Blog | Gilmore Heating Air and Plumbing | Sacramento HVAC Repair and Replacement (2024)

FAQs

Why are HVAC repairs so expensive? ›

The overhead costs for HVAC technicians is fairly significant. They don't stay in one place—their days are spent traveling throughout the service area to visit numerous job sites, which means that fuel costs can add up. Effective maintenance and repair also involves additional tools and supplies to complete the job.

In 1973, our founder John Gilmore wanted to create a holistic solution for Sacramento metropolitan residents who needed heating, cooling, and plumbing solutions. He founded his company in his hometown of Placerville, California, only for it to expand into what we know now.

It may be time to call a professional contractor to help you make a change if: Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old. Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.

Compressors are typically the most expensive parts to replace on an AC unit.

Dirty Filters

Perhaps the most common of all HVAC problems, and one that is easily fixed, is a dirty filter. Dirty filters will block airflow and cause your furnace to work harder to maintain an ideal temperature. This overburdens the unit, which could cause overheating, premature wear, and HVAC airflow problems.

However, like any other mechanical system, HVAC systems can experience problems and require repairs. Common HVAC problems include faulty thermostats, clogged filters, circuit breakers, refrigerant leaks, refrigerant levels, dirty evaporator coils, and electrical issues.

Multimeter. The digital multimeter is among the most important HVAC tools. This device allows HVAC technicians to test systems and diagnose problems.

Your Unit Constantly Runs but Doesn't Cool or Heat Well

If your HVAC system runs constantly but fails to cool or heat your home well, it may be faulty. It may not need an emergency repair, but you should schedule an annual maintenance appointment to prevent more serious problems down the line.

Lennox develops and manufactures the industry's first high-efficiency gas furnaces. as the parent company for Lennox Industries Inc. and future acquisitions under the ownership of the Norris family.

Who owns United Air Temp? ›

GREENWICH, Conn., April 01, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Littlejohn & Co., LLC ("Littlejohn"), a private investment firm based in Greenwich, CT, announced that it has acquired United Air Temp, Air Conditioning and Heating ("UAT"), a leading provider of HVAC and plumbing services to residential homeowners in the Mid-Atlantic ...

A Lennox International Company, Aire-Flo produces products for residential and commercial consumers. While Lennox was founded in 1895, Aire-Flo was introduced as an off-shoot brand in 1930.

Full System Replacement: A full system replacement means that your HVAC professional will be replacing or installing your ductwork and rewiring your thermostats. This process will take much longer than a simple changeout. A full system repair is going to take anywhere from 3 to 5 days.

The best times to replace your HVAC system are the spring and early fall when the business is the slowest. During this time manufacturers offer specials to help sell more products and HVAC contractors are more aggressive with their pricing to help keep the dollars rolling and the crews busy.

The $5,000 rule is an industry-accepted rule for determining whether to repair or replace an HVAC system. Multiply the age of your equipment by its estimated repair cost. If the outcome is under $5,000, you should probably repair it. If over $5,000, you should replace it.

In recent years, the cost of HVAC equipment has increased significantly, driven by factors that include rising raw material prices, supply chain disruptions, higher consumer demand, and labor shortages.

In general, most HVAC systems will last 15 to 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be highly variable. Even with HVAC maintenance and regular repairs, eventually, even the best boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners today will run their course.

At the end of 2023, several leading HVAC equipment manufacturers publicly announced upcoming price increases for residential equipment in 2024.

The type of HVAC system chosen for installation is one of the main factors that affects the overall cost. Portable AC units are typically the cheapest option, with prices starting as low as $200. On the other hand, geothermal heat pump systems are the most expensive, with average costs ranging from $10,000 to $35,000.