When something breaks, calling an air conditioning company for repairs can be costly. However, it’s important to remember that there are ways you can lower your repair bills. For more on why AC repair in Portland gets expensive and how you can save money, read on.
Why Is Air Conditioning Repair So Costly?
If you’re looking for AC maintenance and repair in Portland, the cost can be daunting. It’s impossible to plan when your air conditioning system will break down, so this emergency expense can end up stretching your budget dangerously thin. While each company is different, there are a few factors that make up the AC repair cost you end up paying.
Overhead
Overhead includes costs like rent and utilities. These are the costs business owners have to pay whether they have any sales or not. The HVAC company’s location plays an important role in the cost.
For instance, Portland is a large city, which means it generally has higher overhead costs than rural areas. Likewise, Oregon has a higher cost of living than the Midwest. In fact, Oregon’s overall cost of living is 24% higher than the national average.
Labor
Labor is another factor in repair costs. HVAC technicians are highly trained, so they are paid a good wage for performing their services.
Additionally, employees will likely earn more in areas with higher costs of living. Employers also have to pay for payroll taxes and training costs. Other than the HVAC technician, there are labor costs for support roles, like customer service representatives, accountants, and business managers.
Labor costs can vary by project based on how long your job takes. If it is hard to access the unit for air conditioning repairs, the labor cost may be higher. Additionally, some parts are in inconvenient locations inside your unit, so it requires more labor to take apart the AC to access the right part.
Parts
Another factor determining the cost of AC repair in Portland is the type of parts you need. The cost of AC parts can vary significantly. A thermostat may only be a few hundred dollars, but AC compressors can cost thousands. Additionally, the price of each part can vary based on the type of AC unit and the brand.
Warranties
Warranties can make the cost of AC repair in Portland incredibly affordable. Many warranties will cover labor and parts for the first year or so. Afterward, the warranty may cover all or some of the AC components for multiple years. By getting an AC warranty, you may be able to save yourself a significant amount of money in the long run.
System Size and Age
Getting a larger system is not always a good idea. Often, a big system means more expensive repairs. Additionally, an older air conditioner is more likely to need repairs. Instead of repairing one part at a time, you may need to replace multiple parts as the old machine starts to fall apart.
It’s also important to remember that repairs are more likely if your AC is too large or too small for your home size. An undersized unit will have to run constantly to reach the right temperature. Meanwhile, excessively large units will cycle off and on quickly because they’re able to cool the home so fast. In both cases, having the wrong size unit leads to additional wear and a higher chance of needing AC repairs.
Emergency Repair Costs
Depending on the situation, you may be charged extra for emergency repairs. You may also have to pay an additional fee for repairs that happen on holidays or outside of business hours. It all depends on which company you work with.
How Can You Reduce the Amount You Pay for AC Repairs?
There are ways around paying for future air conditioning repair costs. The easiest way is by getting an AC tune-up. When you get routine AC maintenance, you can spot issues before they become major problems.
During an AC tune-up, a technician will inspect your AC for potential damage. They’ll also clean and lubricate different parts, which helps your AC function efficiently. In addition, dirty parts can cause your AC to work harder, increasing the chances of requiring a repair.
Other than getting an AC tune-up in the spring, you can also lower your repair costs by always buying HVAC equipment that comes with a warranty. The AC should be properly sized for your home so that it doesn’t have to strain to get work done.
Finally, the right company can help you save money with promotions and discounts. For example, Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers an inexpensive service plan and can help you locate rebates.
Maintenance Tips to Help You Decrease AC Repair Costs
To lower the cost of AC repair in Portland, remember to always use the following AC maintenance tips.
- Replace your AC filter every 30 to 90 days, depending on the filter manufacturer.
- Remove weed plants and debris 2 to 3 feet around your outdoor unit.
- Schedule annual check-ups for your air conditioner.
- Vacuum your ducts. Then, clean the vents with soapy water before letting them dry completely.
- Remove any furniture that could be blocking the vents.
Get Help With Your Air Conditioner Repairs
When your air conditioner breaks down, you need to get it fixed as quickly as possible. Through the best AC repair in Portland, you can find a reasonably priced solution for your home.
At Central Air Cooling, our goal is to reduce the cost of AC repairs as much as possible. We offer regular promotions and financing options to help our customers afford their repair services. Additionally, our service plan includes AC maintenance appointments, so you are less likely to have repair costs in the future.