When you need air conditioner repair, it pays to get it right. Literally, a bad repair will cost you hundreds or possibly thousands more dollars in the long run.

CABS Heating and Air Conditioning has been taking care of cooling systems in the Sacramento area for well over a decade. We’ve established ourselves as one of the best-reviewed companies in the greater Sacramento region.

This is a quick primer on air conditioner repair, and all of the major questions you may have. If you have others, let us know; we’ll be happy to answer them. This will get you started on pricing, repair and replacement considerations, companies to consider, red flags to look out for, and more.

Air Conditioner Repair Costs

The full range of costs for air conditioner repair can be as little as $100 and as much as $3,000-$4,000 dollars.

That’s not very helpful, because it covers all types of AC repairs, from the most minor to the most major. It also accounts for the fact that where you live - and the cost of living in that area - has a huge impact on home services costs. But at least it’s a starting point.

Related Reading: Air Conditioner Repair Costs: A Complete Guide

Here’s a quick list pulled from that article that’s linked just above to give you a bit better idea of ranges:

Air Compressor (Replacement): $1,200-$3,000
Capacitor (Replacement): $125-$400
Circuit board $100–$600
Ductwork cleaning: $250–$1,250
Ductwork repair $600–$2,500
Fan Motor (aka Blower Motor): $250-$750
Hard Start Kits: $125-$300
Refrigerant leak: $250–$1,500
Refrigerant recharge: $100–$500
Thermostat Replacement: $150–$350

These aren’t in stone, nor is it a comprehensive list of all possible repairs, but it covers a lot of common issues.

AC Repair vs. Replacing Your AC

We promised red flags, and one of them is if you feel pressured into replacing your system instead of repairing it.

Let’s be clear, sometimes replacing really is the best decision, and we’ll talk about why that might be below. But if you feel strong-armed into that decision, it’s because the contractor doesn’t have your best interests in mind even if they ultimately make a reasonable recommendation.

Comparisons and quotes between options are the best way to make an informed and stress-free decision. No one likes having to consider a replacement, but hiding yourself from the possibility is a disservice to your home’s comfort and efficiency.

So when does it make sense to replace your system instead of repairing it? Factors such as efficiency gains from a new system, current energy costs and system usage, system age, cost of the repair, and the state of the old system’s warranty can all play a role. An honest conversation about each of these with a trusted HVAC partner is the best way to make a decision that’s best for you.

One metric some use in the $5,000 rule. The $5,000 rule for HVAC repairs states that you should multiply the age of your system (in years) by the cost of the repair, and if it’s greater than $5,000, it’s probably better to replace.

This is NOT a hard-and-fast rule that always makes sense. However, it’s often used as a general calculation to help homeowners with the decision. It’s great for estimating whether or not you’ll enjoy lower cost of cooling long-term, accounting for efficiency gains in the new system.

Best Air Conditioner Repair Companies in Sacramento, CA

You have options, and finding a good HVAC contractor is honestly the most important part of being comfortable and saving money on your home heating and cooling.

We believe we’re a great fit for a lot of people, but we welcome healthy competition and comparison. Below is an alphabetical list of some of the most reputable AC repair companies in the Sacramento area:

Big Mountain Heating & Air

Big Mountain is a heating, cooling, solar panel, window installation, and roof replacement company in the Sacramento area.

Bonney

Bonney is locally owned and offers plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical services.

CABS Heating and Air Conditioning

Shameless self-promotion? Maybe, but we prefer to think of it as believing in our expertise and commitment to our customers. Our reviews and local reputation speak for themselves, as does our range of home services.

It’s also why we’re comfortable listing these other companies. It’s not that they don’t do good work, but that we’re willing to put our services to the test and encourage you to compare. We’re confident that we’re the right HVAC contractor for a lot of you in the Sacramento area, and we look forward to proving that to you and earning your business.

Fox Family Heating & Air Conditioning

Fox Family serves the greater Sacramento area and specializes in HVAC services.

Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing

Specializing in HVAC, Gilmore also offers plumbing services and solar energy options.

Jaguar Heating & Air

Installation, repair and maintenance services in the Sacramento area.

Rey’s Air Solution

A West Sac company offering both residential and commercial heating and air conditioning services.

Red Flags for HVAC Contractors

Trust your instincts. No, seriously, that might be the best advice we can give here. You’ve met people in your life who are self-interested, and those who want to do right by other people. Telling the difference between the two is often easier than we think.

That said, here are some specifics you can look out for:

They lead with price. Price is important, and you also don’t want it hidden from you. But understanding what goes into the price, and what options adjust it, is just as important.
They don’t do a sizing calculation. Your current system is not guaranteed to be the proper size with newer technology powering it. A full size calculation should be run.
Commissioning and testing isn’t a part of their install process. This skips the part that actually ensures your equipment is running efficiently. Too many don’t do this, since they already have your money at this point.
They use high-pressure sales tactics. Goes without saying, but it’s worth reiterating. You have options that don’t include high-pressure sales.
Their reviews are spotty. No company can entirely avoid a sporadic 1-star review, but how do their reviews pan out over the long haul? How do they respond to the 1s and 2s? These things matter, since they point to a company who cares.
They don’t provide you with information and options. Your HVAC company should want to inform you of all possible costs, risks, benefits and options.

Air Conditioner Warranties, Tune-ups and More

Repairs are necessary at times, but many can be avoided with careful planning.

Warranties often last up to 10 years (occasionally more!) on certain parts and labor. If your air conditioning has broken down, consult the warranty to see if you qualify for free or reduced repair costs and parts replacements.

Additionally, the best way to avoid costly repairs is to have your system regularly maintained. This means yearly tune-ups from a licensed professional. Tune-ups can also oftentimes keep your warranty valid, since some of them can be tied to regular maintenance.

Tune-ups also keep your equipment more efficient when it’s operating. So even if you’re unfortunate enough to have to deal with a repair, you can maximize your savings when the equipment is running smoothly.

If you need repairs, or just a consultation or tune-up, CABS is ready to help. Give us a call today. We look forward to earning your business!

Sacramento Air Conditioner Repair: Best Practices and Red Flags