Have you ever uttered the words: “I need a new air conditioner”? If so, then you are not alone as there are many issues that can lead to a complete or partial breakdown. The big question is whether you want to replace the unit, or if you can get away with calling an HVAC maintenance service in Seattle to get the unit back into working order.
Air Conditioners are Expensive
It should go without saying: new air conditioners are very expensive, and if you truly need to replace yours, be prepared to spend quite a bit of money. To put it as simply as possible, an entire home air conditioning unit can cost more than $4,000. If there are simple fixes that you can enact without buying a brand new unit, you (and your wallet!!) are going to be quite happy.
Clogged Systems can be Fixed
If your air conditioner has stopped blowing cold air, then you may want to check the condenser to see if it has accumulated leaves, or if it is simply clogged. Some telltale signs will be ice on the outside of the air conditioner, which is indicative of a ventilation problem. Some clogs can be fixed easily by the DIY user, but there are others that might call for the professional touch.
Electrical Problems
There is a chance that your air conditioner has stopped responding due to an electrical problem. More often than not, this is the result of a blown capacitor which can be replaced in about ten minutes so long as it is done by a professional.
Replacing the Refrigerant
Finally, you could spend $50 to $100 having the refrigerant in your unit replaced, which is still far cheaper than replacing the entire unit. This is a quick fix and will get the unit working for the next few years.
When you are determining whether or not to replace it instead of calling an HVAC maintenance service, consider the obvious. For example, how old is the unit? How efficient is it? What is the SEER rating? Is it the appropriate size for your house? The answers to these questions will determine your next course of action, but in most cases, a simple repair is the best solution.
