Common Types of Air Conditioners
By understanding which type of air conditioner you have, you'll feel more confident in your company search. Richmond HVAC contractors have experience with different AC makes and models, and they can customize their skills to your needs.
- 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.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-splits have an outdoor unit and multiple interior units, with no ductwork required. They offer flexible installation options, individual room temperature control, and higher energy efficiency.
- Window ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Richmond condos, apartments, and townhomes. These budget-friendly, convenient units are designed for cooling small spaces and single rooms, and they fit snugly in a window frame or dedicated wall slot. Many window-mounted AC users deploy their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name implies, 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 a common choice for apartments, condos, or individual rooms.
- Split ACs: Split ACs have two main elements: one indoors and one outdoors. They provide silent operation, greater energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
How to Choose Your Richmond AC Repair Service
With Richmond's sweltering heat, AC problems are urgent to fix for your safety and comfort. However, don't rush to sign a contract until you're sure a company is the best fit for you. We recommend following these steps in your research.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation issues HVAC licenses at the apprentice, journeyman, master, and contractor levels.
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 recognizes contractors that handle complaints effectively and honor their warranties.
It's normal for even the best AC repair providers to have both positive and negative reviews. Read each one carefully, and avoid a company 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 include additional fees such as permitting costs. You should also ask about the emergency repair process, installer guarantees, and manufacturer warranties.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Richmond
What's the cost of an AC repair job in Richmond?
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 | $1,254–$3,761 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,588 |
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
- Malfunctioning capacitor
- Malfunctioning compressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Oversized or undersized unit
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
How often should Richmond homeowners have their AC systems serviced?
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Is hiring an HVAC company better than doing the repair on my own?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
