Common Types of Air Conditioners
By understanding which type of air conditionersystem you have, you'll feel more empowered in your contractor search. Reading HVAC professionals have experience with different AC makes and models, and they can customize their skills to your needs.
- 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.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split air conditioner units 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 Reading condos, apartments, and townhomes. These compact, affordable units are designed for cooling small spaces and single rooms, and they fit snugly in a window frame or dedicated wall slot. Many window air conditioner users install 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 offer silent operation, greater energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name suggests, 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.
How to Choose Your Reading AC Repair Service
While you might want to resolve your AC issue quickly, you should do your research before signing a contract with 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.
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 recognizes contractors that handle 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 business if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
We advise getting at least three different estimates to find the best pricing and offerings. 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 Reading
What's the cost of an AC repair job in Reading?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $65–$172 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $86–$215 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,292–$3,876 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,637 |
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
- Brokencapacitor
- Malfunctioningcompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Oversized or undersized unit
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
How often should Reading homeowners have their AC systems serviced?
When is the best time to replace an AC unit?
How long is my air conditioner's lifespan? When should I consider a replacement?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
