The need for Denver air conditioning repair is not a welcome prospect for Mile High homeowners. After all, an air conditioner that isn't functioning properly can lead to a number of issues, including higher operating costs, reduced cooling power, and a host of other inconveniences. Here's a quick guide on the most common repair needs homeowners face, what to do about them, and a few helpful hints on how to avoid needing air conditioning repair in Denver in the first place.
Denver Air Conditioning Repair: Common Problems & Solutions
Fortunately for homeowners across the country, air conditioners are built to last, resulting in repair needs that are few and far between. That goes double in Denver, where our mild climate reduces the demand placed on most Front Range A/C systems. Nevertheless, problems will arise now and again, and when they do, it helps to know what you're dealing with before you call a repairman. Here are some common problems that lead to the need for air conditioning repair in Denver, and what steps you'll need to take to get your air conditioning back up and running again.
Electrical Failure—Components associated with fan and compressor start-up are prime candidates for wearing out over time, as are connections exposed to the elements. A good repairman will be able to identify electrical failures and fix them fairly easily.
Refrigerant Leaks—Poor efficiency can often be attributed to refrigerant leaks in the system. Always call in a repairman to check and refill refrigerant. Different systems require specific refrigerants to operate properly, and the use and disposal of refrigerants is subject to federal regulation and guidelines. Finally, make sure any leaks are repaired prior to refilling the system, or you'll be wasting your time.
Lax Maintenance—Regular preventative maintenance is the easiest way to avoid repair in the first place (see below). Lax maintenance, on the other hand, can lead to dirty compressor coils, reduced air flow, and low efficiency. The increased stress this puts on fans and compressors can also cause them fail early, both of which can be a costly air conditioner repair in Denver.
Noisy Operation—Loose belts, issues with the ductwork, and poorly maintained units can all lead to noisy operation. Identifying where the noise is coming from is the first step to fixing the problem, after which proper measures can be taken to get your A/C running quietly again.
Insufficient Drainage—If your noticing pooling water or other drainage issues, you probably have a plugged condenser drainage line, a failed condenser drainage pump, or a combination of the two. If the line is blocked, either by ice or debris, you can usually free the blockage by carefully running a stiff wire through the line. If your system has a pump that's failed, calling in a pro is probably best.
Avoiding Denver Air Conditioning Repair with Preventative Maintenance
The best way to avoid air conditioning repair in Denver is to keep up on regular maintenance. Homeowners can do their part by keeping the condenser coils clean, changing or cleaning the filter regularly, vacuuming out registers and air ducts, and keeping vegetation trimmed at least a foot away from outdoor air conditioning equipment. But scheduling an annual maintenance check and tune up by a licensed HVAC technician is just as important to ensure that small problems don't become big ones over time.
Denver Air Conditioning Repair Costs
Maintaining proper air conditioning function, and in turn high energy efficiency, doesn't just pay off when it comes to reduced utility bills. ServiceMagic tracks air conditioning service calls and repairs in the Mile High City that originate as contractor referrals through our system, as well as air conditioner installations. Based on that information, we can say without a doubt that servicing your air conditioning system on a regular basis and catching problems when they're still minor is in your best interests. Based on our data, the average cost of service calls and repairs runs a very reasonable $359 in the Denver metro area, and repair and service visits in the $50 to $200 range are the norm rather than the exception. Compare that to major repairs that can run $1,000 or more, and replacement costs that run the gamut from $2,500 to more than $10,000, and it's easy to see why keeping up on homeowner maintenance tasks and scheduling a service check on an annual basis is well worth the money.
If you're in need of Denver air conditioning repair, or just need to schedule a tune up and maintenance check, contact a licensed HVAC technician to schedule a visit. Better yet, plan ahead and get this one out of the way before summer hits, or after the summer rush. By scheduling tune ups, maintenance checks, and repairs in spring and fall when demand is low, you'll be able to schedule a visit when it's best for you, rather than waiting in line, and you'll usually get the added bonus of reduced rates provided to off-season customers. 
Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.
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