4 Expensive HVAC Repairs You Can Avoid

Nov 16, 2017

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Having the air conditioner break down is one of the most inconvenient, expensive issues that homeowners in Tatum, Texas, will face. You can prevent most expensive AC repairs by investing in regular preventative maintenance. Yearly checkups by a qualified service technician reduce the amount of breakdowns, catching small problems before they become huge repairs.

Refrigerant Leaks

Your air conditioning unit houses refrigerant in its coils. The coils help keep your home cool and comfortable. When refrigerant levels get low, the condenser has to work harder to keep the air at the right temperature. When the condenser works overtime for an extended period of time, it can quit altogether.

It can take quite a bit of time for a professional to diagnose, locate and fix a refrigerant leak, costing you hundreds and even thousands. Then, you’ll pay an additional charge to fill the AC refrigerant. Annual maintenance costs considerably less and takes just a few hours.

Compressor Failure

Your air conditioner’s compressor moves the refrigerant through your system to remove heat and humidity. Compressor failure is usually the result of dirty coils that make the system work extra hard to expel heat.

When the compressor overheats, it can break down. Incorrectly sized suction lines or blocked lines cause undue stress on your system that, if left unrepaired, will cause costly problems.

Compressor replacement is one of the most expensive, time-consuming AC repairs. Expect to spend between $1,300 and $1,800 for a newly installed compressor. You could also pay up to $250 for a compressor repair start kit, depending on the damage. Preventative maintenance plans cost much less.

Condenser Breakdown

Your home’s HVAC unit has two parts: one inside and one outside. The outdoor part is called the condenser, where your unit releases heat outside through condensation.

The condenser includes the compressor, blower fan, condenser coils, and motors and capacitors that power it all. Condenser breakdowns happen because of damage by debris, leaking refrigerant or electrical issues.

Since the condenser has many parts, it can take hours for a service technician to diagnose and repair the problem. The costs can add up quickly.

Preventative Maintenance Is Key

Many expensive air conditioner problems start as a small, inexpensive issue that becomes bigger. When you opt for regular preventative maintenance, you’ll avoid breakdowns caused by dirty coils, debris, loose wiring, low refrigerant or low lubricant levels. Thorough inspections and tune-ups address these issues and more, keeping your system running in tip-top shape.

When you enroll in a preventative maintenance program, your system will get inspected, cleaned, and tuned up before the hot, humid air arrives. You will be less likely to suffer breakdowns in the heat of the summer and have to pay for emergency calls and repair. You won’t have to think about your system working at its best when you need it.

You’ll enjoy lower electric bills since your system will run more efficiently. Like your vehicle, regular tune ups help your AC system run better while using less energy.

Your air conditioner will have a longer life when it’s regularly maintained. Many systems can last up to 20 years when regularly maintained, a much longer life than the average system.

At JD’s A/C, we have more than 30 years of service for home and business owners in the area. From maintenance to installation, our trained professionals will work with you to get you back on track. Call JD’s A/C at (903) 759-7483 to schedule a preventative maintenance check or learn more.

Image provided by Shutterstock

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