Most homeowners, especially in Houston, Texas, and other surrounding areas of Texas, rely on their HVAC systems to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The thought of your AC unit malfunctioning or breaking down can be nerve-racking, especially if the weather outside is scorching hot or freezing cold.
If you have a unit that needs some repair work on it, you will need to understand the AC unit parts and how they work inside the unit. You also need to know where to purchase the right parts and who to call if you need additional help. Please continue reading below to learn more about central AC unit parts and how they work.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an HVAC System in Houston?
The average replacement cost for an HVAC system is around $6,900, whereas the average cost to repair your heating and cooling system is approximately $900. The price alone to replace the outside AC unit is around $3,500, whereas the repair is about $500. So if it looks like you need a new HVAC, you will spend thousands of dollars, depending on the type and size of unit you need and the type of fuel required.
Other factors that determine the cost of your repair or replacement:
- If you need additional AC unit parts
- The energy efficiency of your unit
- If you need additional HVAC replacements or additions such as ductwork
HVAC service costs are one of the most expensive endeavors when it comes to A/C or heating unit replacement. Depending on where you live, you may be able to save on your installation or repair costs during the fall or winter when fewer people are installing air conditioners.
Common AC Unit Parts
Keeping your HAV system in an excellent condition sometimes means that you have to replace old parts that have failed or are on their way to failure. As long as you keep up with your annual maintenance, a reputable AC technician will be able to catch those failing parts before they cause more significant issues. One of the most common parts of AC unit are capacitors and contactors.
Capacitors and Contactors
The capacitor is a vital piece of your outside AC unit parts because it s what provides the electricity to turn on the unit and keep it running. The contactor controls the energy flow to the unit’s vital components. These parts are the most likely to break in your system, but they are also the most important. Thankfully, these pieces are relatively inexpensive to replace.
Evaporator Coils
Over time, the coils in your unit become dirty with debris, but as long as you clean them regularly, they should last you a long time. If you don’t keep them well maintained, they can become corroded, which will lead to them needing to be replaced. These coils also lead to a loss of refrigerant.
Air Filters
You should check and regularly replace your air filters once every three to six months. Although your air filter is slightly different than the actual components of an A/C, it is just as equally as important. If you don’t change this filter regularly, it can become clogged, restricting the airflow into your home.
Blower Motor
When you live in a state like Texas, your HVAC system is almost always going to be running. If that is the case for you, then you may want to watch your blower motor because it can burn out due to continual use. During your yearly maintenance, your technician will notice if your motor is wearing out, and if needed, they can replace it for you.
Compressor
The compressor is the most expensive central AC unit parts to replace, and it is the most essential part of the unit. If this part fails, it can cause the entire unit to break down.
If you have a unit older than eight years old, it may be smarter, if not cheaper, to buy a new unit instead of replacing the compressor. Replacing your compressor will cost you around $400 for the AC unit part and approximately $1,000 for labor.
How Do You Know if You Should Replace Your AC Unit Parts?
There are several different signs you should look for to see if you need to replace your HVAC system. For example, if your unit is making abnormal noises or needed repairs over the last couple of years, you may need to replace your unit. There are other signs, like if your energy bill is significantly higher or if you constantly need to adjust your thermostat to keep the right temperature.
Other ways to tell when your unit needs attention:
- Blowing warm air instead of cool air
- Grinding, grating, squealing noises
- Burning smells or mildew like the scent
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should reach out to a reputable AC unit repair company as soon as possible. If your unit is making a burning smell, it could be a warning that your unit is malfunctioning.
Repair Your AC Unit Today
Although being familiar with AC unit parts is helpful and repairing your unit on your own is possible, you may want to leave that job to the professionals. Trying to repair an AC unit on your own may cause more damage than you expected, and it may drive you to purchase a new unit instead.
As you now know, it costs significantly more to replace a unit entirely than to repair it. Contact us now if you have an old air conditioner that you wish to work on or buy the parts for. Our team is here to answer any questions or concerns you have about repairing or replacing your unit.
