How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?
Not only does your AC system keep you comfortable, it’s also vital to your health through the heat of summer. Unfortunately, when the cool air stops blowing or the system won’t start up at all, you’re not in a position to shop around for several days.
When your AC dies in the heat of the summer, you might not have time to call around for different quotes or research average costs. Not knowing how much repairs can cost when the air conditioning service expert knocks on your door can be unnerving, so we’re here with some price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be surprised when Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning shows up to get you up and running again.
- Refrigerant Leak Detection & Repair: $150 – $500
- AC Circuit Board Replacement: $450 – $1300
- Thermostat Replacement: $200 – $500
- Capacitor Replacement: $250 – $350
- Contactor Replacement: $150 – $350
- AC Fan Motor Replacement: $500 – $1200
Refrigerant Leak Detection and Repair
Depending on how accessible the leak is, whether or not there needs to be a leak test, and what actually demands repair, a regular refrigerant leak detection and repair can cost you anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on the accessibility of the leak for the technician. If you’re not confident, feel free to ask your air conditioning repair technician to guide you through his or her process and review their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
At times the problem may be beyond the air conditioner itself and the circuit board may be in need of replacing. Depending on the make and model of your air conditioner, a new circuit board for your equipment could be priced anywhere from $450 to $1300.
Thermostat Replacement
If you’re thinking about replacing your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will usually cost more than a basic thermostat. Depending on what kind of thermostat you go with, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 and $550 to get it installed. Luckily, the newer thermostats might pay back their purchase price in energy management savings, provided they are programmed accordingly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your AC is still young or you choose to repair your older AC instead of purchasing an energy-efficient AC upgrade, a capacitor will typically cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can run a little lower, ranging from $150 – $350. These repairs are a couple of the most typical for your air conditioner.
A/C Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always responsible to weigh the pros and cons of paying to repair your current AC system versus investing in an upgraded, more energy-efficient piece of equipment. If replacing the fan motor is the better decision for you, a fan motor replacement may be between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common misunderstanding is that if the issue calls for a part to be replaced, that it is covered under the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many other costs that may not be covered by the warranty that you will be required to pay for out-of-pocket. Even with common repairs, for example, a capacitor replacement, the company still has to process this warranty through the manufacturer so they can receive the credit on the part. Additionally, all manufacturers demand the contractor to keep the part for eight to sixteen weeks and may make the contractor return the failed part at the contractor’s cost. Greater repairs, such as a compressor, are included in this process but these larger repairs have more supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered through the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Unless you have a labour warranty you will continue have to pay additionally for the technician’s labour.
Some of our Membership Plans include parts and labour coverage that functions with the manufacturer’s warranty to protect you from unexpected repair costs.
Remember that these costs are estimates and many times they can increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the specific issues with your equipment, how old your equipment is, and whether or not you’ve been having annual maintenance to maintain the health of your A/C and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your unit has seen its last summer and replacement is looking more likely, take a moment to look at our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you would like more information or ever need expert AC repair, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 24/7/365.