How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?

Not only does your air conditioner help you to stay comfortable, it’s also a health necessity during the dog days of summer. Unfortunately, when the cold air stops blowing or your air conditioner won’t turn on at all, you’re don’t have time to look around for a few days.

When your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of the summer, you might not have time to shop around for competing quotes or research how much you may have to pay. Not being sure how much repairs can cost when the air conditioner service expert knocks on your door can be scary, so we’re here with some price ranges on some standard 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 demands repair, a normal refrigerant leak detection and repair can actually cost anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on the accessibility of the leak for the technician. If you’re unsure, you can ask your air conditioning repair technician to walk you through the process and explain their findings.

AC Circuit Board Replacement

Sometimes the issue may be beyond the AC equipment 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 typically cost more than a traditional thermostat. Depending on the type of thermostat you decide on, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 and $550 to install a new one. Luckily, the newest thermostats may pay back their purchase price in energy management savings, depending on if they are programmed correctly.

Capacitor or Contactor Replacement

If your air conditioner is still only a few years old or you decide to repair your older AC instead of purchasing an energy-efficient A/C system 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 two of the most typical for your air conditioner.

A/C Fan Motor Replacement

Again, it’s always good to examine the pros and cons of repairing your current AC system versus investing in an upgraded, more energy-efficient piece of equipment. If replacing your AC’s fan motor is the better choice for you, a fan motor replacement could run you between $500 and $1200.

NOTE: Part repair under warranty

A common confusion is that if a part replacement is required, that it is covered through the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many additional costs that may not be covered by the warranty that you will be required to pay for out-of-pocket. Even with standard repairs, for example, a capacitor replacement, the contractor still has to process the warranty through the manufacturer so they can receive the credit on the part. Also, all manufacturers require the contractor to store the part for 60-120 days and may ask the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Greater repairs, a compressor for example, are encompassed 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 continuously have to pay additionally for the technician’s labor.

Some of our Membership Plans introduce parts and labor coverage that works with the manufacturer’s warranty to shield you from surprise repair expenses.

Remember that these prices are estimates and they can often increase or decrease depending on where you live, the actual issues with your system, the age of your air conditioner, and whether or not you’ve been having regular maintenance to maintain the health of your air conditioning system and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your system is pretty much dead 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 conditioning repair, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 24/7/365.