How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?
Not only does your air conditioner make you comfortable, it’s also crucial for your health through the heat of summer. For that reason, when the cold air suddenly isn’t blowing or the system won’t come on at all, you’re not able to look around for a few days.
When your AC goes out in the middle of the summer, you might not have time to look around for different quotes or research average costs. Not knowing how much it may cost when the AC service tech shows up can be intimidating, so we’re here to show you some price ranges on some common services so you won’t be alarmed when Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 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 there needs to be a leak test, and what exactly needs to be repaired, a normal refrigerant leak detection and repair can cost you anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on how accessible the leak is for the technician. If you’re not confident, you can ask your AC repair professional to walk you through their process and go over their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
At times the culprit may be beyond the air conditioner itself and the circuit board may need to be replaced. Depending on the make and model of your air conditioner, a new circuit board for your equipment could run 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 standard thermostat. Depending on what kind of thermostat you go with, you’re probably going to pay anywhere between $200 and $550 to get it installed. Thanksfully, the newer thermostats might pay back their cost in energy management savings, if they are programmed properly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your AC is still young or you choose to repair your older AC instead of purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioning upgrade, a capacitor will typically cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can be priced a little lower, ranging from $150 – $350. These repairs are some of the most common for your air conditioner.
A/C Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always important to review the pros and cons of choosing to repair your current air conditioner versus purchasing an upgraded, more energy-efficient AC system. If replacing this part is the better option for you, a fan motor replacement may be between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common misconception is that if a part replacement is required, that it is covered through the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many additional costs that may not be covered by the warranty that will be your responsibility. Even with standard repairs, like a capacitor replacement, the HVAC contractor still has to process this warranty through the manufacturer so they can receive the credit on the part. Additionally, all manufacturers require the contractor to store the part for 60-120 days and may require the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Bigger repairs, such as a compressor, are encompassed in this process but those types of repairs have additional supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered by the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Unless you have a labour warranty you will always have to pay out-of-pocket for the technician’s labour.
Some of our Membership Plans include parts and labour coverage that works with the manufacturer’s warranty to guard you from unexpected repair bills.
Remember that these ranges are estimates and they can often increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the specific issues with your AC, the age of your system, and whether or not you’ve been having yearly maintenance to maintain the health of your A/C and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your unit is pretty much dead and replacement is looking more likely, take a moment to read our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you want to find out more or ever need expert AC repair, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 24/7/365.