HVAC Repair & Maintenance Cost Guide
HVAC Maintenance, It Pays
If you’re deciding between regular HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) maintenance and paying for repairs as problems come up, it helps to know what drives the cost of a repair. Every system and every problem is different, so this guide covers the factors that set the price. For a firm number, ask for an estimate after a technician has looked at your system.
What Drives the Cost of an HVAC Repair
Most repair bills come down to a few things:
- Diagnosis. A technician has to find the cause before fixing it. A clogged condensate drain or a tripped safety switch takes less time to find than an intermittent electrical fault.
- Parts. A capacitor, contactor or thermostat costs far less than a blower motor, circuit board, evaporator coil or compressor.
- Refrigerant. A system that is low on refrigerant has a leak, and finding and fixing the leak is part of the job. Older systems that use R-22 cost more to recharge, because R-22 is no longer produced.
- Access. Equipment in a tight crawl space, a hot attic or on a roof takes longer to work on.
- Age and condition. Parts for older systems can be harder to find, and an older system is more likely to need another repair soon after the first.
- Warranty. A system still under the manufacturer’s parts warranty may need only labor. Registration and maintenance records can affect what the warranty covers.
DIY HVAC Repair: Is This Ever a Good Idea?
As a general rule, trying to repair an HVAC system yourself isn’t a good idea. The work involves high-voltage electrical parts, gas connections and refrigerant, and handling refrigerant requires EPA certification. Licensed HVAC technicians are trained to diagnose and repair equipment from many manufacturers.
A few things are worth checking before you call:
- Check the breakers for your HVAC system. If one has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call a technician.
- If your thermostat runs on batteries, replace them.
- Check the air filter, and replace it if it is dirty.
Repair or Replace?
Sometimes a repair no longer makes sense. Replacement is worth discussing when:
- The system is 15 years old or more and needs a major part, such as a compressor or heat exchanger.
- Repairs are becoming frequent.
- The system uses R-22 refrigerant and needs a recharge.
- Your energy bills are rising even though your usage hasn’t changed.
- The heat exchanger in a gas furnace is cracked, which can let combustion gases into your home.
If you are replacing a gas furnace, ask about a heat pump. In Marin, Napa and southern Sonoma County, Bay Area Air District rules require new furnaces to meet a zero-NOx standard from January 1, 2029, which in practice means a heat pump.
A well-maintained HVAC system can last 15 years or more. The key phrase is “well-maintained.”
What HVAC Maintenance Includes
Maintenance is usually done before each season: cooling before summer and heating before winter. A typical visit includes:
- Cleaning or replacing the air filter
- Checking the thermostat and testing how the system starts
- Testing the safety controls
- Tightening electrical connections and measuring voltage and amps on the motors
- Cleaning the condensate drain
- For heating: cleaning and adjusting the burners, checking the ignition and heat exchanger, and checking the flue draft
- For cooling: checking refrigerant pressures for signs of a leak and cleaning the condenser coil
- Checking airflow and the temperature change across the system
Regular maintenance catches small problems before they become large repairs, and it helps the system run efficiently and last longer.
Ongaro & Sons HVAC Repair and Maintenance Services
Ongaro & Sons has served the North Bay since 1932, with licensed HVAC technicians for repair, maintenance and replacement. Members of our maintenance plans get a 10% discount on repairs and replacements, and the Total Comfort Plan adds a plumbing evaluation.
Contact Ongaro & Sons to schedule a repair, and ask about a maintenance plan that helps you avoid costly breakdowns.
