The cost for some people to repair their air conditioning units is on the rise, but the price change does not impact everyone.
Brian Trent is setting up a fan to cool down his house after his upstairs air conditioner stopped working.
“I came upstairs and it was very hot. It was about 80 degrees,” he said.
So Trent called an air conditioning repair man, who diagnosed the problem as a faulty capacitor. Trent was told the part would cost him about $300, but if the air unit also needed coolant, Trent could expect the cost to be significantly more.
“It’s gone up about 400 percent since January,” said Mark Dellinger, an air conditioning technician for Morris Jenkins.
He said prices of R22 refrigerant, which is used in air conditioning units made before 2010, have skyrocketed.
Some homeowners have reported spending $175 for a pound of R22 compared to just $30 two years ago.
Dellinger said prices are rising due to R22 being phased out and replaced with a more eco-friendly refrigerant, R410A.
“Unfortunately, R410A, which is less expensive, is not compatible with these older units,” he said.
Dellinger said consumers can prevent coolant leaks from happening by having a technician perform a leak search.
“A properly serviced and maintained air conditioner should last years without having to buy refrigerant,” Dellinger said.
The Better Business Bureau has a warning about hiring an air conditioning service. With thousands of contractors and companies providing air service, it’s important for consumers to research the companies they are considering hiring.
The BBB said people should make sure they use a contractor who is licensed and insured. People should also be wary of unsolicited offers and avoid products that promise drastic reductions in utility bills.