Common Types of Air Conditioners
HVAC technicians have the expertise to service most air conditioner varieties, but knowing more about what you have can be beneficial. Below, we'll explain each of the common AC units.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name implies, 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 apartments, condos, or individual rooms.
- 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 different rooms in your home.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split ACs have an exterior unit and one or more indoor units, with no ductwork required. They offer individual room temperature control, higher energy efficiency, and flexible installation options.
- Window-mounted ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for St. Charles apartments, condos, and townhomes. 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-mounted air conditioner users deploy 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 inside and one outside. They provide peaceful operation, greater energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
How to Choose Your St. Charles AC Repair Service
With the intense St. Charles heat, AC issues are top priority to fix. However, to get the best possible outcome, it's critical to thoroughly research different HVAC companies first. We recommend adhering to these steps as you prepare.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
While Missouri licenses some contractors at the state level, it does not for HVAC companies. Local governments can set their own requirements, and we recommend contacting your town hall or county building department 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
Find customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB accredits businesses that handle complaints professionally 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 business if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
We recommend getting at least three different quotes to find the best value. 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. Charles
What's the cost of an AC repair job in St. Charles?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $62–$165 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $82–$206 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,236–$3,707 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,565 |
Does my air conditioner need routine maintenance? If so, how often?
When is the best time to replace an AC unit?
What do I do if my AC is running but not cooling?
How quickly can an HVAC company in St. Charles respond to emergency repair requests?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
