Not only does air conditioning help you to stay comfortable, it’s also crucial for your health when we’re here in the extreme temperatures of summer. For that reason, when the chilly air suddenly isn’t blowing or your air conditioner won’t start up at all, you’re not able 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 shop around for different quotes or research average costs. Not having an idea how much repairs can cost when the AC service technician arrives can be intimidating, so we’re here to provide some price ranges on some common services so you won’t be shocked when Neal Harris Service Experts arrives to get you up and running 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 the accessibility of the leak, whether or not there needs to be a leak test, and what actually demands repair, a typical refrigerant leak detection and repair can end up costing anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on the technician’s accessibility of the leak. If you’re not confident, always ask your air conditioning repair technician to show you his or her process and explain their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
Sometimes the culprit may be beyond the A/C system itself and the circuit board may be in need of replacing. Depending on your AC make and model, a new circuit board for your equipment 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 likely cost more than a standard thermostat. Depending on what kind of thermostat you decide on, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 and $550 to have a new on installed. Thanksfully, the newest thermostats may pay back their purchase price in energy management savings, if they are programmed properly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your air conditioner is still young or you choose to repair your older system instead of investing in 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 some of the most typical for your air conditioner.
AC Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always good to weigh the pros and cons of paying to repair your current air conditioner versus buying an upgraded, more energy-efficient piece of equipment. If replacing this part is the better option for you, a fan motor replacement could cost between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common misconception is that if a part replacement is required, that it is covered through the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are several additional costs that may not be covered by the warranty that will be your responsibility. Even with typical repairs, such as a capacitor replacement, the contractor still has to process the warranty through the manufacturer so they can get the credit on the part. Also, all manufacturers require the contractor to store the part for eight to sixteen weeks and may require the contractor return the failed part at the contractor’s cost. Bigger repairs, such as a compressor, also require this process but those types of 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 continuously have to pay out-of-pocket for the technician’s labor.
Some of our Membership Plans allow for parts and labor coverage that works in tandem with the manufacturer’s warranty to shield you from surprise repair expenses.
Keep in mind that these ranges are estimates and they can often increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the specific issues with your system, the age of your air conditioner, and whether or not you’ve been getting yearly maintenance to maintain the AC’s health and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your system has just plain given up and replacement is more likely, take a moment to look at our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you would like more information or ever need expert air conditioning repair, call Neal Harris Service Experts 24/7/365.