Not only does air conditioning keep you comfortable, it’s also vital to your health during the dog days of summer. Unfortunately, when the cool air suddenly isn’t blowing or your AC won’t turn on at all, you’re don’t have time to shop around for several days.
When your air conditioning breaks down in the middle of the summer, you don’t always have time to look around for different quotes or research what you can expect to pay. Not knowing how much you can expect to pay when the air conditioner service expert arrives can be scary, so we’re here with several price ranges on some standard services so you won’t be alarmed when A-PLUS Service Experts comes to get you cooling 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 where the leak is, whether or not there needs to be a leak test, and what actually requires 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 feeling uneasy, always ask your AC repair expert to guide 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 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 looking to replace your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will normally cost more than a traditional thermostat. Depending on the type of thermostat you go with, you’re probably going to pay anywhere between $200 and $550 to install a new one. Fortunately, 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 air conditioner is still only a few years old 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 be priced a little lower, ranging from $150 - $350. These repairs are two of the most standard for your air conditioning system.
A/C Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always responsible to weigh the pros and cons of repairing your current air conditioner versus investing in an upgraded, more energy-efficient air conditioner. If replacing your AC’s fan motor is the better option for you, a fan motor replacement could run you between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common misconception is that if there is a part that needs to be replaced, that it is covered by the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many additional costs that may not be covered through the warranty that will be your out-of-pocket costs. Even with common repairs, for example, 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 store the part for 60-120 days and may ask the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Bigger repairs, a compressor for example, are included in this process but those types of repairs have ancillary supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered by 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 introduce parts and labor coverage that work in tandem with the manufacturer’s warranty to guard you from surprise repair expenses.
Keep in mind that these prices are estimates and many times they can increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the specific issues with your equipment, the age of your system, and whether or not you’ve been getting regular maintenance to maintain the health of your A/C and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your AC has seen its last summer and replacement is looking more likely, take a moment to review our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you have any questions or ever need expert AC repair, call A-PLUS Service Experts 24/7/365.