Not only does air conditioning help you to stay comfortable, it’s also a health necessity during the heat of summer. For that reason, when the cool air suddenly isn’t blowing or your AC won’t turn on at all, you’re not able to shop around for more than a couple days.
When your air conditioning dies in the middle of the summer, you might not have time to call around for multiple quotes or research how much you may have to pay. Not knowing how much it may cost when the air conditioning service expert knocks on your door can be scary, so we’re here with a few price ranges on some common services so you won’t be caught off guard when McElroy Service Experts shows up 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 how accessible the leak is, whether or not it requires a leak test, and what precisely requires repair, a typical refrigerant leak detection and repair can end up costing anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on how accessible the leak is for the technician. If you’re not confident, always ask your air conditioning repair expert to walk you through their 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 need to be replaced. Depending on your AC make and model, a new circuit board for your AC could cost 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 the type of thermostat you choose, you’re probably going to pay anywhere between $200 and $550 to have a new on installed. Fortunately, the latest thermostats could pay back their investment in energy management savings, provided they are programmed properly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your air conditioner is still only a few years old or you choose to repair your older AC instead of investing in an energy-efficient A/C system upgrade, a capacitor will probably cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can run a little lower, ranging from $150 - $350. These repairs are two of the most typical for your air conditioning system.
Air Conditioning Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always responsible to weigh the pros and cons of repairing your current air conditioning equipment versus buying an upgraded, more energy-efficient AC system. If replacing the fan motor is the better decision for you, a fan motor replacement may 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 through the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many additional costs that may not be covered by the warranty that will be your out-of-pocket costs. Even with standard repairs, for example, a capacitor replacement, the company still has to process the warranty through the manufacturer so they can get the credit on the part. Furthermore, all manufacturers instruct the contractor to hold the part for 60-120 days and may ask the contractor return the bad part at the contractor’s cost. Larger repairs, such as a compressor, 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. Without a labor warranty you will always have to incur charges for the technician’s labor.
Some of our Membership Plans have parts and labor coverage that work alongside the manufacturer’s warranty to shield you from sudden repair expenses.
Always understand that these ranges are estimates and they can often increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the specific issues with your equipment, the age of your air conditioner, and whether or not you’ve been having annual maintenance to maintain the health of your air conditioning system 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 AC repair, call McElroy Service Experts 24/7/365.