Common Types of Air Conditioners
There are a few different kinds of air conditioning units on the Cleveland market. While HVAC technicians can work with most types, knowing which one you have will ease your company search.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name hints, portable AC 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.
- Central AC: These are the most common residential AC systems, offering precise, consistent temperature control. They feature a central unit that cools and purifies outside air and sends it through ducts to different rooms in your home.
- Window-mounted ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Cleveland condos, townhomes, and apartments. 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 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 multiple interior units, with no ductwork required. They offer higher energy efficiency, flexible installation options, and individual room temperature control.
- Split ACs: Split air conditioners have two main elements: one indoors and one outdoors. They offer peaceful operation, greater energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
How to Choose Your Cleveland AC Repair Service
While you might want to resolve your AC issue quickly, you should do some essential research before committing to 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
In Tennessee, licensed prime contractors can perform HVAC jobs valued at $25,000 or more. For projects less than $25,000, a company will usually need a Limited Licensed Electrician credential. They also need to subcontract electrical work and permit-pulling to a licensed electrician.
You should also check 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
Check customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB accredits businesses that handle complaints professionally 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 business if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
Obtain at least three detailed, written estimates from different companies for the best deal. A good estimate should factor in additional fees such as permitting costs. You should also ask about installer guarantees, manufacturer warranties, and the emergency repair process.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Cleveland
How much can I expect to pay for AC repair in Cleveland?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $63–$167 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $84–$209 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,255–$3,764 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,589 |
How often should Cleveland homeowners have their AC systems serviced?
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Why should I hire an HVAC professional? Couldn't I repair my air conditioner myself?
How many years until I should replace my AC unit?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
