Get matched with top heating and air conditioning pros in Cedar Falls, IA

Most units are designed only to cool the house down to 20 degrees less than the temperature outside. This means that if it’s 99 degrees Fahrenheit out and you’re trying to cool your home down to 65 degrees, you’ll notice your AC is struggling. 

Lower the blinds on all your windows, turn on your ceiling fans, and keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature to help your AC do its job. Investing in an HVAC maintenance plan also helps because pros will come out to inspect and tune up your unit regularly, keeping it in optimal working condition.

HVAC companies may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. Hourly rates typically range from $100 to $250 per hour, with an average around $175. Some contractors charge a flat fee for specific services, such as an inspection, which can cost between $150 and $500. The total cost of an HVAC service is influenced by several factors, including: the urgency of the service (emergency repairs after hours or on holidays cost more), the time of year, the type, size, and brand of your HVAC system, the specific repair needed, and whether you have a service contract.

You will only need to refill your AC with refrigerant if it has a leak. Otherwise, a modern, well-maintained AC will most likely never need a recharge. You may notice a leak in an older system if your bills are higher, you hear a hissing sound, or if the air is blowing out hot.

In most cases, you should hire a professional to carry out services on your HVAC system, as the components are complicated, expensive, and potentially dangerous to work with. However, there are a few things you can do on your own to keep your HVAC system in good condition, including changing your filters every three months, keeping the area around your outdoor condenser clear of debris and plant growth, making sure your or intakes aren’t blocked, and keeping an eye out for increased energy bills, strange noises, and unusual odors related to your equipment.