Common Types of Air Conditioners
There are a few different varieties of HVAC systems on the Altoona market. While HVAC technicians can work with most types, knowing which one you have will streamline your company hunt.
- Central AC: These are the most common home air conditioners, offering precise, consistent temperature control. They feature a central unit that cools and purifies outside air and sends it through ducts to various rooms in your home.
- Window-mounted ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Altoona condos, townhomes, and apartments. 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 air conditioner users set up their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split air conditioner systems have an exterior unit and one or more indoor units, with no ductwork required. They offer individual room temperature control, flexible installation options, and higher energy efficiency.
- 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 a common choice for condos, apartments, or individual rooms.
- Split ACs: Split air conditioner units have two main elements: one indoors and one outdoors. They offer silent operation, enhanced efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
How to Choose Your Altoona 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 best company for your home.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires home improvement contractors to register with the Attorney General. By law, these companies must display their registration numbers on all marketing materials, including their websites. They must also follow licensing requirements in the counties and cities they serve.
You should also check 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 resolve complaints effectively and honor their warranties.
It's common for even the best AC repair companies to have both positive and negative reviews. Read each one carefully, and avoid a business if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
We suggest getting three or more estimates to find the best value. 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 Altoona
What's the cost of an AC repair job in Altoona?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $57–$152 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $76–$190 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,140–$3,419 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,444 |
How do I know if my air conditioning system needs repair?
- Clogged air filter
- Dirty evaporator coil
- Fan motor failure
- Faulty thermostat
- Faulty wiring
- Refrigerant leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Malfunctioningcapacitor
- Brokencompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Improperly sized unit
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
How often should Altoona homeowners have their AC systems serviced?
What month is best for getting an air conditioner replaced?
My HVAC problem is urgent. How quickly could a company respond?
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