Common Types of Air Conditioners
By understanding which type of air conditioner you have, you'll feel more confident in your company search. St. Clair Shores HVAC contractors have experience with different AC makes and models, and they can customize their skills to your needs.
- Window ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for St. Clair Shores condos, townhomes, and apartments. These compact, affordable units are designed for cooling single rooms and small spaces, and they fit snugly in a window frame or dedicated wall slot. Many window air conditioner users deploy their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- 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.
- 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, higher energy efficiency, and individual room temperature control.
- Split ACs: Split ACs have two main elements: one inside and one outside. They offer silent operation, greater energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name hints, 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 a common choice for apartments, condos, or individual rooms.
How to Choose Your St. Clair Shores AC Repair Service
You likely want a quick solution for your air conditioner's problem. However, before signing up with a repair company, it's important to do careful research to ensure it's the best for your home. Here are a few essential steps to follow.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
Michigan HVAC companies need a Mechanical License to work in the state. A business owner must have three years of experience and pass an exam for each HVAC specialty they'd like to offer.
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 accredits contractors that handle complaints effectively and honor their warranties.
It's normal for even the best AC repair providers 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 value. A good estimate should factor in additional fees such as permitting costs. You should also ask about installer guarantees, the emergency repair process, and manufacturer warranties.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in St. Clair Shores
How much can I expect to pay for AC repair in St. Clair Shores?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
Common Repair | Average Cost |
---|---|
Clogged air filter | $64–$169 |
Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
Thermostat | $85–$212 |
Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
Frozen condenser coils | $1,270–$3,811 |
Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
Compressor replacement | $600–$1,609 |
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
- Coolant leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Malfunctioningcapacitor
- Malfunctioningcompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Improperly sized unit
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
Does my air conditioner need routine maintenance? If so, how often?
How many years until I should replace my AC unit?
My HVAC problem is urgent. How quickly could a company respond?
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