How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?

Not only does your air conditioner help you to stay comfortable, it’s also vital to your health during the heat of summer. For that reason, when the cool air suddenly isn’t blowing or the system won’t turn on at all, you’re not in a position to shop around for more than a couple days. 

When your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of the summer, you don’t always have time to shop around for multiple quotes or research how much you may have to pay. Not knowing how much repairs can cost when the air conditioner service tech shows up can be intimidating, so we’re here to show you some price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be surprised when Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning arrives 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 the accessibility of the leak, whether or not there needs to be a leak test, and what precisely requires repair, a typical 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 AC repair technician to walk you through the 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 the make and model of your air conditioner, a new circuit board for your equipment could run 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 traditional thermostat. Depending on which style of thermostat you decide on, you’re probably going to pay anywhere between $200 and $550 to install a new one. Thanksfully, the newest thermostats may pay back their purchase price in energy management savings, provided they are programmed properly. 

Capacitor or Contactor Replacement 

If your A/C system is still only a couple years old or you want to repair your older system instead of purchasing an energy-efficient AC upgrade, a capacitor will typically 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 AC system. 

AC Fan Motor Replacement 

Again, it’s always good to review the pros and cons of choosing to repair your current air conditioning equipment versus purchasing an upgraded, more energy-efficient air conditioner. If replacing this part 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 under the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are several additional costs that may not be covered under the warranty that will be your responsibility. Even with standard repairs, like a capacitor replacement, the HVAC contractor still has to process your warranty through the manufacturer so they can obtain the credit on the part. Also, all manufacturers require the contractor to store the part for 60-120 days and may make the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Bigger repairs, such as a compressor, are included in this process but these bigger 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 continue have to incur charges for the technician’s labor. 

Some of our Membership Plans include parts and labor coverage that functions with the manufacturer’s warranty to shield you from unexpected repair expenses. 

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

If you would like more information or ever need expert air conditioning repair, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 24/7/365.