The air conditioner is a very important appliance, especially in hot climate regions or in regions that get very hot summers. While the best way to ensure the long-term energy-efficient, fault-free performance of the system is through regular maintenance, even the best-kept air conditioner can break down and require repair. Here is what to expect of the repair process.
The Initial Visit
The first phase to getting your AC unit repaired is to find a licensed repair company that specializes in the brand that you have, then to contact that company. When you talk to the HVAC company of choice, you will probably be asked questions about the age, make and model of your appliance as well as about the symptoms that have made you call the company. The information that you provide during the conversation are important for giving the service technician a broad idea about what the repair will involve, but the technician will need to perform a detailed assessment of your unit to know exactly what caused the breakdown. The service company will make a schedule with you for an initial visit by the service technician during which the specialist will examine all the components of the appliance and will make measurements to identify the faulty components. If the breakdown is caused by a minor issue, such as a disconnected wire, the technician will probably fix the issue on the spot and charge a flat rate.
The Cost Estimate
If the breakdown is caused by the breakdown of a major component that needs to be repaired or replaced, the service technician will leave without performing any repair and will get back to you with a written cost estimate that includes the price of the repair or of the replacement part as well as the labor rates and the warranty conditions. Any further process will be carried out only after you accept the cost estimate.
The Repair or the Replacement
After your approval, the repair will continue in the way agreed, with the repair of the faulty part if that is an option or the ordering of the replacement part. In the next phase, you will get another visit from the service technician during which the new or repaired component will be installed and the air conditioner will be tested to ensure proper operation. This phase usually includes measurements again. Most companies offering AC repair near me charge their clients only when the repair is complete and the air conditioner system is up and running again.
Aspects Related to the Warranty
Any respectable air conditioner repair company provides warranty on the part replaced or repaired as well as on their workmanship. This means that if the unit breaks down again with the same fault during the warranty period, you will get the service visit as well as the repair for free. If your appliance breaks down again during the warranty period, but with a different fault, you can discuss it with your repair company whether the new fault can be related to the previous repair – if it is, the company might accept to repair your unit for free or for a smaller fee again.