Not only does air conditioning help you to stay comfortable, it’s also crucial for your health during the dog days of summer. Unfortunately, when the cold air quits blowing or your air conditioner won’t come on at all, you’re not in a position to call around for more than a couple days.
When your air conditioner dies in the heat of the summer, you don’t always have time to call around for different quotes or research what you can expect to pay. Not knowing how much repairs can cost when the air conditioner service tech arrives can be unnerving, so we’re here to show you a few price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be alarmed when Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning comes to get you cool and comfortable 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 a leak test is needed, and what actually requires repair, a normal refrigerant leak detection and repair can actually cost anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on the accessibility of the leak for the technician. If you’re feeling uneasy, always ask your AC repair technician to guide you through their process and explain their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
There are times when the issue may be beyond the air conditioner itself and the circuit board may require replacement. Depending on the make and model of your air conditioner, a new circuit board for your AC could be priced anywhere from $450 to $1300.
Thermostat Replacement
If you’re interested in replacing your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will usually cost more than a basic thermostat. Depending on what kind of thermostat you decide on, you’re most likely going to end up paying anywhere between $200 and $550 to get it installed. Fortunately, the newest thermostats may pay back their investment in energy management savings, provided they are programmed properly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your A/C system is still only a couple years old or you decide to repair your older system instead of purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioning upgrade, a capacitor will probably cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can run a little lower, ranging from $150 - $350. These repairs are two of the most typical for your AC system.
AC Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always important to assess the pros and cons of repairing your current AC system versus buying an upgraded, more energy-efficient piece of equipment. If replacing the fan motor is the better option for you, a fan motor replacement may cost between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common misunderstanding is that if there is a part that needs to be replaced, that it is covered through the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are several other costs that may not be covered through the warranty that will be your responsibility. Even with typical repairs, for example, a capacitor replacement, the HVAC contractor still has to process your warranty through the manufacturer so they can get the credit on the part. Furthermore, all manufacturers demand the contractor to store the part for two to four months and may require the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Bigger repairs, such as a compressor, are included in this process but these bigger repairs have more supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered through the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Without a labor warranty you will continuously have to incur charges for the technician’s labor.
Some of our Membership Plans allow for parts and labor coverage that work alongside the manufacturer’s warranty to shield you from surprise repair costs.
Always understand that these costs are estimates and costs can increase or decrease depending on where you live, the specific issues with your system, how old your equipment is, and whether or not you’ve been getting annual maintenance to maintain the health of your air conditioning system and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your unit has just plain given up and replacement seems more likely, take a moment to look at our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you want to find out more or ever need expert AC repair, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 24/7/365.