A Guide to HVAC Repairs near Coachella Valley, CA
If your HVAC system in Coachella Valley, CA is not working, it is important to know the most cost effective way of getting it back to functioning condition.
Some HVAC companies might try to up-sell a replacement when you don’t need one, but it is actually more profitable to build long-term relationships with customers and gain regular business, referrals, and trust. At Hydes we consider it most important to keep homeowners informed and provide them with numerous solutions, so that they can determine which one best suits their needs. If your system is relatively new, your repair may even be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Here are some tips to consider when determining whether you need an HVAC Repair or an HVAC Replacement:
System Age
After a certain age, your HVAC system is much more likely to fail for good. It may also end up requiring so many repairs that it is cheaper just to have it replaced. If your AC is more than 10 years old or your furnace is more than 15 years old, then you may want to begin budgeting for a replacement or at the very least, preparing for some additional costs to maintain it.
No Cool Air
When your unit is blowing warm air, it is working, just not working correctly. It is usually indicative of a serious failure or loss of Freon, that won’t be fixed with a few cheap tweaks. However, that doesn’t mean to need to immediately resort to a new unit. Find a reliable HVAC company to run a few necessary tests to determine potential issues and review the options, along with the age of the system and maintenance/service history.
Air Flow
Hold your hand over a vent in your house. Does your furnace feel warm (or AC feel cool) but the air is barely blowing?
A weak air flow could be a sign of a failing unit. However, it could also be a result of one or more less fatal diagnoses. Increasing air flow throughout your home could be as simple as cleaning out ductwork blockages or as serious as a failing compressor. Have a certified technician take a look around your system and have him or her walk you through what he sees.
Noises
While many people ignore noises in their system, others instantly worry their system is dying beyond repair - hopefully you are able to maintain a healthy relationships with your home appliances by maintaining and servicing them regularly. Most noises indicate an easy fix, though if left unattended, these minor issues could end up resulting in significant energy bills and/or repair costs.
Normal noises include:
- Initial squealing as system starts up
- Gentle blowing
- Clicking off
Any other noises (and the list of potential bad noises is long) should be inspected by a licensed HVAC technician. Some parts may need to be replaced, but if you catch the issues early enough, you may be able to avoid wasted energy, Freon or the cost of the total replacement.
Energy Bills
Do you know your energy bills have gone up without an obvious change in the temperature or season? Your system might simply require a filter change or something much more serious. Again, calling a trusted HVAC professional should alleviate or substantiate your concerns. If the guidance you receive doesn’t seem to add up, consider calling in a second opinion!
Repair or Replace FAQs
As a general rule, buying a new unit, in the Coachella Valley, may be preferable if yours is over ten years old, the warranty has expired, you're encountering more issues frequently, or the cost of repairs is high. It might be preferable to repair your air conditioner if it is less than ten years old, well-maintained, and has not suffered a serious breakdown.
The lifespan of a typical air conditioner is 10 to 15 years. Your unit's performance can last even longer if it is well-maintained.
If your Coachella Valley area air conditioner is relatively new, it very seldom is economical to replace it with a new one unless the cost of repairs is in the thousands of dollars.
The "$5,000 rule" serves as a general guide for many HCAV experts. Here, you multiply the unit's age by the cost of repair, and if that total exceeds $5,000, it might be preferable to replace the appliance. Fix it if it's less.
A broken capacitor is the most typical AC repair in the Coachella Valley.
To check yours, find your outside unit (condenser) and inspect it if your thermostat appears to be operating properly but the air coming from your vents is simply not cold. The fan motor and the compressor are the two parts. Both are audible to a trained ear. The compressor is like a deep buzz, like a refrigerator running, and the fan naturally makes a whirring noise. Your hand should feel warmer than the ambient air when you hold it above the fan. There is a good chance that your capacitor is damaged if the outside unit is buzzing or humming but nothing is turning or blowing.
Want to Know Exactly What is Going on With Your AC or Furnace?
Give the knowledgeable technicians at Hydes a call at (760) 360-2202. We can help you determine whether you need a repair or replacement, save you money and increase your comfort!
