Not only does your air conditioner make you comfortable, it’s also crucial for your health through the dog days of summer. As a result, when the cold air suddenly isn’t blowing or your air conditioner won’t turn on at all, you’re not able to call around for a few days.
When your AC breaks down in the extreme temperatures of the summer, you don’t always have time to call around for competing quotes or research how much you may have to pay. Not knowing how much repairs can cost when the air conditioning service tech shows up can be unnerving, so we’re here with a few price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be surprised when Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning comes to get you cooling 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 a leak test is needed, and what exactly needs to be repaired, a regular 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 unsure, feel free to ask your AC repair technician to show you the process and go over their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
There are times when the problem may be beyond the A/C system 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 system 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 normally cost more than a traditional thermostat. Depending on which style of thermostat you choose, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 and $550 to have a new on installed. Thanksfully, the newer thermostats could pay back their cost in energy management savings, provided they are programmed properly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your A/C system is still young or you choose to repair your older AC instead of buying an energy-efficient air conditioning 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 some of the most common for your air conditioner.
AC Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always good to assess the pros and cons of paying to repair your current AC system versus investing in an upgraded, more energy-efficient AC system. If replacing your AC’s fan motor is the better choice for you, a fan motor replacement might be between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common misconception 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 several other costs that may not be covered through the warranty that will be your responsibility. Even with typical repairs, like a capacitor replacement, the contractor still has to process your warranty through the manufacturer so they can receive the credit on the part. Additionally, all manufacturers demand the contractor to keep the part for 60-120 days and may ask the contractor return the bad part at the contractor’s cost. Larger repairs, such as a compressor, 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. Unless you have a labor warranty you will continue have to pay additionally for the technician’s labor.
Some of our Membership Plans allow for parts and labor coverage that work in tandem with the manufacturer’s warranty to shield you from unexpected repair bills.
Keep in mind that these costs are estimates and costs can increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the actual issues with your equipment, how old your equipment is, 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 system has just plain given up and replacement seems more likely, take a moment to look at our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you have any questions or ever need expert air conditioning repair, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 24/7/365.