Common Types of Air Conditioners
HVAC technicians have the expertise to service most air conditioner models, but knowing more about what you have can be beneficial. Below, we'll outline each of the common AC systems.
- 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 flexible installation options, higher energy efficiency, and individual room temperature control.
- Split ACs: Split air conditioner units have two main elements: one inside and one outside. They provide silent operation, enhanced efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name hints, 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 popular for condos, apartments, or individual rooms.
- Central AC: These are the most common residential AC systems, 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.
- Window-mounted ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Upper Darby townhomes, apartments, and condos. 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 AC users install their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
How to Choose Your Upper Darby AC Repair Service
You likely want a quick solution for your air conditioner's problem. However, before recruiting a repair company, it's important to do careful research to ensure it's the best for your home. Here are a few essential steps to follow.
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
Read customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB accredits contractors that respond to complaints effectively 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 company if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
We suggest getting at least three different quotes to find the best cost and services. Get a written copy of each quote, and learn more about manufacturer warranties, permitting fees, emergency repair availability and installer guarantees.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Upper Darby
What's the cost of an AC repair job in Upper Darby?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $66–$176 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $88–$220 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,321–$3,963 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,673 |
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
- Refrigerant leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Defectivecapacitor
- Defectivecompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Incorrectly sized system
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
What do I do if my AC is running but not cooling?
Should my HVAC company have a private accreditation?
How quickly can an HVAC company in Upper Darby 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.
