How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?
Not only does air conditioning help you to stay comfortable, it’s also crucial for your health during the extreme temperatures of summer. For that reason, when the cool air stops blowing or your AC won’t start up at all, you’re don’t have time to look around for a few days.
When your air conditioning goes out in the heat of the summer, you might not have time to look around for different quotes or research average costs. Not having an idea how much you can expect to pay when the AC service tech arrives can be unnerving, so we’re here to show you a few price ranges on some standard services so you won’t be surprised when Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning shows up 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 the accessibility of the leak, whether or not a leak test is required, and what precisely needs to be repaired, an average refrigerant leak detection and repair can actually cost anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on how accessible the leak is for the technician. If you’re feeling uneasy, you can ask your AC repair technician to walk you through his or her process and review their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
Sometimes the culprit may be beyond the AC equipment 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 system could cost anywhere from $450 to $1300.
Thermostat Replacement
If you’re looking to replace your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will typically cost more than a traditional thermostat. Depending on which style of thermostat you go with, you’re probably going to pay anywhere between $200 and $550 to get it installed. Thanksfully, the latest thermostats may pay back their cost in energy management savings, if they are programmed properly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your air conditioner is still only a few years old or you decide to repair your older system instead of investing in an energy-efficient A/C system upgrade, a capacitor will most likely cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can be priced a little lower, ranging from $150 - $350. These repairs are a couple of the most common for your air conditioning system.
AC Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always good to consider the pros and cons of paying to repair your current air conditioner versus purchasing an upgraded, more energy-efficient air conditioner. If replacing the fan motor is the better option for you, a fan motor replacement might cost 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 several other costs that may not be covered by the warranty that will be your out-of-pocket costs. Even with typical repairs, like a capacitor replacement, the company still has to process the warranty through the manufacturer so they can obtain the credit on the part. Also, all manufacturers instruct the contractor to hold the part for 60-120 days and may require the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Larger repairs, a compressor for example, also require this process but these larger repairs have more supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered under the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. If you don’t have a labor warranty you will always have to pay additionally for the technician’s labor.
Some of our Membership Plans introduce parts and labor coverage that works in tandem with the manufacturer’s warranty to keep you from surprise repair bills.
Always understand that these prices are estimates and costs can increase or decrease depending on the climate of your city, the particular issues with your system, the age of your air conditioner, and whether or not you’ve been receiving regular maintenance to maintain the health of your A/C and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your AC has just plain given up and replacement seems more likely, take a moment to read our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you have any questions or ever need expert AC repair, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 24/7/365.