How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?

Not only does your AC system keep you comfortable, it’s also a health necessity through the dog days of summer. As a result, when the chilly air quits blowing or the system won’t start up at all, you’re not able to shop around for several days.

When your air conditioning dies in the middle of the summer, you might not have time to look around for multiple quotes or research how much you may have to pay. Not being sure how much it may cost when the air conditioning service technician arrives can be scary, so we’re here with some price ranges on some standard services so you won’t be caught off guard when Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing shows up to get you up and running again.

1. 1. Refrigerant Leak Detection & Repair: $150 – $500

2. 2. AC Circuit Board Replacement: $450 – $1300

3. 3. Thermostat Replacement: $200 – $500

4. 4. Capacitor Replacement: $250 – $350

5. 5. Contactor Replacement: $150 – $350

6. 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 needed, and what exactly requires repair, a regular refrigerant leak detection and repair can actually cost anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on the technician’s accessibility of the leak. If you’re not confident, always ask your air conditioning repair professional to show you their process and review their findings.

AC Circuit Board Replacement

Sometimes the issue may be beyond the air conditioner itself and the circuit board may need to be replaced. Depending on your AC make and model, a new circuit board for your AC could run anywhere from $450 to $1300.

Thermostat Replacement

If you’re interested in replacing your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will normally cost more than a basic thermostat. Depending on what kind of thermostat you go with, you’re most likely going to end up paying anywhere between $200 and $550 to get it installed. Fortunately, the newest thermostats might pay back their investment 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 decide to repair your older equipment instead of buying an energy-efficient air conditioning upgrade, a capacitor will most likely cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can cost a little lower, ranging from $150 – $350. These repairs are two of the most standard for your AC system.

A/C Fan Motor Replacement

Again, it’s always important to consider the pros and cons of choosing to repair your current air conditioner versus buying an upgraded, more energy-efficient AC system. If replacing this part is the better choice for you, a fan motor replacement might cost between $500 and $1200.

NOTE: Part repair under warranty

A common misconception is that if the issue calls for a part to be replaced, that it is covered under the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many other costs that may not be covered under the warranty that you will be required to pay for out-of-pocket. Even with common repairs, for example, a capacitor replacement, the contractor still has to process the warranty through the manufacturer so they can obtain the credit on the part. Additionally, all manufacturers instruct the contractor to keep the part for 60-120 days and may make the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Greater repairs, a compressor for example, also require this process but these larger repairs have additional supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered by the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Without a labor warranty you will always have to incur charges for the technician’s labor.

Some of our Membership Plans allow for parts and labor coverage that functions in tandem with the manufacturer’s warranty to shield you from surprise repair expenses.

Remember that these prices are estimates and they can often increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the specific issues with your equipment, how old your equipment is, and whether or not you’ve been receiving annual maintenance to maintain the health of your A/C and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your unit has just plain given up and replacement seems more likely, take a moment to read our air conditioner pricing guide.

If you have any questions or ever need expert air conditioner repair, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 24/7/365.