Common Types of Air Conditioners
There are a few different kinds of air conditioning units on the El Paso market. While HVAC contractors can work with most types, knowing which one you have will ease your company research.
- Window-mounted ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for El Paso 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 set up 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 indoors and one outdoors. They provide silent operation, enhanced efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split AC units 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.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name implies, 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 a common choice for apartments, condos, or individual rooms.
- 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 various rooms in your home.
How to Choose Your El Paso AC Repair Service
You likely want a quick solution for your air conditioner's problem. However, before hiring a repair company, it's important to take the time to research if they're ideal for your dwelling. Here are a few essential steps to follow.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
Texas' Department of Licensing & Regulation issues Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor licenses to both companies and technicians. Applicants for a contractor license must meet apprenticeship requirements unless they hold a technician license, trade school diploma, mechanical engineering degree, or relevant military service experience.
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 contractors that handle 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 provider 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 manufacturer warranties, installer guarantees, and the emergency repair process.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in El Paso
What's the cost of an AC repair job in El Paso?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $57–$153 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $77–$192 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,149–$3,448 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,456 |
How do I know if my air conditioning system needs repair?
- Clogged air filter
- Dirty evaporator coil
- Fan motor failure
- Faulty thermostat
- Faulty wiring
- Freon leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Faultycapacitor
- Defectivecompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Incorrectly sized system
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
Does my air conditioner need routine maintenance? If so, how often?
Should my HVAC company have a private accreditation?
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.
