By Brenda Ashaka
Alpha 4 Real AC & Heating, Katy, TX
One of the most important things to do before the summer season sets in is to ensure your air conditioning (AC) unit is in tip-top shape and operating optimally. This necessitates calling a reliable Katy TX AC repair specialist to have a look at your air conditioning system and fix any problems.
It can get tricky if you don’t know who to call. After all, how well your unit is repaired and maintained comes down to the contractor you hire. Selecting the best contractor for air conditioning repair in Katy, TX is critical to ensure the best care of your unit.
So how can you identify the best AC repair service in Katy TX to service your make and model of AC unit? To help out, we’ve outlined the qualities to look for when selecting an AC repair and maintenance professional to take care of your unit.
To start with, let’s address some of the questions you probably have that may lead you to decide whether to repair or replace your AC unit and who to entrust with the task.
Why is My AC Unit Running But Not Cooling?
Your AC unit may be running but not cooling your home or office due to some of the following reasons.
- Dirty or clogged air filters are the most common causes of an AC unit running but not cooling the house or office.
- Incorrect thermostat setting
- Low or leaking refrigerant
- Leaky ducts
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Broken fan
- Warm window
To fix these problems you may need to call an experienced AC repair specialist with thorough knowledge of your brand of AC unit.
Which Brand of AC is Best for Katy, TX homes?
- Trane
- Amana
- Lennox
- Goodman
- Carrier
Trane is the number one most trusted HVAC brand in America and also one of the best air conditioner brands for Katy, TX homes. Other top-rated AC brands you can consider include Amana, Lennox, Goodman, and Carrier.
What is the Average Cost of AC Repair?
According to Home Advisor, the average cost of AC repair in Houston and Katy, TX is $587. The typical range is between $150-$650. On the high end, repairing an air conditioning unit can set you back as much as $1,000 – $4000.
The specific amount you pay will depend on the type and brand of air conditioner you have, the unit’s warranty status, and the types of repairs done.
How Often Should You Replace Your AC Unit in Katy, TX?
The general rule of thumb is to replace your AC unit every 10 to 15 years. This is the average lifespan of an air conditioning unit with proper care and maintenance. Most warranties are also good for 10 years.
Is It Better to Repair or Replace My AC Unit?
If you’ve had your AC until close to or more than 10 years, replacing your air conditioner might be the better option than repairing your current unit. This is especially true if it’s failing often, requiring repairs frequently, or operating loudly.
If your AC unit is fairly new or only has a simple problem, it makes sense to repair the issue instead of seeking AC replacement.
You can also follow the “5,000 rule” when facing the repair vs replace dilemma. Simply multiply the cost of repair by the age of the unit. If the result is more than $5,000, then it makes sense to replace rather than repair the unit.
Important Factors to Consider Before Choosing AC Repair Company
Now, let’s take a look at the crucial considerations to make when conducting your due diligence so you can hire a qualified, experienced, and dependable AC repair service provider in Katy, TX.
1. Where is the AC Repair Company Located?
Location matters a lot when choosing an AC repair contractor. If your AC unit fails in the heat of summer, your repair provider should arrive swiftly and fix the problem.
When you live in Katy TX, it goes without saying that you should hire an HVAC contractor in Katy TX. If you’re choosing a national company, confirm that they have a presence in the local area.
The closer they are to your home, the faster they can get to your home and fix your unit. The last thing you would want is a company that takes days to come to fix your air conditioner when you need it the most.
Alpha 4 Real AC & Heating Service is a Katy, TX ac repair, service, and installation company. We have been doing business in Katy, Tx for over 30 years.
2. What Services Does the AC Repair Company Offer?
The next thing on your to-do list is to confirm that the HVAC contractor in Katy offers the kind of services you’re looking for.
The ideal company should provide a comprehensive package ranging from AC installation, maintenance, service, and repair.
When it comes to repairs, they should be able to cover the fundamental AC repairs and fix the most common issues. These include cleaning air ducts, resolving leaks, fixing condensers and refrigerants, and much more.
Do you have a less common AC such as a ductless air conditioner? Confirm that their technicians know how to maintain it.
It’s also a good idea to go for a company that offers a maintenance plan. Be sure to study their maintenance plan in detail to learn what it entails.
