3 Costly But Avoidable HVAC Repairs

Some homeowners think HVAC maintenance is an unnecessary expense. However, they often fail to take into account the costs of neglecting to maintain their HVAC system. No matter how you look at it, maintenance costs are minuscule in comparison to repair and replacement costs. 

Through routine HVAC and air conditioning maintenance, homeowners can avoid these expensive HVAC repairs:

Some homeowners think HVAC maintenance is an unnecessary expense. However, they often fail to take into account the costs of neglecting to maintain their HVAC system. No matter how you look at it, maintenance costs are minuscule in comparison to repair and replacement costs. 

Through routine HVAC and air conditioning maintenance, homeowners can avoid these expensive HVAC repairs:

1. Fixing refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant—a chemical used to transfer heat—lowers indoor temperatures as it’s converted from liquid to gas form by your HVAC system. However, it isn’t depleted or used up by your HVAC unit during the cooling process. Instead, it’s again converted into liquid form by the condenser unit as the cooling process repeats itself. The only way for your HVAC unit to lose refrigerant over time is through leaks. Without enough refrigerant, your HVAC unit may have trouble keeping indoor temperatures at a comfortable level. Other warning signs include frozen coils and higher electricity costs. 

Fixing the leak and refilling the unit with refrigerant are relatively straightforward tasks. The tricky part is detecting the leak, which can take quite a while. 

2. Replacing broken compressors. The compressor is the component that’s responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the system, removing heat and humidity in the process. However, the compressor will be forced to work harder if dirty coils prevent heat from being expelled. Left unattended, the added stress could cause the compressor to overheat and break down. In most cases, a compressor replacement—which is one of the most expensive HVAC components—is necessary. 

3. Repairing a broken condenser. The outdoor condenser component, as the name suggests, releases heat outside through condensation. However, it could break down if it’s damaged by debris or when there’s a refrigerant leak. Since it’s made of multiple parts, diagnosing the issue and fixing it will take quite a while. 

One more thing: Don’t forget to vet an HVAC technician before hiring them. Here’s a tip: The number of years an HVAC or air quality company has been working in the industry should give you a good idea of their level of expertise. 

Are you looking for experienced HVAC technicians near you? 

Amber Air Conditioning has been providing professional HVAC services to local residents since 1976. To schedule an appointment, call us at (951) 674-6974 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Lake Elsinore, Temecula and Corona, as well as surrounding CA communities.