Not only does your air conditioner keep you comfortable, it’s also a health necessity when we’re here in 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 in a position to look around for several days.
When your AC breaks down in the extreme temperatures of the summer, you don’t always have time to look around for multiple quotes or research what you can expect to pay. Not being sure how much you can expect to pay when the AC service tech knocks on your door can be unnerving, so we’re here with some price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be alarmed 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 where the leak is, whether or not it requires a leak test, and what precisely needs to be repaired, a regular refrigerant leak detection and repair can end up costing anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on how accessible the leak is for the technician. If you’re not confident, always ask your air conditioning repair expert to guide you through his or her process and explain their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
At times the issue may be beyond the A/C system itself and the circuit board may require replacement. Depending on your AC make and model, a new circuit board for your equipment could run anywhere from $450 to $1300.
Thermostat Replacement
If you’re interested in replacing your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will likely cost more than a basic thermostat. Depending on the type of thermostat you decide on, you’re most likely going to end up paying anywhere between $200 and $550 to have a new on installed. Thanksfully, the newer thermostats may pay back their purchase price in energy management savings, provided they are programmed correctly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your A/C system is still young or you choose to repair your older equipment instead of investing in an energy-efficient AC upgrade, a capacitor will probably cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can be priced a little lower, ranging from $150 - $350. These repairs are two of the most common for your AC system.
A/C Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always good to consider the pros and cons of choosing to repair your current AC system versus investing in an upgraded, more energy-efficient air conditioner. If replacing your AC’s fan motor is the better option for you, a fan motor replacement could run you between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common confusion is that if the issue calls for a part to be replaced, that it is covered by 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 the warranty through the manufacturer so they can receive the credit on the part. Additionally, 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. Bigger repairs, a compressor for example, are included in this process but these larger repairs have ancillary supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered through 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 have parts and labor coverage that functions in tandem with the manufacturer’s warranty to shield you from sudden repair bills.
Always understand that these costs are estimates and many times they can increase or decrease depending on where you live, the actual issues with your AC, the age of your air conditioner, 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 AC is pretty much dead and replacement is looking more likely, take a moment to review our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you want to find out more or ever need expert air conditioning repair, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 24/7/365.