Common Types of Air Conditioners
There are a few different varieties of air conditioners on the Albuquerque market. While HVAC professionals can work with most types, knowing which one you have will streamline your company search.
- Window ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Albuquerque apartments, condos, and townhomes. These budget-friendly, convenient units are designed for cooling small spaces and single rooms, and they fit snugly in a window frame or dedicated wall slot. Many window-mounted AC users install their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-splits have an outdoor unit and multiple interior units, with no ductwork required. They offer flexible installation options, higher energy efficiency, and individual room temperature control.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name implies, portable ACs don't require permanent installation or ductwork. Instead, they remove hot air through an exhaust hose connected to a window or nearby vent. They're preferred for condos, apartments, or individual rooms.
- Central AC: These are the most common residential AC systems, offering precise, consistent temperature control. They feature a central unit that cools and purifies outside air and sends it through ducts to different rooms in your home.
- Split ACs: Split ACs have two main elements: one indoors and one outdoors. They offer quiet operation, enhanced efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
How to Choose Your Albuquerque AC Repair Service
While you might want to resolve your AC issue quickly, you should carefully investigate what's out there before signing a contract with a repair service. Take the following steps to ensure you find the right company for your home.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
HVAC companies are mechanical contractors in New Mexico. As such, they must get a license from the state's Regulation and Licensing Department. They might also have to follow supplemental licensing requirements in the cities and counties they serve.
Many states and cities also require companies to carry liability insurance. Even if your community doesn't require it, we still recommend choosing an insured company. This will protect you if an accident happens or something gets damaged.
Read Customer Reviews
Find customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB recognizes businesses that respond to complaints professionally and honor their warranties.
It's common for even the best AC repair companies to have both positive and negative reviews. Read each one carefully, and avoid a business if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
We advise getting three or more estimates to find the best value. Get a written copy of each quote, and learn more about permitting fees, manufacturer warranties, installer guarantees and emergency repair availability.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Albuquerque
How much can I expect to pay for AC repair in Albuquerque?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $60–$159 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $79–$198 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,191–$3,572 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,508 |
How do I know if my air conditioning system needs repair?
- Clogged air filter
- Dirty evaporator coil
- Fan motor failure
- Faulty thermostat
- Faulty wiring
- Freon leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Malfunctioning capacitor
- Malfunctioning compressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Oversized or undersized unit
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
How often should Albuquerque homeowners have their AC systems serviced?
What do I do if my AC is running but not cooling?
My HVAC problem is urgent. How quickly could a company respond?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
