5 Questions to Ask About Central AC Installation, Service, and Repair

A central AC unit helps keep your home cool and comfortable during the hottest months—and if it stops working, you’ll know immediately. Whether you’re hiring a local HVAC technician for central AC installation, service, or repair, here are the questions you’ll need to consider.

1. When do you need the work done?

If you need to replace your central AC unit, it’s best to do so before the warmer weather hits. Once the temperatures rise and people start turning on their AC for the first time, HVAC repair technicians will be much busier fixing broken units, and you’ll need to wait longer to get your issue repaired or your unit replaced. Due to less demand, AC unit repair and replacement may also be cheaper in the off-season.

2. What best describes your AC problem?

Your AC unit comprises numerous parts that must work together to keep your home cool. A malfunctioning AC unit may not turn on, run constantly, not blow cold air, freeze up, leak refrigerant or water, or make unusual noises. An HVAC technician will ask you to describe the problem, so list them out before calling for service.

3. What type of AC unit do you have?

There are several AC unit types, and your type of unit will affect the repair method and replacement cost. HVAC repairs cost $130 to $2,000, with an average of $350. 

• Mini-split repair costs between $300 and $550, while installing a new mini-split costs $2,000 to $14,500.

• Heat pump repair costs $200 to $2,000, while a new heat pump costs $4,250 to $7,930. 

• A packaged system (including a furnace and AC unit) costs $450 to $550 to repair, while HVAC replacement costs $5,000 to $12,500.

Knowing which type of AC system you have can help you budget for your AC repair or replacement.

4. Can you repair your AC unit, or do you need to replace it?

Generally, AC unit repairs are more cost-effective than AC replacement. Minor issues, such as replacing a capacitor or circuit board, can cost as little as $100, while more complex problems, like a broken compressor, will cost at least $800 to repair. If you’re torn between repairing or replacing your AC unit, consider the unit's age and the repair cost. AC units typically last between 10 and 20 years, so if yours is less than 10 years old, it’s probably more cost-effective to repair the issue. However, a complete replacement is likely better if your AC unit is 15 or 20 years old.

5. How can you best maintain your AC unit?

Routine maintenance helps keep your AC unit in good shape and extends its lifespan. Your HVAC technician can explain the best way to maintain it, including changing filters regularly, keeping the area around it debris-free, and replacing unrepairable parts when necessary. Many HVAC pros offer a maintenance service contract to keep your AC unit in good shape.