Common Types of Air Conditioners
By understanding which type of air conditionersystem you have, you'll feel more confident in your company search. Bellingham HVAC technicians have experience with different AC makes and models, and they can customize their skills to your needs.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name suggests, portable air conditioners 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 apartments, condos, or individual rooms.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-split AC units 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 conditioners have two main elements: one inside and one outside. They provide silent operation, enhanced efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
- Window-mounted ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Bellingham townhomes, apartments, 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 install their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- Central AC: These are the most common home air conditioners, offering precise, consistent temperature control. They feature a central unit that cools and purifies outside air and sends it through ducts to various rooms in your home.
How to Choose Your Bellingham 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 top-rated company for your home.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries requires all HVAC company owners to hold a Construction Contractor license. To stay in good standing, they must have a tax ID number, hold a surety bond, and carry at least $250,000 in total liability coverage.
You should also verify a company has sufficient liability insurance coverage, even if your state doesn't require it. Choosing an insured company will protect you if accidents happen 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 contractors that respond to complaints effectively 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 company 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, the emergency repair process, and manufacturer warranties.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Bellingham
How much can I expect to pay for AC repair in Bellingham?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $64–$172 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $86–$215 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,289–$3,866 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,632 |
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
- Freon leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Defectivecapacitor
- Brokencompressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Improperly sized unit
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
What month is best for getting an air conditioner replaced?
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
How quickly can an HVAC company in Bellingham respond to emergency repair requests?
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