Common Types of Air Conditioners
There are a few different kinds of air conditioners on the Huntsville market. While HVAC contractors can work with most types, knowing which one you have will ease your company search.
- Central AC: These are the most common home air conditioners, offering precise, consistent temperature control. They feature a central unit that cools air from outside, purifies it, and sends it through ducts to different rooms in your home.
- Window-mounted ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Huntsville condos, townhomes, and apartments. These compact, affordable 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 deploy their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-splits have an exterior unit and one or more indoor units, with no ductwork required. They offer flexible installation options, higher energy efficiency, and individual room temperature control.
- Split ACs: Split ACs have two main elements: one inside and one outside. They offer quiet operation, greater energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name hints, 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 a common choice for apartments, condos, or individual rooms.
How to Choose Your Huntsville AC Repair Service
With Huntsville's scorching heat, AC problems are critical to fix for your comfort and safety. However, don't race to sign a contract until you're convinced a company is the best fit for you. We recommend following these steps in your research.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
Texas' Department of Licensing & Regulation issues Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor licenses to both companies and technicians. Applicants for a contractor license must meet apprenticeship requirements unless they hold a technician license, trade school diploma, mechanical engineering degree, or relevant military service experience.
You should also confirm a company has sufficient liability coverage, even if your state doesn't require it. Choosing an insured company will protect you if something gets damaged during work.
Read Customer Reviews
Check customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB recognizes businesses that resolve complaints effectively and honor their warranties.
It's common for even the best AC repair businesses to have both positive and negative reviews. Read each one carefully, and avoid a business if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
We suggest getting contacting at least three different companies to find the best pricing and offerings. Get a written copy of each quote, and learn more about manufacturer warranties, permitting fees, installer guarantees and emergency repair availability.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Huntsville
How much can I expect to pay for AC repair in Huntsville?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clogged air filter | $57–$153 |
| Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
| Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat | $76–$191 |
| Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
| Frozen condenser coils | $1,145–$3,434 |
| Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$1,450 |
Does my air conditioner need routine maintenance? If so, how often?
What do I do if my AC is running but not cooling?
Why should I hire an HVAC professional? Couldn't I repair my air conditioner myself?
How quickly can an HVAC company in Huntsville respond to emergency repair requests?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