3. What are Their Qualifications and Credentials?
Having confirmed that the HVAC contractor in Katy is located near you and offers the AC repair services you’re looking for, it’s time to find out whether they are qualified to fix your make and model of air conditioning unit. There are a number of considerations to make here:
Certifications: Verify that the company you’re considering is certified to perform HVAC repair in Katy, TX, and holds a valid professional license. All their technicians should be well trained, well-versed in the latest AC technologies, and certified.
Experience: Being in the AC repair business for a long time is a good sign. It shows that the company is established and credible. You can have confidence that a firm with years of experience in the industry can diagnose and fix your AC system expertly. If they’ve received any awards or accolades, even better.
Insurance: The company should also be insured and bonded. Make sure they have general liability insurance to cover potential damage to your unit and worker’s compensation insurance in the event that a worker is hurt while attending to your unit.
See also: Complete Guide to Hiring an AC Repair Company in Katy, TX.
4. What Do People Say About Them?
The easiest way to find a reputable air conditioning repair service is to ask for referrals from friends, family members, neighbors, and colleagues. This way, you will know from the get-go that the company you’re considering is credible and capable.
Reading reviews and testimonials is also a great way to find out beforehand whether a company delivers on its claims and promises.
But don’t just rely on the reviews and testimonials featured on the company’s website. Check what other homeowners have to say about their services on third-party websites such as Google, Facebook, Better Business Bureau, and Yelp.
Can’t find any reviews? This’s a sign that the company may be new in the industry.
5. How Much Does the Company Charge for their Services?
As with any other service, the cost of AC repair and maintenance is also an important consideration when choosing a company for cooling and heating repair in Katy.
The most expensive service is not necessarily the best. The cheapest service, on the other hand, can end up being costly when you have to pay another company to come to fix the shoddy repairs or replace the unit entirely.
Choose a company that provides the best HVAC repair in Katy, TX service without charging a fortune. You can request cost estimates from multiple companies and then pick the most cost-efficient option.
Beyond getting a verbal price quote, make sure the charges and payment terms from the air conditioning repair company are clearly outlined in writing.
6. What Kind of Customer Service Do They Offer?
A company that does excellent repairs is no good if you can’t reach them when you need their services the most. Not only should the AC repair service do great work but they should also offer satisfactory customer service from the initial inquiry to the follow-up phase.
You can tell what kind of customer service to expect from an AC repair firm by the kind of response you get when you contact them.
Did they respond quickly to your email or contact form inquiry? Did their technicians answer your questions in a knowledgeable, polite, and respectful manner? Are they transparent about their pricing and process? Expect the same kind of service even after signing the contract.
Other things to find out include what previous customers have to say about their quality of customer care. Is their website easy to navigate and informative about who they are and what they do? Do they have an active presence on social media where they connect with their customers?
Additionally, ensure they provide 24-hour AC repair in Katy so you can expect a pleasant and hassle-free experience in the event of an emergency.
Finally, find out what guarantees, warranties, and follow-up services they offer. A reliable AC servicing company should stand behind its work. If the unit fails or isn’t cooling properly even after the repair, they should come back and rectify the situation free of charge.
7. What Does Your Gut Tell You?
For people you will be allowing into your home, you can’t underestimate the importance of good attitude. The contractor should not only be professional but also friendly and trustworthy.
If you get a bad feeling or don’t feel comfortable with the idea of the technicians coming to your home, it’s wise to consider the next Katy TX AC repair company on your list.
A reliable air conditioning system is essential to make your home a haven of comfort in the heat of summer in Houston, Sugar Land, or Katy, TX. But an air conditioning unit doesn’t come cheap. Whether you need AC replacement or HVAC repair in Katy, TX, you shouldn’t entrust your unit to a technician without relevant training and hands-on experience.
If the AC service provider you’re considering ticks all the above boxes, then congratulations. You’ve found the right service for expert air conditioning repair in Katy, TX.
There’s just one more thing to do before you hire them. Make sure everything you agreed upon with the service provider is spelled down in writing. From what AC repair and maintenance will be performed, warranty terms and conditions, to all the costs and payment terms. Never take anybody’s word for it.
