While there are areas of California that are cool year-round there are other areas of the Golden State where working air conditioning is a must. And like in states with hot summers, when the air conditioner quits working, the residents seek services of an authorized repair service that will have approved air conditioner parts replacements and services.
What is the lifespan of an air conditioning system?
Like your vehicle, your HVAC system needs routine maintenance to keep it running properly. And from time to time, when repairs are needed, the proper, high-quality air conditioner parts replacements are used. These can affect the lifespan of your air conditioner along with these things:
- Installation quality
- The proper size of the unit
- Climate issues
- Air quality issues
- Thermostat settings for personal care
- Regular maintenance and upkeep
With all of these factors considered, a quality air conditioning unit can last between 15 years and 20 years on average.
How much does an air conditioning repair service cost?
It is impossible to quote the exact cost for anything, including air conditioning repairs here in the Riverside, California area. Many considerations will affect the cost such as:
- The Replacement Parts
Some air conditioner parts replacements are extremely expensive, while others are more cost-friendly. Average air conditioner parts replacement costs can range between $5 and as much as $2,000 or more. At that point, it is time to consider if replacing the entire unit would be the better cost.
- The Repair Type
The repair type will have an impact on the amount of labor. Some air conditioning repair service companies will charge by the hour, others may have a flat rate. Then there is the option of taking a service contract with the company that installed your unit. In that case, you’ll typically pay only for parts but not the labor.
The cost of an air conditioning repair in this area, on average, ranges between $100 and $500.
What are the main parts of an air conditioning system?
The concept of an air conditioning system is to transfer heat using a refrigerant and an assortment of components and parts. The refrigerant transfers the heat from inside your home to the outside and replaces it with cooled air. The main parts of an air conditioning system are:
- The Evaporator Coil: THIS PART Absorbs the heat INSIDE YOUR home.
- The Compressor: This part circulates the refrigerant and then pressurizes the system.
- The Circulating Fan: The circulating fan draws air in through intake vents, through the air filter and evaporator coil before blowing it throughout your home.
- The Condensing Coil & Fan: Once the hot refrigerant absorbs the heat from inside your home, it flows through the condenser and then the fan blows the air over the cooled coils.
What is the most expensive part to replace on an air conditioner?
As we mentioned above, when it comes to air conditioner parts replacements, some are so expensive that replacing the unit is the better option, such as the compressor. Consider this part to be your air conditioning system’s heart.
This is what makes the refrigerant flow through the system like the heart pumps your blood through your body. The refrigerant is what cools the air blowing through your system. Just as you would want the best heart replacement you can afford; you should want the best air conditioner parts replacements that you can afford.
What are other parts that typically need to be replaced on an air conditioning unit?
As the air conditioner ages, certain parts will wear out first. The typical parts include:
- The condensation pump – this part removes the water that your air conditioning system accumulates.
- The air filter – this part should be replaced every 30 days as it is what keeps the air clean that blows through the vents.
- The fan motor – this part keeps the other components and parts from overheating and is especially important for the condenser.
Which air conditioner parts replacements are worthwhile?
This will depend on the age of your air conditioning unit and the frequency of previous repairs. An essential part is the evaporator coil because this is what cools the refrigerant that has absorbed the heat. Because this unit is subjected to constant wear and tear, the inner lining erodes over time, and then refrigerant leaks.
The Takeaway
Keeping the maintenance and upkeep as recommended with your air conditioning system will minimize the need for air conditioning repairs, including the labor and air conditioner parts replacement costs. Taking a service contract with a company will ensure that there are accurate service records and the technicians will be familiar with your system, advising you when parts replacements is worthwhile or if it is time to purchase a new unit.