How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?

Not only does your air conditioner help you to stay comfortable, it’s also a health necessity when we’re here in the extreme temperatures of summer. Unfortunately, when the chilly air stops blowing or your AC won’t start up at all, you’re not in a position to call around for a few days.

When your air conditioner dies in the middle of the summer, you might not have time to shop around for competing quotes or research what you can expect to pay. Not being sure how much it may cost when the AC service tech knocks on your door can be scary, so we’re here to provide some price ranges on some standard services so you won’t be alarmed when Bob Brown Service Experts Heating & Air comes to get you up and running 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 actually needs to be repaired, a normal refrigerant leak detection and repair can cost you anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on the accessibility of the leak for the technician. If you’re feeling uneasy, you can ask your air conditioning repair expert to walk you through the process and explain their findings.

AC Circuit Board Replacement

At times the issue 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 be priced anywhere from $450 to $1300.

Thermostat Replacement

If you’re looking to replace 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 probably going to pay anywhere between $200 and $550 to have a new on installed. Thanksfully, the newer thermostats may pay back their purchase price in energy management savings, depending on if they are programmed properly.

Capacitor or Contactor Replacement

If your A/C system is still young or you decide to repair your older AC instead of buying an energy-efficient air conditioning upgrade, a capacitor will probably cost $250 to $350 and a contactor can cost a little lower, ranging from $150 - $350. These repairs are a couple of the most standard for your air conditioner.

A/C Fan Motor Replacement

Again, it’s always good to review the pros and cons of repairing your current air conditioner versus purchasing an upgraded, more energy-efficient AC system. If replacing your AC’s fan motor is the better option for you, a fan motor replacement might run you between $500 and $1200.

NOTE: Part repair under warranty

A common misconception is that if a part replacement is required, that it is covered through the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many other costs that may not be covered through the warranty that will be your responsibility. Even with common repairs, for example, a capacitor replacement, the contractor still has to process this warranty through the manufacturer so they can receive the credit on the part. Also, all manufacturers demand the contractor to store the part for 60-120 days and may ask the contractor return the bad part at the contractor’s cost. Bigger repairs, a compressor for example, are encompassed in this process but these bigger repairs have more 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 incur charges for the technician’s labor.

Always understand that these costs are estimates and they can often increase or decrease depending on the climate of your city, the specific issues with your AC, the age of your air conditioner, and whether or not you’ve been having yearly maintenance to maintain the health of your A/C and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your system has just plain given up and replacement seems more likely, take a moment to look at our air conditioner pricing guide.

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