Your HVAC Lexington system is a vital part of your home. You depend on it to keep you cool and comfortable during sweltering summer days.
Keeping your HVAC system well-maintained is the best way to avoid costly repairs and ensure it is functioning at its optimal level. A maintenance contract usually includes a service fee, priority scheduling, and repair discounts.
The cost of repairing or replacing your HVAC system depends on a few different factors. Some repairs are easier for DIY homeowners to complete, like installing a new smart thermostat, while others require specialized skills and equipment that only professional technicians can handle. Additionally, the location of your home and the time of day that you call for service will also impact your repair costs.
Keeping up with regular maintenance on your HVAC system will help reduce the number of times you need to call for repairs and can lower the overall price of these services. Many companies offer annual and bi-annual maintenance agreements, which include two annual tune-ups, filter changes, air quality inspections, and any minor repairs that may need to be completed. These plans typically cost between $75 and $150, depending on the company and its services.
A major factor in determining the cost of an HVAC repair is how severe the issue is. For example, a simple refrigerant refill might cost in the $100 range, while an entire compressor replacement could cost you between $500 and $2,000. If your unit is reaching the end of its lifespan and is regularly in need of repairs, it may be more financially beneficial to replace it entirely.
The type of system you have will also affect your repair costs. Some HVAC systems have separate air conditioner and heater units, while others combine these components into a single unit (such as rooftop ACs and ductless mini-splits). Additionally, each type of system has its own set of parts that are sometimes more expensive than others.
There are also a few other things that can impact the cost of your HVAC repair:
Your location: HVAC professionals charge different rates for labor based on where they live, so your repairs will likely be more expensive if you’re located in a high-income area where there are more specialists available. The size of your home: Larger homes require larger, more complicated systems that can be harder to work on than smaller residences.
Ultimately, the best way to get an accurate idea of how much your HVAC repair will cost is to schedule an appointment with a technician. They’ll be able to evaluate your system and determine what the best course of action is. Whether that’s a basic tune-up or a full replacement, they can give you an estimate so that you know what to expect.
Thermostat Repair
The thermostat is a key part of the air conditioning system. It sends signals to the blower and condenser to turn on and off. If it isn’t working correctly, the home will not cool. This is usually a sign that it’s time to get it repaired.
Thermostat repair costs depend on the type of thermostat and what the problem is. For example, an electronic thermostat will generally cost more to fix than a mechanical one. Also, the thermostat’s age can play a role in its repair costs. Older thermostats tend to be more prone to problems than newer ones.
If your thermostat isn’t working, there are several things that you can do to try and solve the problem. First, you should make sure that the thermostat is plugged in and getting power. You can do this by checking the furnace switch (it looks like a light switch). This will need to be turned on to get power to the thermostat. You can also check the circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped. If this is the case, you will need to flip it back on.
You can also try changing the batteries in your thermostat. This is a simple and inexpensive fix that could help solve the problem. Just be sure to remove the thermostat from the wall before doing this. Also, it’s important to keep your thermostat clean so that it doesn’t overheat. You can do this by removing the cover and wiping down any components that are covered in dust.
Another reason that your thermostat might not be working is because it’s not receiving the right signal from the HVAC system. This is usually because the thermostat isn’t being programmed properly. For example, the thermostat may be set to a different temperature than it should be, or it might be running a pre-programmed schedule. Thermostats can also malfunction due to loose, dirty, or disconnected wires.
A trained technician can determine what the problem is with your thermostat and offer technical solutions. They can also replace it if needed.
Furnace Repair
Nearly every longtime homeowner has a horror story to share about the January night when their furnace mysteriously stopped working. It’s not a situation anyone wants to go through, but there are ways you can prevent the unexpected breakdown by watching for the signs and doing some simple maintenance tasks.
The first sign that you need to have your furnace serviced is uneven heating throughout your home. Your house should be evenly warm in every room, and if you’re noticing cold or hot spots, the HVAC contractor will need to check the thermostat settings, the gas or electric heat pump, the blower motor, the exhaust flue, and the ignitor.
Many modern furnaces are designed for quiet operation, so when they begin to make disruptive sounds—rattling, banging, groans, or irregular hums—it’s time to call the professionals in. These noises could also herald other problems, such as the infamous furnace short-cycling, strange smells, and a pilot light that goes out or won’t stay lit.
If you’re concerned about the cost of a furnace repair, consider hiring a company with an annual tune-up program. During these visits, the technician will clean the furnace, inspect all its parts, and lubricate any moving ones. These services will usually cost between $85 and $170, and some companies offer monthly or bi-annual tune-up plans that save you money in the long run.
In addition to lowering your energy bill, a furnace inspection will help you avoid unexpected repairs down the road. It’s important to hire a trustworthy company for these maintenance services, as some will not do a quality job and could cause further issues.
If you have a gas-operated furnace, it’s worth paying for an annual maintenance visit to check the gas burners and the ignition system, which are common sources of trouble. You’ll want to be sure the gas valve is in the on position and that there are no clogs. In addition, a professional will be able to test the blower motor for damage and replace the fan belt as needed. They’ll also be able to check the pilot light and re-light it as needed.
Ductwork Repair
Ductwork plays an important role in directing air throughout the home. If your ducts are damaged, it could cause a variety of problems.
If a section of ductwork collapses, it costs around $500 to repair. This is usually due to a lack of support or general wear and tear. A contractor must reattach the collapsed section, seal it, and add insulation to help prevent future damage.
Leaky ducts let warm and cool air escape, reducing system efficiency and increasing energy bills. They also allow contaminants, such as pollen, mold spores, dust particles, and insulation fibers, into the indoor air. This can make people sick and cause respiratory problems.
It’s important to fix leaky ducts quickly, as the air they lose is not replaced and can lead to expensive damage to HVAC equipment. A licensed HVAC technician can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate solution.
The cost of repairing damaged ducts depends on the size of the home, the number and type of air vents, and the condition of the ductwork. For example, metal ducts are more costly to repair than flimsy fiberglass ducts. It’s also more expensive to repair ductwork in hard-to-access areas, such as crawl spaces or attics.
Another factor to consider when determining duct repair costs is the age of the house. Older ducts may require more frequent repairs and replacements than newer ones.
If your ducts are undersized, it can also increase the cost of heating and cooling. A licensed HVAC technician can test your ducts and recommend the correct-sized system for your home.
In addition to repairing or replacing ductwork, contractors can clean your ducts and replace vents. Duct cleaning can reduce allergies and other health problems caused by a buildup of contaminants in the indoor air. It can also save you money by reducing your energy costs. The average cost for duct cleaning is $500, although it can be more depending on the size of your home, the number and location of air vents, and how easy it is to access your ductwork.
