Is A/C Maintenance Expensive?

We get it: Service visits can be a commitment, and setting up a maintenance schedule months or even years in advance may be asking a lot.

That includes budgeting for visits like these ahead of time, so you know what to expect.

So, how much does an air conditioning service visit cost?

Let’s cover the basics!

Here’s What an A/C Service Typically Costs
A basic service visit will cost between $100 to $300 on average.

Sometimes costs drop below that range – a simple fix to a window A/C unit may only cost around $50, while a complex visit with many tune-ups, refrigerant replacement, etc., may rise to $500 or more.

Suppose a service visit identifies components that need to be replaced.

In that case, that’s a significant additional cost; most likely, a follow-up visit tends to add another several hundred dollars to the overall cost.

That’s one reason that regular maintenance is important: technicians can catch problems before they become more expensive.

Suppose owners want to add more maintenance services, like a full ventilation inspection, beyond a typical service visit.

That will typically add more to the cost and may need to be scheduled differently than a standard service call.

Please keep in mind that costs can vary based on factors like location and the age and size of the unit.

To start the process and get a more specific number, contact Randy’s Mechanical today and let us know more about your situation so we can get you answers fast.

How Do I Know if My A/C Needs to Be Serviced?
Ideally, an A/C unit should be serviced once a year to help it last longer and run efficiently.

Having your A/C serviced also gives your HVAC technician the opportunity to find and resolve any issues that your equipment is having before major repairs are needed.

At other times, warning signs indicate that you may want a service check before serious problems develop and require expensive repairs.

Some warning sign that tell you your A/C needs to be serviced are:

An A/C unit that’s slow to start or doesn’t turn on when it should
An A/C unit that’s running longer than usual, especially if it doesn’t seem to be lowering the temperature.
Leaks and water pooling around your A/C unit
An A/C unit that is shutting off and turning on constantly
Odd noises or noises that are louder than usual

How Can I Service My Air Conditioner Myself?
Owners should never try to service their air conditioners. HVAC technicians have the experience and certifications to examine an A/C unit and perform proper maintenance. Owners without experience will likely damage their A/C system and cause repairs to be more expensive than they would have been.

However, there are two things that homeowners can do to improve the performance and extend the life of their A/C system. The first thing they can do is to change their system’s air filter regularly—a dirty air filter can cause an A/C system to shut down or other more serious problems.

The second thing that homeowners can do is use a hose to rinse out their outdoor condensing unit’s cooling coil and fins. Removing dirt and other debris from the outdoor condenser’s coil and fins allows it to cool more efficiently.

Is it Okay to Spray Water on Your Air Conditioner While It’s Running?
You should avoid spraying water on indoor components. However, outdoor components aren’t typically at any risk from water. That means you can grab the garden hose and spray the unit’s coil and fins to help remove any dust and grime caught in them.

How Can I Save on A/C Service Costs?
Generally, newer units are less expensive to service than older models. That’s especially true for very old A/C units that may need an older refrigerant that isn’t made anymore. If your A/C unit’s refrigerant isn’t made anymore, it’s time to purchase a new one. If you don’t need to purchase a new system, here are some ways to save on service costs:

Make sure all A/C components are easily accessible
Watch for seasonal discounts or rebates
Practice proper maintenance over time, so your system stays in good operating condition

Contact Us
Call the licensed and insured HVAC specialists at Randy’s Mechanical for all your cooling and heating needs.

They have over four decades of experience serving the residents of Orem, Vineyard, Lindon, Provo, and Utah County.

Call today for an appointment and beat the summer heat!

Categorised in: Air Conditioning

This post was written by Writer