Common Types of Air Conditioners
By understanding which type of air conditioner you have, you'll feel more confident in your company search. State College 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 State College townhomes, apartments, and condos. 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 AC users set up their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split ACs have an exterior unit and one or more indoor units, with no ductwork required. They offer higher energy efficiency, individual room temperature control, and flexible installation options.
- Central AC: These are the most common home air conditioners, offering consistent, precise 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.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name implies, portable air conditioners 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.
- Split ACs: Split air conditioner systems have two main elements: one indoors and one outdoors. They offer silent operation, greater energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
How to Choose Your State College AC Repair Service
While you might want to resolve your AC issue quickly, you should do some essential research before signing a contract with a repair service. Take the following steps to ensure you find the top-rated 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 accredits businesses that respond to complaints professionally 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
Obtain at least three detailed, written estimates from different providers for the best deal. A good estimate should list additional fees such as permitting costs. You should also ask about the emergency repair process, manufacturer warranties, and installer guarantees.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in State College
What's the cost of an AC repair job in State College?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $59–$158 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $79–$198 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,187–$3,560 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,503 |
How often should State College homeowners have their AC systems serviced?
When is the best time to replace an AC unit?
What do I do if my AC is running but not cooling?
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.
