As the weather gets warmer, many homeowners begin to think about their air conditioner and whether it will need repairs. Some people put off repairs because they are worried about the cost, but it is important to remember that AC repair costs vary depending on the problem and if you put off simple repairs, they can turn into expensive replacements.
In general, simple repairs like replacing a filter or cleaning the coils can be done relatively cheap. More complicated repairs, such as replacing the compressor, can be more expensive. So it really comes down to what needs fixing.
The best way to avoid costly repairs is to have your air conditioner serviced by a professional monthly with a simple HVAC maintenance plan. By doing this, you can catch problems early and avoid major issues down the road.
In this blog post, we will discuss the average cost for air conditioner repair so that you can be prepared if something goes wrong.
What is the Average Cost for Air Conditioner Repair
The average cost of AC repair is $200-$4000. The exact price will depend on the type of problem and the size of your unit. If you have a small window unit, you can expect to pay around $300 on unclogging the unit and replacing the filter.
A central air conditioner will be more expensive, with an average repair cost of around $500 for drain cleaning, freon recharge, and replacing the filter. If your unit needs a new compressor, you can expect to pay around $2000 for the repair.
AC Repair Prices by Type of Repair
The following are some common problems that may occur with your air conditioning unit:
Lack Of Maintenance
Just like any other mechanical device in your home, an AC unit needs regular tune-ups to function properly. Failure to do so can cause a number of issues, including decreased efficiency and shortened lifespan.
The average cost of the annual service of your AC unit ranges from $100 to $500 depending on the type of unit. From there you can find local HVAC companies that will offer monthly maintenance between $25 to $100.
Here at Thomas Service Company, we offer monthly HVAC maintenance at only 24.99 per month!
Dirty Coils
The coils in your AC unit can get dirty over time, which can impede its ability to properly cool your home. A professional HVAC technician can clean your coils and restore your AC unit to peak performance.
The cost of AC repair with dirty coils can vary between $100-$400 depending on the severity of the dirt and dust buildup.
Dirty Filters
The filters in your AC unit can also get clogged with dirt and dust over time, which can restrict airflow and cause the unit to work harder than it needs to. Replacing your air filters regularly is a simple and effective way to keep your AC unit running smoothly.
The cost to repair AC replacing air filters typically ranges from $50 to $300 depending on the type and size of the filter.
Low Refrigerant Levels
If your AC unit is low on refrigerant, it will not be able to effectively cool your home. This is typically due to a leak in the system, which will need to be repaired by a professional.
The cost of air conditioning repair with a low refrigerant level primarily depends on the amount of leakage which normally ranges from $200 to $1500. While a test can run you around $100 to $200
Frozen Coils
If the coils in your AC unit freeze, it can cause the unit to malfunction and possibly break down completely. This is often caused by dirty coils or airflow problems.
Generally, there are two types of coils in AC units; an evaporator coil and a condenser coil. The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat, while the condenser coil is responsible for releasing it. If either of these coils freezes, it can cause the AC unit to stop working properly.
The cost of repairing frozen coils typically ranges from $600 to $1500 depending on the type of coil and the severity of the damage.
Thermostat Issues
If your AC unit is not cooling your home properly, it could be due to a problem with the thermostat. This is typically a simple fix that can be done by a professional HVAC technician. However, the professional will first have to decide if it needs repair or replacement.
The cost of repairing or replacing a thermostat ranges from $150 to $500 depending on the type of problem and the type of thermostat.
Freon Leak Repair
Freon is the cooling agent used in air conditioners. Over time, it may leak out of the unit. You may notice a hissing noise coming from your AC unit, which is a sign of a Freon leak. This leakage can be a sign of both health and environmental hazards.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Freon can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and burning eyes. Common symptoms of Freon leak exposure are headaches, dizziness, and nausea. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to call a professional to have the leak repaired.
The cost of Freon leak repair typically ranges from $200 to $1500 to find the leak and repair it. This will depend on the severity of the leak.
Compressor Failure
The compressor is the heart of the air conditioning unit, so if it fails, the entire system will fail. This is typically due to a Freon leak, but can also be caused by other issues like dirty coils or to high or low refrigerant levels.
Common signs of a compressor failure are hissing or banging noises coming from the unit, as well as a burning smell. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to call a professional to have the unit repaired or replaced.
The cost of compressor failure repair typically ranges from $1000 to $2000 depending on the cause of the problem.
Quick AC Repair Guide
Here is a quick look at the average and expected pricing for your most common AC repairs.
- AC Service Call $70-$200
- AC Tune-up $70-$200
- AC Leak Repair $200-$1,500
- AC Motor Repair $250-$1000
- AC Capacitor Repair/Replacement $100-$300
- AC Coil Cleaning $100-$400
- AC Coil Repair $600-$1500
- AC Compressor Repair $1000-$2000
- AC Pump, Fan, or Pan Repair $100-$600
- AC Fuse Breaker $70-$300
- AC Line Repairs $200-$700
- AC Thermostat Repair/Replacement $150-$500
- AC Monthly Maintenance $25-$100
- AC Filters $50-$300
But remember, the best way to cut down these prices is by performing regular maintenance on your unit. With regular maintenance, you can prevent heating and air conditioning problems from happening in the first place.
Get Yourself Prepared for AC Repairs
How much does AC repair cost? This is a question every AC owner asks themselves at some point. No one wants to be surprised with a huge AC repair bill, but unfortunately, air conditioner repairs can be costly.
The good news is that there are ways to minimize the cost of AC repair. The best way to avoid expensive AC repairs is to keep up with regular maintenance. This means changing your air filter regularly, cleaning your coils, and making sure your refrigerant levels are topped off.
If you do run into problems with your AC, the sooner you catch them and get them fixed, the cheaper the repairs will be. So if you notice your AC unit isn't running as well as it should be, don't wait to call a technician.
Thomas Service Company offers high-quality AC repair at a fair price. We are upfront about our pricing and we will work with you to find the best solution for your AC needs at the best price. Contact us today to schedule a visit to your home or if you need help choosing an air conditioning unit.