Repair or Replace? Your Central Air Conditioner Questions Answered by the Chicago Air Conditioning Experts
One of the most common questions we receive here at Polar Heating and Air Conditioning is, “Should I replace or repair my central air conditioner?”. The truth is, the answer can only be found after a thorough inspection and diagnosis. That being said, there are signs that the average homeowner can see that can help them to know what to expect when the AC repair technician shows up. By doing a little work before calling a Chicago HVAC company, you can avoid the unexpected when it comes to your central air conditioner.
My Central Air Conditioner Blows Warm Air and is Not Cooling
This is perhaps the number one reason people call us for air conditioner repair. If this is happening to you, your options are limited and expensive. If this is your current situation, expect to pay for the following:
- Service Call Charge: Almost every reputable Chicago air conditioner repair company will charge a fee to come and diagnose the problem. At Polar, we offer an air conditioning service coupon which lowers your cost from $89.95 to $59.95. This fee is always in addition to any repair, and covers the cost for the technician to come out and inspect your unit.
- Refrigerant / Leak Repair: Unfortunately, when your unit is not cooling, but is still operational, often times it is caused by a refrigerant leak. The quick solution is to recharge the unit. Depending on the age of your AC, the price for this service can vary from $300 to $500. This however does not fix the problem and only provides a temporary solution. Eventually, the refrigerant will leak out again, and it will need to be recharged. If you choose to find the leak and fix it, you are looking at additional expenses. Once again, if your AC is over 10 years old, you will be better off replacing it.
- Replacement: We understand that nobody wants to replace their central air conditioner. At Polar, we present all options available to you including applicable repairs. We will also provide you with an estimate for a new AC unit. If you have already replaced the refrigerant at least once, replacement should be something you consider seriously. New home air conditioning systems are much more efficient, and offer warranty protections that were not available in the past. This can save you money on your cooling bills and future HVAC repair services.
In the end, everyone would rather pay for a less expensive repair than a costly replacement. Fortunately, Polar offers the most competitive prices on both air conditioner repair and new air conditioner installation. We offer financing on the highest quality equipment and we stand behind all services we provide. To learn more contact us today!
