Noticing your AC has been on the fritz lately, but you don’t know what to expect when it comes to placing a service request and using your home warranty coverage?
We combined insights from three of our top American Home Shield® Pros — Wes Beason, from NW Sundance Services in Seattle and Portland; Daniel LaGarce, from Budget Heating, Cooling and Plumbing in St. Peters, Missouri; and Rob Brodsly, from Austin Heating and Air in Bakersfield, California. Here’s what they had to say:
Q: What should an AHS member expect during an AC service call?
First, the Pro will start by asking the homeowner to describe the issues they are experiencing with the system. Then, the Pro will typically go check the thermostat. After that, they will go to the furnace/air handler and check the filter, blower wheel, drain lines, electrical and basic indoor operations. The Pro will also go to the outdoor unit and check system operations and refrigerant levels. Once everything has been assessed, the homeowner should expect a diagnosis and for the Pro to outline next steps.
Q: How long should the homeowner expect the visit to take?
A basic repair, which is a repair made in the home without a return trip, happens about 80 percent of the time and could last anywhere from15 minutes to four hours depending on the complexity of the repair. A major repair or replacement, which requires authorization from AHS, may take 24–72 hours to complete. This will also vary with the season and call volume. For example, the heat of summer may extend the major repair time.