Not only does your air conditioner help you to stay comfortable, it’s also a health necessity during the extreme temperatures of summer. Unfortunately, when the cool air stops blowing or the system won’t come on at all, you’re not in a position to shop around for a few days.
When your air conditioning dies in the extreme temperatures of the summer, you don't always have time to look around for different quotes or research what you can expect to pay. Not knowing how much you can expect to pay when the air conditioning service technician knocks on your door can be scary, so we’re here with some price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be surprised when Service Experts arrives 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 a leak test is needed, and what actually requires repair, 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 not confident, feel free to ask your air conditioning repair technician to walk you through his or her 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 AC could cost anywhere from $450 to $1300.
Thermostat Replacement
If you’re looking to replace your home’s thermostat, a smart Wi-Fi thermostat will likely cost more than a basic thermostat. Depending on the type of thermostat you go with, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 and $550 to have a new on installed. Fortunately, the newest thermostats may pay back their investment in energy management savings, depending on if they are programmed properly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your air conditioner is still young or you want to repair your older AC instead of buying an energy-efficient A/C system upgrade, a capacitor will probably cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can cost a little lower, ranging from $150 – $350. These repairs are two of the most typical for your AC system.
AC Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always good to consider the pros and cons of repairing your current air conditioning equipment versus buying an upgraded, more energy-efficient AC system. If replacing your AC's 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 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 company still has to process your warranty through the manufacturer so they can receive the credit on the part. Also, all manufacturers instruct the contractor to store the part for eight to sixteen weeks and may ask the contractor return the bad part at the contractor’s cost. Bigger repairs, such as a compressor, 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 incur charges for the technician’s labor.
Some of our Membership Plans have parts and labor coverage that functions with the manufacturer’s warranty to protect you from sudden repair expenses.
Keep in mind that these prices are estimates and many times they can increase or decrease depending on the climate of your city, the particular issues with your equipment, the age of your air conditioner, and whether or not you’ve been receiving annual maintenance to maintain the health of your A/C and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your unit is pretty much dead and replacement is looking more likely, take a moment to read our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you would like more information or ever need expert air conditioning repair, call Service Experts 24/7/365.
