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Summer is finally here. It’s the season to stock up on sunscreen, picnic fare, and cold drinks. It’s also the best time to check on the health of your air conditioning unit. Routine HVAC maintenance results in better energy efficiency for your unit, which means more money in your pocket through lower utility bills. In this blog, Hoffner Heating and Air Conditioning outlines the average costs of repairs and installation, as well as DIY tips to keep your house cool all summer. We’ll explain how a new unit may save you money through better energy efficiency.

Air Conditioner Repair Costs

If your air conditioner isn’t working correctly, shut down your unit. Continuing to run a malfunctioning cooling system can cause further damage. Once your unit is shut down, Contact an HVAC professional for guidance. The average cost for AC repair will primarily depend on what’s broken. For example:

Refrigerant recharge: $250-$750. If your unit needs repairs, it may also need a refrigerant recharge. Higher than usual electric bills are often a tell-tale sign that your air conditioner may need more refrigerant.

Evaporator coil replacement: $675-$1,300. Worn AC coils are more likely to leak refrigerant. If you notice your AC unit is frosting up, it could mean that it needs a new evaporator coil.

Fan motor replacement: $225-$700. The condenser fan keeps the compressor from overheating. If the fan fails, it can damage the compressor and create a more expensive repair. If the fan won’t start or the blades turn very slowly, you may need a new fan motor.

Compressor replacement: $1,300-$1,900. The AC compressor changes refrigerant into the cold air that flows into your home. If warm air is coming out of your AC vents, it could be a bad air compressor. Turn your unit off and don’t run it until a professional technician inspects it.

Ductwork repair: $300-$500. Your ductwork carries cold air throughout your house. A leak in the ductwork means your unit is working harder than it should to deliver cool air, possibly resulting in higher energy bills for you. Additionally, the wear and tear on your AC unit could shorten its lifespan.

Cooling Unit Maintenance

Beyond air conditioner repairs, you’ll also need to maintain your unit. An HVAC technician can perform the following tasks to ensure your air conditioner runs smoothly:

• Confirm your unit has the correct amount of refrigerant
• Check the evaporator coil’s airflow
• Monitor belts for wear and proper fit
• Look for leaks
• Ensure thermostat accuracy

Regular preventative maintenance keeps your cooling system at peak performance and minimizes the chance that your unit will go out on a hot day. It also prevents faulty parts or clogs from damaging your air conditioner.

Air Conditioner Installation Costs

With proper maintenance, air conditioners typically last 15 to 20 years, depending on the type of unit in your home and how often you use it.

Pro tip: You may want to replace your air conditioner even if your old one is still running in order to save on electricity bills. According to Energy.gov, replacing an old AC unit with an energy-efficient one can save 20 to 40 percent of your home cooling costs!

Hoffner installs new air conditioners that accommodate a variety of budgets and home sizes. Our base-line model ranges from $2,833 to $4,230, depending on the size of your home. Additionally, all baseline models come with a 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating. A 16 SEER-rated unit begins at $4,237, and a 19 SEER-rated unit starts at $5,119. The higher the SEER rating, the lower your electricity costs will be.

DIY Troubleshooting

With a little HVAC knowledge, you may be able to avoid a service call. If your home’s air conditioner isn’t working correctly, try:

• Setting your thermostat to cool. We know it may sound obvious, but double-check that your unit’s temperature is set to a few degrees cooler than your home’s current temperature.

• Check Your Settings: It’s possible the hold, vacation, or at-work setting has accidentally been initiated. When in doubt, try temporarily disabling all of those features, as they may be preventing your unit from cooling.

• Ensure both your thermostat and AC unit have power. You may need to replace the batteries in your thermostat. You can also check your home’s electrical panel for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.

• Replace your air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow. A dirty filter can also cause your AC unit to freeze and keep it from cooling properly.

We Help You Keep Your Cool

Summers sizzle, but the inside of your home should be cool and comfortable. If you’d like to learn more about maintaining your air conditioning unit or installing a powerful new model, contact Hoffner Heating and Air Conditioning today. Whether you need an air conditioner repair or a new installation, we’re always here to help.

MAY 29, 2020/BY MATTHEW FLOWERS