How Much Does Air Conditioning Repair Cost? | AC Sales

8 Common Air Conditioning Repairs and How Much They Can Cost to Fix

May 14, 2021

A quality air conditioner is one of the most productive parts of your home comfort system, especially when you live in Lafayette Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is going to break or malfunction.

The cost of repairs will depend on the scope and severity of the problem. Let’s review some of the most common air conditioning repair services and the average estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Air Filter

The air filter is a central component for every cooling system. It grabs dust and other debris, stopping it from blowing throughout your HVAC ductwork. Replacing or cleaning the filter is fast and easy. Most of the time you can handle it without the help of a certified HVAC technician.

Disposable filters are most common. Depending on the design you use, it can be a few dollars for a flat filter or around $20 for a pleated filter. If you have a reusable filter, the only cost is the water and work it takes to clean it.

Typically, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t swap it out frequently, your air conditioner will have to work longer to sustain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly cooling bills.

2. Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you communicate with your air conditioner. If something is faulty with the thermostat, you could think there’s a problem with the air conditioning itself. Sometimes resolving the issue is as straightforward as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t dispose of the problem, an HVAC technician from AC Sales can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models provide additional features and might help you save money in the long run. Replacing your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.

3. Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is a crucial part of your air conditioner because it transfers heat out of your home. If it’s broken, costs can include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

Typically, replenishing your supply of coolant costs between $100 to $350, but this number may be higher if your air conditioner is bigger or uses R-22. Also called Freon, R-22 is no longer used due to its disruption of the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are eligible for use, making it more expensive.

If your air conditioner requires R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may recommend our air conditioning installation in Lafayette. We also serve surrounding communities.

4. Electrical Issues

Electrical components consist of the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can affect a wide variety of air conditioning systems like the motor, compressor or AC contactor.

Most electrical components cost around $75–$290 to repair or replace. The circuit board is more important and replacing it can be between $125–$625. Your AC Sales technician will take a look at these parts throughout the diagnosis to figure out if they’re the reason other systems can’t function normally.

5. Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil contains the refrigerant and soaks up the heat from surrounding air. Replacing this component costs between $675–$1,300.

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before diffusing the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are commonly around $581 or higher, depending on your brand of air conditioner.

6. Drainage Issues

If your air conditioner is suffering from drainage problems, costs may include both water damage as well the repair or replacement of damaged parts. Affected parts may include:

  • Drain pan, which collects and drains condensed water. Replacement: $250–$575
  • Condensate drain tube, which drains the drain pan. Replacement: $100–$195.
  • The drain line, which may need to be flushed of mold, mildew or clogs. Service cost: $75–$250.

7. Ductwork Repair

Without your ventilation, cool air cannot move across your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be fixed to prevent your cooling bills from getting bigger. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is pricier but can offer greatly improved energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but typically runs several thousand dollars.

8. Service Calls and Tune-Ups

The cost of a service call will depend on your location and local demand. It’s usually within $70–$200, which takes care of travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects include labor and parts, which are often flat rates. Labor may run between $70–$130 per hour.

Emergency services are frequently more expensive, but worth it to lower the risk of interruptions to your comfort. An average emergency call may be around $315 for night, weekend or holiday visits.

Quality air conditioning maintenance runs around $85 to $110. Trying a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average rigid cost of $150 for two visits. Our protection plan is an extraordinary value, because we can spot and handle problems swiftly and inexpensively. This service might also reduce your chances of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, experienced technicians will offer thorough information about your air conditioning. In many cases, providing info you’ve collected beforehand will help us identify the source of the problem.

Common signs you need air conditioning repairs include:

  • Unusual or loud noises. Listen for hissing, clanging or gurgling sounds.
  • Warm air or poor circulation. Electrical failure prevents cooling systems from working, while an obstruction in your ductwork reduces airflow. This can also be stemming from a dirty air filter.
  • Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Repeated starting and stopping adds an abnormal amount of strain on your air conditioner. This is often caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Higher utility bills. Faulty components or clogs force your air conditioner to work more intensely. Watch your monthly bills for sudden spikes.

If your repair bill is more than $1,500, it could be a smarter option to arrange for air conditioning installation instead. A new air conditioner is more energy efficient, which can save you money on cooling bills in the long run.

Your AC Sales technician will help you settle on the right choice. Since , we’ve been renowned for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Lafayette and dedication to exemplary customer service. Request your appointment by calling us at (337) 234-2345 today!

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1Average air conditioning repair costs are sourced from 2020 HomeGuide estimates, which are based off nationwide averages. Your exact cost may vary.