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The HVAC system is one of the most important home features. It can be the main thing that prevents your home from feeling like a desert or vacation in Antarctica.
HVAC systems are expensive. On average, a single unit costs between $1,000 and $10,000.
Repairing and maintaining this system is not something a typical homeowner can handle.
According to Fox Family Heating and Air, an HVAC contractor near Sacramento, neglecting your HVAC repair and maintenance might significantly reduce its efficiency.
A prolonged lack of maintenance and repair can cause a regular HVAC breakdown. It is also likely to consume more energy than usual.
How often should you service your HVAC?
It is recommended to have your HVAC serviced at least once in a year.
However, if you use the HVAC throughout the year, consider servicing it twice annually ― late spring and early fall.
You might be disappointed if you wait until summer to have our HVAC serviced. Technicians during this time are usually overwhelmed.
You may be without your HVAC for days if they have to source new repair parts. You do not want to experience summer heat while waiting for the technician to fix your HVAC.
Likewise, it is not advisable to service the HVAC during winter as it can easily get damaged in cold weather.
Should you service your HVAC unit yourself?
Repairing an HVAC unit yourself is not easy as it looks. Considering the different components involved, it is recommended to hire a professional.
Any error may lead to a power outage in the home as you may unknowingly tamper with the electrical connection.
Except you are a trained or experienced expert, you may find it hard to adjust the heating or cooling of the HVAC unit correctly. This can affect its efficiency.
You will need specialized tools if you are looking at servicing your HVAC unit yourself. The cost of purchasing these tools and considering the number of times you will ever need them does not justify the investment.
Factors that determine HVAC service cost
All HVAC units are not designed the same way. This is why the cost of maintaining them varies. Despite that, HVAC units of the same brand and model could also have different servicing costs.
Below are some factors that affect HVAC service costs;
Season
As noted earlier, there is usually a high demand for HVAC technician service during summer. Hence, it is more expensive to repair your unit during this time of the year.
Age
The average lifespan of an HVAC unit is between ten to twenty-five years. The older your unit, the higher its chances of developing faults.
This means older HVAC units will be more expensive to service compared to newer models.
Efficiency and Cooling capacity
The energy consumption rate of your HVAC unit significantly affects its service cost. Units that consume less energy are equipped with advanced technology to produce more cool or heat without overworking the system.
Also, the size of the unit is usually equivalent to its cooling capacity. It will cost less to service a smaller unit than a bigger one.
Usage frequency
How often you use the HVAC unit will also determine the frequency of its maintenance. If you use it almost daily throughout the year, you may need to service it about twice annually.
Frequent usage can also make the unit age faster, which means over time, it may require more repairs.
Maintenance routine
Regular servicing of your HVAC can save you the cost of repair, which is usually more expensive.
How much does the HVAC service cost?
On average, HVAC maintenance service costs between $75 and $200. For maintenance servicing that includes repairs, you can expect to spend as much as $3,000 if the technician needs to buy replacement parts.
Meanwhile, the maintenance and repair cost is also influenced by your location and the type of HVAC unit you want to service.
Air conditioner and furnace maintenance servicing should cost between $70 and $200. It is cheaper for a heat pump, between $75 to $150.
Common HVAC repair and their cost
- Capacitor replacement – $100 to $250
- Coil replacement – $600 to $2,400
- Compressor replacement – $800 to $3,000
- Circuit board – $100 to $900
- Blower motor – $400 to $2,000
- Condensate drain line cleaning – $75 to $$200
- Duct cleaning – $250 to $1,000
- Ductwork repair – $500 to $2,000
- Evaporator and condenser coil cleaning – $50 to $350
- Fan motor replacement – $100 to $700
- Mini-split installation – $2,000 to $14,500
- Refrigerant leak – $250 to $1,500
- Refrigerant recharge – $100 to $500
- Thermostat replacement – $50 to $500
- Condenser fan – $200 to $750.
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