How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?

Not only does your AC system keep you comfortable, it’s also crucial for your health during the heat of summer. Unfortunately, when the chilly air stops blowing or the system won’t come on at all, you’re don’t have time to look around for a few days.

When your air conditioner dies in the middle of the summer, you may not have time to call around for competing quotes or research how much you may have to pay. Not having an idea how much it may cost when the air conditioning service expert knocks on your door can be unnerving, so we’re here with a few price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be caught off guard when Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing shows up to get you cooling 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 there needs to be a leak test, and what exactly requires repair, a typical refrigerant leak detection and repair can actually cost 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 walk you through his or her process and go over 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 thinking about replacing your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will usually cost more than a basic thermostat. Depending on which style of thermostat you go with, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 and $550 to get it installed. Luckily, the newest thermostats could 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 young or you choose to repair your older equipment instead of investing in an energy-efficient AC 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 common for your air conditioner.

A/C Fan Motor Replacement

Again, it’s always responsible to assess 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 may 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 through the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many other costs that may not be covered under the warranty that will be your out-of-pocket costs. Even with common repairs, such as a capacitor replacement, the HVAC contractor still has to process the warranty through the manufacturer so they can receive the credit on the part. Also, all manufacturers instruct the contractor to keep the part for eight to sixteen weeks and may make the contractor return the bad part at the contractor’s cost. Greater repairs, like a compressor, are encompassed in this process but these bigger repairs have additional supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered through the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. If you don’t have a labor warranty you will always have to pay additionally for the technician’s labor.

Some of our Membership Plans have parts and labor coverage that functions alongside the manufacturer’s warranty to keep you from sudden repair costs.

Keep in mind that these costs are estimates and they can often increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the specific issues with your AC, the age of your system, and whether or not you’ve been receiving annual 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 seems 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 Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 24/7/365.