How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?

Not only does your air conditioner keep you comfortable, it’s also crucial for your health through the extreme temperatures of summer. Unfortunately, when the chilly air suddenly isn’t blowing or your air conditioner won’t come on at all, you’re don’t have time to shop around for a few days.

When your AC dies in the middle of the summer, you may not have time to shop around for multiple quotes or research what you can expect to pay. Not having an idea how much it may cost when the air conditioner service technician arrives can be scary, so we’re here with a few price ranges on some common services so you won’t be caught off guard when Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing shows up to get you up and running again.

1. 1. Refrigerant Leak Detection & Repair: $150 – $500

2. 2. AC Circuit Board Replacement: $450 – $1300

3. 3. Thermostat Replacement: $200 – $500

4. 4. Capacitor Replacement: $250 – $350

5. 5. Contactor Replacement: $150 – $350

6. 6. AC Fan Motor Replacement: $500 – $1200

Refrigerant Leak Detection and Repair

Depending on the accessibility of the leak, 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 the technician’s accessibility of the leak. If you’re unsure, always ask your AC repair professional to show you his or her process and review their findings.

AC Circuit Board Replacement

There are times when the culprit may be beyond the AC equipment itself and the circuit board may require replacement. Depending on your AC make and model, a new circuit board for your system could cost anywhere from $450 to $1300.

Thermostat Replacement

If you’re looking to replace your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will normally cost more than a basic thermostat. Depending on the type of thermostat you decide on, you’re probably going to pay anywhere between $200 and $550 to install a new one. Thanksfully, the newest thermostats might pay back their cost in energy management savings, provided they are programmed correctly.

Capacitor or Contactor Replacement

If your AC is still only a couple years old or you decide to repair your older equipment instead of purchasing an energy-efficient AC upgrade, a capacitor will most likely 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 important to weigh the pros and cons of repairing your current air conditioning equipment versus purchasing an upgraded, more energy-efficient air conditioner. If replacing the 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 the issue calls for a part to be replaced, that it is covered under 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, for example, a capacitor replacement, the HVAC contractor still has to process your warranty through the manufacturer so they can get the credit on the part. Also, all manufacturers instruct the contractor to keep the part for two to four months and may require the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Bigger repairs, like a compressor, are included in this process but those types of 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 out-of-pocket for the technician’s labor.

Some of our Membership Plans include parts and labor coverage that works in tandem with the manufacturer’s warranty to protect you from unexpected repair expenses.

Keep in mind that these costs are estimates and costs can increase or decrease depending on the climate of your city, the specific issues with your AC, the age of your system, and whether or not you’ve been getting regular 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 is more likely, take a moment to look at our air conditioner pricing guide.

If you have any questions or ever need expert air conditioner repair, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 24/7/365.