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 cool air suddenly isn’t blowing or the system won’t come on at all, you’re don’t have time to call around for a few days.
When your air conditioner goes out in the middle of the summer, you might not have time to call around for different quotes or research how much you may have to pay. Not knowing how much repairs can cost when the air conditioner service technician arrives can be intimidating, so we’re here to show you some price ranges on some common services so you won’t be surprised when Stevenson Service Experts 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 required, and what actually requires repair, 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, always ask your air conditioner repair technician to walk you through the process and explain their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
Sometimes the culprit may be beyond the air conditioner itself and the circuit board may need to be replaced. 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 looking to replace your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will usually cost more than a traditional thermostat. Depending on which style of thermostat you go with, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 and $550 to have a new on installed. Thanksfully, the newer thermostats may pay back their cost in energy management savings, depending on if they are programmed accordingly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your A/C system is still only a few years old or you choose to repair your older equipment instead of purchasing 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 standard for your air conditioning system.
AC Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always responsible to consider the pros and cons of choosing to repair your current AC system versus purchasing an upgraded, more energy-efficient air conditioner. If replacing your AC’s fan motor is the better decision for you, a fan motor replacement might run you between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common confusion is that if a part replacement is required, that it is covered by the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many additional costs that may not be covered through the warranty that you will be required to pay for out-of-pocket. Even with standard repairs, like a capacitor replacement, the HVAC contractor still has to process the warranty through the manufacturer so they can get the credit on the part. Also, all manufacturers demand the contractor to hold the part for 60-120 days and may ask the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Bigger repairs, such as a compressor, also require this process but these larger repairs have ancillary 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 continue have to pay out-of-pocket for the technician’s labor.
Some of our Membership Plans include parts and labor coverage that functions with the manufacturer’s warranty to protect you from surprise repair expenses.
Keep in mind that these costs are estimates and costs can increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the particular issues with your system, how old your equipment is, and whether or not you’ve been having yearly maintenance to maintain the health of your air conditioning system and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your AC has seen its last summer and replacement is more likely, take a moment to look at our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you want to find out more or ever need expert air conditioner repair, call Stevenson Service Experts 24/7/365.
