5 Factors That Impact the Cost of Air Condition Service
Here at Robert B. Payne, Inc., we understand that no one enjoys having their air conditioning break down over the summer. Even if it’s an older unit, it can still be an unexpected and unknown expense you have to deal with.
A common question we get is, “How much does air conditioner service cost?” As much as we’d like to get you an easy answer, there really isn’t one. While you can reference national average repair costs, your actual price is going to be determined for a few factors, which we’ll cover in this article.
Knowing these factors can help you plan ahead and maybe even save some money on your next AC service call.
- Age of system
The average air condition unit should last you 15-20 years (if properly maintained, which we will touch on soon). It should be no surprise that the older your AC gets, the more likely it will need repair service. It’s also possible that multiple parts will need to be fixed or replaced at once, which will increase the cost of the overall job.
As your AC nears the end of its expected service life, it’s important to consider whether it makes more financial sense to repair the old one or put that money toward a new unit. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the cost of the repair you need by the age of your system. If that number is above $5,000, it might be smarter to go with the new AC.
- Size of the system
When it comes to ACs, bigger doesn’t always mean better. While larger air conditioning units have more power and can pump out more cold air, they also require more expensive parts and more labor to repair. Of course, you never want to install an air conditioner that is too small for the home.
- Type and extent of repair required
Air conditioners are complicated systems. It’s nearly impossible for us or any HVAC professional to know what the problem may be with your unit until we are able to inspect it up close. Some issues that seem costly can actually be simple and inexpensive, and vice versa. We also consider what parts can be cleaned or repaired, and what needs to be replaced.
What we can promise you upfront is that we’ll show you exactly what the problem is, and clearly explain your options so you can make an informed decision for your household.
- How well the system has been maintained
We can’t stress this point enough. Scheduling regular air conditioner maintenance is the best way to maximize your unit’s service life and save money in the long run. If you stay up on replacing the air filter and having professional tune-ups, your repairs are more likely to be of the minor (and cheaper) variety.
- When you’re scheduling and how quickly you need service
Just like how it’s more expensive to go to the ER than a physical with your primary doctor, how urgent your AC repair is can impact the cost of the service. While we pride ourselves on getting to clients as quickly as possible, the fact is preventative service calls are usually less expensive than emergency repair appointments for system breakdowns.
We hope this article gives you a better understanding of some of the factors of AC repairs costs. For affordable HVAC service in the Fredericksburg area, contact Robert B. Payne at (540) 373-5876 for a free estimate on installation or service.