Your HVAC system is the source of comfort in your Frisco, Texas, home. Without it, you’d melt away during summer or shiver all winter long. However, some homeowners take their HVAC system for granted. They don’t change the filter, get tuneups, or have professional repairs. This isn’t necessarily the result of neglect; many homeowners just don’t have the time to do it while juggling a career and family life. If you find time hard to come by but still want to keep a healthy HVAC system, here are some of the costliest repairs that should motivate you to put your system at the top of the priority list.
Refrigerant Problems
One of the most expensive yet preventable repairs deals with the refrigerant in your air conditioner. Refrigerant is a liquid in the coils of your air conditioner that cool and dehumidify air that enters your home through the ducts. However, refrigerant levels can fall over time, or your system can develop a leak, causing your air conditioner to become less effective and work harder to achieve normal results. When your air conditioner runs out of refrigerant, it can cost up to $400. Fixing a leak can be even more expensive.
However, there are ways to detect the problem and amend it before it’s too late. A sign that you need to look at refrigerant levels is when you see ice forming on your evaporator coils or the outside portion of your air conditioner. It’s important to note that if this ice buildup happens routinely, you may want to start looking at new units, as age typically plays a role.
Compressor Replacement
The compressor is the most vital part in your air conditioner. It circulates refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor components of your HVAC system. Depending on the size and type of your compressor, replacement can cost nearly $1,800, so tending to it becomes even more vital. Typically, compressors fail due to neglect for lengthy periods. However, caring for it isn’t all that difficult and just requires a routine cleaning. Since you may not have the time to do it yourself, it’s just one portion of the services we provide during our annual or biannual tuneup.
Sealing or Repairing Leaking Ductwork
Leaky ductwork can cause a bevy of problems in your home, and most ruin your home’s comfort. As hot or cold air flows through the ductwork, it can seep out through holes, cracks, and leaks. This causes your furnace or air conditioner to work overtime to achieve the temperature you desire. Most times, faulty ductwork is the result of improper or poor installation. While this isn’t necessarily your fault (especially if you didn’t hire the contractor or you bought the house second-hand), it’s definitely your job to have the ductwork inspected every so often. Our team can locate the problem and seal it so you can get back on your way to the perfect temperature.
Complete Replacement
If your HVAC system is 15 to 20 years old, replacement isn’t a surprise, yet many people cut years off the life of their unit by failing to do simple maintenance. In extreme cases, this could mean a total HVAC replacement. If you have to replace the entire thing, it’s one of the costliest home repairs outside of a new roof. For a 1,000-square foot home, the price is anywhere between $6,000 and $12,000, which is no small amount by any stretch of the imagination. That’s what makes it so important to keep up-to-date on your HVAC maintenance.
When you’re constantly busy, it’s tough to maintain a positive work-life balance, as well as to keep your home in its best condition. If you tend to forget to schedule tuneups, you may want to consider our preventative maintenance plan, which keeps costs to a minimum while keeping your HVAC in tip-top condition. It’s one of the best ways to avoid expensive repairs, and it gives you time to focus on something else. Call Samm’s Heating and Air Conditioning today at (214) 251-4438 to schedule an appointment.
Image provided by Shutterstock
