HVAC Blog

Air Conditioning Maintenance: Money Matters

Spring and fall Air Conditioning maintenance (including heating, ventilation) visits include 86 inspection points. Once our maintenance professionals have completed that checklist, a more in-depth evaluation of capacitors and components is performed. If any of the checklist items requires more thorough examination and additional attention, we do what we can at that time.

If an issue is found during our AC Maintenance visit that requires additional work, the Country Air technician has two more checkboxes to complete:

  • MUST DO:   Repair the problem and get the system operational.
    and/or
  • MUST DO:   Return part to meet manufacturer’s specifications to reduce the risk of future repairs.
  • COULD DO: Make recommendations to the owner for higher efficiency, increased comfort, and peace of mind.

A list of written recommendations for your heating and cooling system may follow. You and your HVAC specialist will discuss pros and cons of the recommendations as well as what would be the most cost-effective choices without compromising health and safety. 

The last checkbox is yours to check. It affirms you understand the recommendations and have chosen to reject or delay additional service. We sometimes agree that rejecting additional HVAC services may be the best choice. There are valid reasons to say no to maintenance repairs. But it’s important we document your choices.

We don’t have the ability to predict the future, so like you, we often roll the dice on home system repairs. But we won’t recommend HVAC services you can do without. Many HVAC businesses say, “Our company wants your trust more than we want your money,” but the Comfort Air team is invested in that principle.

Cost Breakdowns For Air Conditioning Maintenance

Our HVAC maintenance service recommendations are driven by safety first, followed by saving you money without compromising family comfort. If your HVAC isn’t well maintained, here’s a national average HVAC cost breakdown for what you might pay for repairs and parts replacements:

  • $900 – $2,900 compressor – The compressor is fixable, but in most cases it’s more cost-effective to replace it.
  • $550 – $2,500 evaporator coil – The cost to repair an evaporator coil is nearly the same as replacing it with a new one. Replacement is often the best option.
  • $850 – $2,500 condenser coil – Replacing the entire outside unit can cost as much as $5,000, so we recommend repair if it’s possible.
  • $270 – $1,000 air duct cleaning – We’ll inspect your air ducts before scheduling a cleaning service. Beware of blow-and-go ads offering “$89 whole-house air duct cleaning.” It’s a popular scam; they clean only as far as you can see. They also may recommend unnecessary service add-ons that are reduced in price “for a limited time.”
  • $100 – $700 expansion valve – TXP valves are critical. Repair if you can, but if replacement is your only option, the average cost is between $350-$450. Some areas pay as much as $750.
  • $90 – $600 thermostat – Replacing older thermostats with smart thermostats is more expensive, cost-wise, but for many, the added benefits are well worth it.
  • $75 – $600 circuit board – If possible, repair (usually $200 or less) is the best choice. 

Average Costs: HVAC Maintenance, Repairs, Replacements

These are the national averages for repair:

  • Air conditioning – $5,900
  • Furnace – $4,700
  • Heat pump – $5,500

National averages for annual maintenance are:

  • Air conditioning – $80-$450
  • Furnace – $100-$300
  • Heat pump – $100-$200

Tomball, Magnolia HVAC Maintenance & Services

Country Air is the preferred HVAC maintenance and service provider for the greater Northwest Houston area. Our residential customers are in and around:

  • Conroe
  • Cypress
  • Klein
  • Magnolia
  • Montgomery
  • Plantersville
  • Spring
  • The Woodlands
  • Todd Mission
  • Tomball
  • Waller
  • …and other Southeast Texas communities

Information is free and we welcome your questions. To learn more about HVAC maintenance in your neighborhood, call 281-356-8564 or contact Country Air.

FAQs

Two of the frequently asked questions we receive about HVAC maintenance in Northwest Harris County are:

If your HVAC is under warranty, the manufacturer should cover any replacement costs. Other factors are:

  • Labor – Schedule tune-ups during the off season. For example, in Texas, labor charges may be higher in August but lower in October.
    • If your home’s HVAC area is cluttered and/or the technician has difficulty accessing the unit, the additional time spent getting to the unit will increase labor costs.
    • Some HVAC companies charge more for emergency repairs after hours, weekends, and holidays. 
  • Location – If you live in a remote area of the country, you may pay more than urban homeowners because you have fewer HVAC companies. Areas with a higher cost of living also pay more for repairs.
  • System – Usually, air conditioners cost more to fix than furnaces. And some HVAC components cost more than others.

It’s true. The Harris County permit fee is $87.24. Montgomery County is $50. Each HVAC installation must be inspected after installation is complete.

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