Common Types of Air Conditioners
By knowing which type of air conditioner you have, you'll feel more empowered in your contractor search. St. Louis Park HVAC professionals have experience with different AC makes and models, and they can adapt their skills to your needs.
- Window-mounted ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for St. Louis Park apartments, condos, and townhomes. These budget-friendly, convenient units are designed for cooling single rooms and small spaces, and they fit snugly in a window frame or dedicated wall slot. Many window-mounted AC users install their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-splits have an outdoor unit and multiple interior units, with no ductwork required. They offer individual room temperature control, flexible installation options, and higher energy efficiency.
- 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 preferred for condos, apartments, or individual rooms.
- Central AC: These are the most common residential AC systems, 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.
- Split ACs: Split ACs have two main elements: one indoors and one outdoors. They offer quiet operation, improved energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
How to Choose Your St. Louis Park AC Repair Service
You likely want a quick solution for your air conditioner's problem. However, before recruiting a repair company, it's important to take the time to research if they're ideal for your dwelling. Here are a few essential steps to follow.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
In Minnesota, HVAC companies are legally "mechanical contractors." The Department of Labor and Industry nonetheless requires them to register and carry at least a $25,000 bond. Further, while they don't need state licenses, they must comply with local licensing requirements in their service area. We encourage you to contact your city and county governments for more information.
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
Read customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB recognizes businesses that respond to complaints professionally and honor their warranties.
It's normal 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
We suggest getting at least three different estimates to find the best cost and services. Get a written copy of each quote, and learn more about emergency repair availability, installer guarantees, permitting fees and manufacturer warranties.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in St. Louis Park
How much can I expect to pay for AC repair in St. Louis Park?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $68–$180 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $90–$225 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,351–$4,053 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,711 |
How do I know if my air conditioning system needs repair?
- Clogged air filter
- Dirty evaporator coil
- Fan motor failure
- Faulty thermostat
- Faulty wiring
- Freon leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Malfunctioning capacitor
- Malfunctioning compressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Oversized or undersized unit
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
What do I do if my AC is running but not cooling?
Should my HVAC company have a private accreditation?
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.
