Common Types of Air Conditioners
By understanding which type of air conditionerunit you have, you'll feel more confident in your company search. Rapid City HVAC professionals have experience with different AC makes and models, and they can adapt their skills to your needs.
- Split ACs: Split air conditioners have two main elements: one inside and one outside. They offer peaceful operation, greater energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
- Window ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Rapid City apartments, townhomes, 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 air conditioner users deploy their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name suggests, portable AC systems 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.
- 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 various rooms in your home.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split air conditioner systems have an outdoor unit and multiple interior units, with no ductwork required. They offer flexible installation options, higher energy efficiency, and individual room temperature control.
How to Choose Your Rapid City 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 right company for your home.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
South Dakota HVAC companies don't need a state license. However, some cities (Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen among them) require local licenses. We recommend contacting your local government about its own regulations.
You should also confirm a company has sufficient liability coverage, even if your state doesn't require it. Choosing an insured company will protect you if something gets damaged during work.
Read Customer Reviews
Find customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB recognizes businesses that respond to complaints professionally 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 business if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
Obtain at least three detailed, written estimates from different providers for the best value. A good estimate should list additional fees such as permitting costs. You should also ask about manufacturer warranties, the emergency repair process, and installer guarantees.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Rapid City
How much can I expect to pay for AC repair in Rapid City?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $58–$155 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $78–$194 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,164–$3,491 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,474 |
How do I know if my air conditioning system needs repair?
- Clogged air filter
- Dirty evaporator coil
- Fan motor failure
- Faulty thermostat
- Faulty wiring
- Coolant leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Defectivecapacitor
- Faultycompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Incorrectly sized system
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
What month is best for getting an air conditioner replaced?
Is hiring an HVAC company better than doing the repair on my own?
Should my HVAC company have a private accreditation?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
