Not only does your AC system keep you comfortable, it’s also a health necessity when we’re here in the extreme temperatures of summer. Unfortunately, when the chilly air quits 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 air conditioner goes out in the heat of the summer, you don’t always have time to call around for competing quotes or research how much you may have to pay. Not knowing how much repairs can cost when the AC service tech knocks on your door can be intimidating, so we’re here to provide a few price ranges on some standard services so you won’t be alarmed when BW/Cook 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 how accessible the leak is, whether or not a leak test is needed, and what actually demands repair, a typical refrigerant leak detection and repair can end up costing anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on how accessible the leak is for the technician. If you’re not confident, you can ask your AC repair technician to guide you through their 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 the make and model of your air conditioner, a new circuit board for your system 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 typically cost more than a traditional thermostat. Depending on which style of thermostat you decide on, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 and $550 to install a new one. Thanksfully, the latest thermostats might 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 only a couple years old or you want to repair your older equipment instead of investing in an energy-efficient AC upgrade, a capacitor will most likely cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can be priced 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 good to weigh the pros and cons of repairing your current air conditioner versus purchasing an upgraded, more energy-efficient air conditioner. If replacing this part is the better option for you, a fan motor replacement could be 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 other costs that may not be covered by the warranty that will be your responsibility. Even with typical repairs, like a capacitor replacement, the company still has to process your warranty through the manufacturer so they can obtain the credit on the part. Furthermore, all manufacturers require the contractor to hold the part for eight to sixteen weeks and may ask the contractor return the failed part at the contractor’s cost. Larger repairs, such as a compressor, also require this process but these bigger repairs have additional 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 continue have to pay out-of-pocket for the technician’s labor.
Some of our Membership Plans carry parts and labor coverage that works with the manufacturer’s warranty to protect you from surprise repair expenses.
Always understand that these costs are estimates and many times they can increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the specific issues with your equipment, how old your equipment is, and whether or not you’ve been receiving regular maintenance to maintain the AC’s health 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 would like more information or ever need expert air conditioner repair, call BW/Cook Service Experts 24/7/365.