11 Tips to Cut HVAC Repair Costs

It’s logical to consider ways to cut HVAC repair costs. According to Forbes, the average HVAC repair bill is $410 (in 2024 dollars). A service call, on average, costs $215. While a basic repair can set you back a few hundred dollars, a major air conditioning repair can exceed $2,500 or, in the case of replacing a compressor, rival the cost of installing a new system. 

Air conditioners are complex, hard-working appliances, so they will eventually need to be fixed. However, you can save money on repairs with the following tips:

1. Keep Your HVAC System Clean

Cleaning your HVAC system regularly reduces the cost and frequency of repairs. Dirt and debris can restrict airflow and contaminate the system, which can cause damage and accelerate wear. Therefore, you should perform these tasks on a routine basis:

• Replace or Clean the Air Filter: A dirty filter can seriously harm your HVAC system. Depending on the type, clean or replace it every two or three months. Install a new filter once a month if you use your AC or heater more frequently or your home is excessively dusty.
• Keep the Vents Clear: Dirt buildup can block vents and release debris into the air. Dusty or dirty vent covers should be removed and cleaned. You can clean them with a vacuum hose, a damp cloth, or by washing them in soap and water. Call an HVAC repair contractor to evaluate the system if this doesn’t improve airflow.
• Clean the Outdoor Unit: Remove leaves, twigs, or debris that fall on the unit and clear debris or objects around it, leaving at least two feet of clearance. Also, trim plants and shrubs away. Anything that can block airflow can contribute to damage and more costly repairs. However, leave any tasks that require disassembling components and cleaning internal parts to a professional.

2. Wash the Condenser Coils

If the outdoor condenser coils are easily accessible, you can clean them yourself. These coils release heat the refrigerant has absorbed from inside your home. This process becomes inefficient if they become dirty, which can happen with exposure to the elements. Turn off the electricity to the system before rinsing the coils using a garden hose at low pressure. You can also look for cleaning products labeled safe for cleaning condenser coils.

3. Manage Your Thermostat Settings Wisely

The ideal temperature setting is 78℉, as the U.S. Department of Energy suggests, although many people prefer it a few degrees cooler in summer. Not setting the thermostat too low or too high reduces the demand on your HVAC system. Therefore, less strain can result in fewer costly repairs in the future. 

If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust it to accommodate your schedule. Setting it closer to the outdoor temperature when you’re away avoids overworking the system. You can also set it to adjust the temperature to a comfortable level before you return. A programmable unit can lessen the number of adjustments needed, saving energy and reducing strain.

Where a thermostat is installed can affect your HVAC system. It should be on an interior wall near your main living space, where it can most effectively monitor the temperature. A thermostat should not be in direct sunlight or near a vent or heat source. Otherwise, inaccurate readings can cause it to run your HVAC system more often, leading to more repairs.

4. Reduce Your AC’s Cooling Load

The less hard the system has to work, the more likely you can cut HVAC repair costs. Aside from how you install and set the thermostat, here are ways to ease the burden on your air conditioner:

• Close blinds to prevent heat from getting through windows.
• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and direct cool air downward.
• Close the doors to rooms you don’t use.
• Turn your AC or heater off if you don’t need it.
• Run heat-producing appliances during cooler hours.
• Use kitchen/bathroom exhaust fans to reduce heat and humidity.

5. Don’t Procrastinate

Calling for help before the system breaks down can reduce HVAC repair costs significantly. Being proactive can save you a lot of money. Ignoring a small problem or waiving it off as no big deal can lead to more damage. Most issues start small, so call a skilled professional if the system:

• Isn’t heating or cooling your home as effectively
• Makes shrieking, buzzing, or hissing noises
• Cycles on and off too frequently
• Runs for longer than usual
• Releases musty or burning odors
• Leaks water or refrigerant

6. Consider a Duct Cleaning

Air ducts don’t require annual maintenance, but should be cleaned once every three to five years. Even a thin layer of dust and debris can restrict airflow. Dust mites, bugs, and bacteria may be present while mold can cause serious damage to your HVAC system. It can also circulate spores and toxins throughout your home.

A trained HVAC technician knows how to inspect and safely clean your duct system. They can use negative pressure, HEPA vacuums, and brushes to clear our main and branch ducts, plenums, and other components. These methods prevent or eliminate reduced airflow and high pressure that can damage your AC, heater, and air ducts.

7. Seal Any Air Leaks

Air leakage from ductwork and elsewhere in your home can let cooled or heated air escape and unconditioned air in. Therefore, your HVAC system works harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Your local HVAC contractor can look for cracks, holes, and loose connections in ductwork and use the latest methods to seal them. Gaps around doors and windows can also cause air leakage but are easily sealed with caulking or weatherstripping.

8. Avoid DIY Repairs

Other than simple tasks like changing filters, cleaning coils you can access, or sealing small air leaks, leave HVAC repairs to a professional. Attempting a DIY repair can have costly consequences. It can also be dangerous and cause an injury. 

Using the wrong tool, misdiagnosing the issue, or making one mistake can result in damage that requires more expensive repairs. You may also void the manufacturer’s warranty by tampering with the system. Therefore, you would have to pay the full cost of any repair or replacement due to any error.

9. Get Multiple Quotes

When you need an HVAC repair, contacting multiple companies for a quote can help cut repair costs. Search online or ask relatives or neighbors about companies they’ve worked with and narrow your choices down to three or four providers. Read online reviews and ratings to verify they’re qualified for the job and are reliable. Then, each contractor should evaluate the issue separately and compare prices by considering the services including materials used, and the type of support, warranty, etc., the company provides. 

10. Consider Replacing Your HVAC System

Deciding whether to repair or replace your AC unit can help achieve long-term savings. If your air conditioner is 15 to 20 years old, frequent repairs and reduced efficiency may cost you more than replacing it. Having a new system installed avoids major repairs and can lower your energy bills, not to mention improve comfort and indoor air quality.

11. Schedule Annual AC Maintenance

If you don’t keep up with annual maintenance (one tune-up for your AC in the spring and one for your furnace in the fall), higher HVAC repair costs are almost certain. A maintenance technician is trained to spot and correct any issues early. Addressing minor problems, cleaning your AC system, and making adjustments can eliminate the strain that causes larger components to fail. 

During a maintenance call, a contractor should lubricate moving parts to reduce friction. They should also measure and recharge refrigerant levels to avoid performance issues and check electrical components for shorts, wear, and corrosion that can lead to more serious damage.

Contact Trio Heating & Air

When you need an HVAC repair, we are dedicated to exceeding your expectations and ensuring any issue is fully resolved. Our professionally trained technicians are committed to keeping homes in the San Jose area cool and comfortable. They diagnose and repair the problem quickly and tailor each service to your requirements. You’ll receive the best solution at the most reasonable price. To schedule prompt air conditioning services in your home, book an appointment online or call (415) 223-5096.