Common Types of Air Conditioners
By knowing which type of air conditionerunit you have, you'll feel more empowered in your company search. Albany 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 Albany apartments, townhomes, and condos. 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.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name implies, portable air conditioner units 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.
- Central AC: These are the most common home air conditioners, 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.
- 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 higher energy efficiency, individual room temperature control, and flexible installation options.
- Split ACs: Split air conditioner systems have two main elements: one inside and one outside. They provide quiet operation, improved energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
How to Choose Your Albany AC Repair Service
While you might want to resolve your AC issue quickly, you should carefully investigate what's out there before signing a contract with a repair service. Take the following steps to ensure you find the most suitable company for your home.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
The New York state government doesn't require HVAC companies to get a state license. However, it's common for local governments to require licenses. You should ask your city offices about what's required where you live.
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 handle complaints effectively 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 recommend getting at least three different quotes to find the best pricing and offerings. Get a written copy of each quote, and learn more about emergency repair availability, installer guarantees, manufacturer warranties and permitting fees.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Albany
What's the cost of an AC repair job in Albany?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $65–$173 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $86–$216 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,296–$3,889 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,642 |
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
- Freon leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Faultycapacitor
- Malfunctioningcompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Improperly sized unit
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
How often should Albany homeowners have their AC systems serviced?
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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