How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?

Not only does your AC system make you comfortable, it’s also a health necessity when we’re here in the heat of summer. As a result, when the chilly air stops blowing or your air conditioner won’t start up at all, you’re not in a position to shop around for a few days. 

When your air conditioning goes out in the extreme temperatures of the summer, you may not have time to look around for different quotes or research what you can expect to pay. Not knowing how much repairs can cost when the air conditioner service technician arrives can be intimidating, so we’re here to show you a few price ranges on some common services so you won’t be shocked when Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning shows up to get you cool and comfortable again. 

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

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

3. Thermostat Replacement: $200 – $500 

4. Capacitor Replacement: $250 – $350 

5. Contactor Replacement: $150 – $350 

6. 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 required, and what precisely requires repair, a typical 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 professional to guide you through his or her process and explain their findings. 

AC Circuit Board Replacement 

Sometimes the problem may be beyond the A/C system itself and the circuit board may need to be replaced. Depending on your AC make and model, 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 normally cost more than a basic thermostat. Depending on what kind of thermostat you choose, you’re most likely going to end up paying anywhere between $200 and $550 to get it installed. Fortunately, the newest thermostats might pay back their investment in energy management savings, depending on if they are programmed properly. 

Capacitor or Contactor Replacement 

If your A/C system is still only a couple years old or you choose to repair your older equipment instead of buying an energy-efficient air conditioning upgrade, a capacitor will typically cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can run a little lower, ranging from $150 – $350. These repairs are a couple of the most common for your air conditioning system. 

AC Fan Motor Replacement 

Again, it’s always responsible to examine the pros and cons of choosing to repair your current air conditioning equipment versus buying an upgraded, more energy-efficient piece of equipment. If replacing your AC’s fan motor is the better decision for you, a fan motor replacement may be between $500 and $1200. 

NOTE: Part repair under warranty 

A common misconception 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 through the warranty that you will be required to pay for out-of-pocket. Even with common repairs, like 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 require the contractor to keep the part for two to four months and may ask the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Bigger repairs, such as a compressor, are included in this process but these larger repairs have more supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered under the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Without a labor warranty you will continue have to incur charges for the technician’s labor. 

Some of our Membership Plans introduce parts and labor coverage that work alongside the manufacturer’s warranty to protect you from surprise repair expenses. 

Keep in mind that these ranges are estimates and many times they can increase or decrease depending on where you live, the specific issues with your equipment, how old your equipment is, and whether or not you’ve been getting yearly maintenance to maintain the AC’s health and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your AC is pretty much dead and replacement is more likely, take a moment to read our air conditioner pricing guide. 

If you want to find out more or ever need expert air conditioner repair, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 24/7/365.