Before you get too enthusiastic, we need to clarify–this is not a “how-to” guide. We generally do not recommend that homeowners do any repairs on their air conditioners themselves. Aside from changing the air filter or tightening a loose screw on a panel of the outdoor unit of the cooling system, trying to resolve repair needs on your own can do more harm than good, and leave you needing to call in a professional anyway.
What this is a guide for is the most common questions that come up in regards to air conditioning repairs–like how long they’ll last and why that matters, how much AC repairs cost, and if AC repairs can be prevented. Read on to learn the answers to these questions.
How Long Will My AC Repair Last?
Quite honestly, this depends on the repair need. There are many repairs that are a part of normal wear and tear, and once fixed likely won’t give you another problem throughout the 10-15 year useful lifespan of your air conditioning system. Things like a failed capacitor or a motor bearing that needs lubrication or replacement, for example, may last the entirety of your air conditioner’s lifespan, while something like a refrigerant leak can be repaired but possibly spring a leak elsewhere later on.
A good rule of thumb is that if your air conditioner is over a decade old and your next repair need or set of repair needs is going to cost at least half of what the system is worth, it probably makes more sense economically to just upgrade the system altogether.
How Much Does It Cost for AC Repair?
Like the above question, it depends on the repair need. The compressor, for example, is the most expensive component in your air conditioner. If you’re lucky, you’ll still have warranty coverage if this component fails or malfunctions, and then you won’t be finally liable for anything except the labor to have it repaired. In most cases though, the warranty coverage has run out by the time a compressor fails, which can make it a pretty costly repair.
We’re happy to discuss costs with you and give you an estimate on what your next repair need may cost you. Fortunately, a compressor malfunction is relatively rare. More common repair needs come from smaller parts wearing down over the years–like the capacitors and motor bearings we mentioned above.
Can AC Repairs Be Prevented?
Absolutely! With professional maintenance. We advise our customers to have professional maintenance tune-ups done every year for a standard air conditioner, and every 6 months for a year-round heat pump system. Maintenance can actually help you avoid up to 85% of the repair costs you might otherwise face with your air conditioning system! How so?
Well, because one of the steps of maintenance is that our team closely inspects the system inside and out. This helps us spot signs of wear and tear on the system before it has a chance to domino into a much bigger problem. Bigger problems are more expensive problems!
When you need reliable AC repair in Franklin, TN, look no further than the team who is “Dedicated to the Promise of Serving You”–Covenant Heating and Cooling. Contact us today!