types, knowing which one you have will simplify your company hunt.
- 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.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split air conditioner systems have an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, with no ductwork required. They offer individual room temperature control, flexible installation options, and higher energy efficiency.
- Window-mounted ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Barnstable Town apartments, townhomes, and condos. 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 AC users set up their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- 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 different rooms in your home.
- Split ACs: Split air conditioner units have two main elements: one inside and one outside. They offer quiet operation, enhanced efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
How to Choose Your Barnstable Town AC Repair Service
While you might want to resolve your AC issue quickly, you should do your research before committing to a repair service. Take the following steps to ensure you find the right company for your home.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
The Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections issues Refrigeration Technician licenses to crew members and Refrigeration Contractor licenses to business owners. Each crew member must meet specific hour requirements for training and practical experience. They must also carry a high school diploma/GED and Universal CFC certification to apply.
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 accidents happen during work.
Read Customer Reviews
Read customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB accredits businesses that respond to complaints professionally and honor their warranties.
It's common for even the best AC repair providers to have both positive and negative reviews. Read each one carefully, and avoid a provider if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
We suggest getting at least three different quotes to find the best cost and services. Get a written copy of each quote, and learn more about permitting fees, emergency repair availability, installer guarantees and manufacturer warranties.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Barnstable Town
How much can I expect to pay for AC repair in Barnstable Town?
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–$3,910 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,651 |
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
- Faultycapacitor
- 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?
How many years until I should replace my AC unit?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
