How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?
Not only does air conditioning keep you comfortable, it’s also a health necessity when we’re here in the dog days of summer. As a result, when the cold air stops blowing or your AC won’t turn on at all, you’re don’t have time to shop around for more than a couple days.
When your air conditioning breaks down in the heat of the summer, you don’t always have time to shop around for multiple quotes or research what you can expect to pay. Not knowing how much you can expect to pay when the air conditioner service tech shows up can be scary, so we’re here to provide a few price ranges on some standard services so you won’t be alarmed when Strand Brothers Service Experts shows up 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 how accessible the leak is, whether or not a leak test is required, and what actually requires repair, a typical 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 unsure, always ask your air conditioner repair technician to show you the process and review their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
There are times when the issue may be beyond the air conditioner 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 equipment could run anywhere from $450 to $1300.
Thermostat Replacement
If you’re looking to replace your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will likely cost more than a traditional thermostat. Depending on which style of thermostat you choose, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 and $550 to install a new one. Luckily, the newest thermostats may pay back their cost in energy management savings, depending on if they are programmed properly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your AC is still young or you decide to repair your older equipment instead of buying an energy-efficient AC upgrade, a capacitor will probably cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can run a little lower, ranging from $150 - $350. These repairs are a couple of the most typical for your AC system.
AC Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always good to review the pros and cons of paying to repair your current air conditioner versus purchasing an upgraded, more energy-efficient AC system. If replacing this part is the better choice for you, a fan motor replacement might run you 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 under the warranty that will be your responsibility. Even with typical repairs, such as a capacitor replacement, the HVAC contractor still has to process this warranty through the manufacturer so they can get the credit on the part. Additionally, all manufacturers demand the contractor to store the part for 60-120 days and may ask the contractor return the failed part at the contractor’s cost. Bigger repairs, a compressor for example, also require this process but these bigger repairs have ancillary supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered under the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Unless you have a labor warranty you will always have to pay out-of-pocket for the technician’s labor.
Some of our Membership Plans carry parts and labor coverage that functions alongside the manufacturer’s warranty to keep you from sudden repair bills.
Keep in mind that these ranges are estimates and many times they can increase or decrease depending on the climate of your city, the specific issues with your equipment, the age of your air conditioner, and whether or not you’ve been having annual maintenance to maintain the health of your air conditioning system and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your system has seen its last summer 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 Strand Brothers Service Experts 24/7/365.
