The Case for Fans vs. Air Conditioners in NYC As a recent convert to the fan-centric lifestyle, I’m prepared to go on record and say yes: you can survive the summer in New York City without air conditioning. Skeptics, hold your fire! There are a few salient points that may help you become a fan of the fan:Have you ever tried to install a window-unit air conditioner by yourself? Or had to carry it up and down multiple flights of stairs while moving? I hope your back has recovered. Fans are lighter, quieter, and need far less maintenance than an AC unit.Fans are smaller than air conditioners, and therefore much easier to store during the winter when they’re not in use. In a small space, especially a room with only one window, an AC can be an eyesore, and prevents you from being able to open the window on beautiful summer days. (Source: etccdb via Flickr Creative Commons)Although there are plenty of high-end fans out there, stores like the Home Depot and PC Richards have plenty of options under $100.

The Lasko cyclone standing fan goes for $32.96 and gets great reviews. AC units also vary greatly in price, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find one below $100. At Home Depot, you can expect to pay anywhere between $129 to $299 for a unit.ac window unit prices india Fans are easy on your electric bill. york ac parts miamiOn average, a window-unit air conditioner will cost about 14 cents an hour to run, whereas a fan costs about 1 cent every three hours. window air conditioning units with heatThat breaks down to $50.40 per month for an AC, and $1.20 per month for a ceiling fan. One word: the environment. About 25% of all electricity consumed at home in the United States is to power AC units, and most of that electricity comes from carbon rich coal.

AC units release about 100 million tons of carbon dioxide into the environment every year. It may seem counterintuitive, but you should turn off the AC when the nights keep getting hotter. The earth will thank you. Listen, I’m not a monster: I understand that some people simply can’t sleep in a room when it gets hot. There are good reasons why an AC would make more sense than a fan: if you are trying to cool down a large space, like your living room, an air conditioner may be the only way to do that effectively. And rooms that get a lot of direct sunlight, no matter how small they are, might also need more cooling power than a fan can provide. There are pros and cons to both, but let’s face it: if the weather in New York continues to be as erratic as it has been this summer, there may be fewer days in the future when an AC unit will feel absolutely necessary. Hacks for Living in NYC on a Tight Budget Got a Tiny Bedroom? How to Make the Most of Your Space When is the Best Time to Rent in NYC?

How Much Does A/C Repair Cost? Most repairs to a central air conditioning unit will cost around $400 - $700. Some small A/C repairs can cost as little as $99, and some repairs can run as high as $850. A/C units are complicated machines that have many parts, so there is a wide range of costs for air conditioning unit repairs depending on the part and the severity of the problem. This in depth A/C repair guide will help answer all of your questions, while helping you save time and money on AC repairs.Repairing an Air Conditioning Unit? Many homeowners think that replacing an air conditioning unit is the smart, low cost option, but this isn't always the case. According to Energy Star, if your AC unit is more than 10 years old, or it has a low S.E.E.R. rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating), it is probably a better idea to replace your unit instead of repairing it. By replacing an old unit with a newer one you can save hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars on energy bills.

A reliable HVAC contractor will give you the cost breakdown and let you know which option is best for your specific needs during an inspection of your A/C unit. Typical AC Repair Costs There are a ton of minor, quick fixes to A/C units, here are a few of the most common: New Thermostat - $150 Condensate Pump Replacement - $175 Outdoor Condensing Unit Fan Motor - $300 Control Circuit Boards - $250 Factors That Affect AC Repair Costs There are a ton of different types of AC units, which creates a large range in repair costs. Here are some of the factors that will determine how much you will need to pay to fix an AC unit: Air Conditioning System Type - If your unit is only a cooling unit then repairs will be less expensive compared to a unit that both heats and cools. AC Unit Fuel Type - Electric AC unit repairs are typically the lowest priced, while natural gas and propane AC unit repairs will cost slightly more. Age Of Unit - Older units are often more expensive to repair, and they are also less efficient, which often times makes replacing the unit altogether a smarter choice.

Common Air Conditioning Unit Problems HVAC System Not Running Properly - This could be due to a number of problems with the power source, controls or thermostat and typically costs around $135 to fix. A/C Unit Running Loud - Typically involves adjusting or changing filters and valves and usually costs around $150. High Energy Bills - Performing routine maintenance or minor tweaks to your AC unit can cost as low as $100, but save you a ton on your energy bills. AC Temperature Control/Thermostat Problems - If you are having trouble regulating the temperature of the air then you probably need to replace or repair the thermostat, which typically costs around $165. Proper A/C Unit Maintenance Can Prevent The Need For Many AC Repairs Routine maintenance such as replacing and cleaning air filters is a great way to avoid serious problems to your air conditioning unit. Maintenance costs are typically only a fraction of what actual AC repair will end up costing.