Not only does your AC system keep you comfortable, it’s also vital to your health through the heat of summer. Unfortunately, when the cold air suddenly isn’t blowing or your air conditioner won’t start up at all, you’re not in a position to shop around for several days.
When your AC dies in the extreme temperatures of the summer, you don’t always have time to call around for different quotes or research average costs. Not being sure how much you can expect to pay when the air conditioning service technician knocks on your door can be unnerving, so we’re here to show you several price ranges on some standard services so you won’t be alarmed when McKinley Heating Service Experts comes 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 a leak test is required, and what exactly requires repair, a typical refrigerant leak detection and repair can end up costing anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on the accessibility of the leak for the technician. If you’re not confident, feel free to ask your air conditioning repair professional to guide you through their process and review their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
Sometimes the issue 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 system could run anywhere from $450 to $1300.
Thermostat Replacement
If you’re looking to replace your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will normally cost more than a basic thermostat. Depending on which style of thermostat you decide on, you’re probably going to pay anywhere between $200 and $550 to get it installed. Luckily, the newest thermostats may pay back their purchase price in energy management savings, if they are programmed properly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your A/C system is still only a few years old or you choose to repair your older system instead of purchasing an energy-efficient AC upgrade, a capacitor will probably cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can cost a little lower, ranging from $150 - $350. These repairs are two of the most common for your AC system.
A/C Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always responsible to review the pros and cons of repairing your current air conditioner versus investing in an upgraded, more energy-efficient air conditioner. If replacing the fan motor is the better choice for you, a fan motor replacement may cost between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common misunderstanding is that if a part replacement is required, that it is covered through the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are several additional costs that may not be covered by the warranty that will be your out-of-pocket costs. Even with standard repairs, such as a capacitor replacement, the company still has to process the warranty through the manufacturer so they can obtain the credit on the part. Also, all manufacturers instruct the contractor to keep the part for eight to sixteen weeks and may ask the contractor return the failed part at the contractor’s cost. Greater repairs, a compressor for example, are included in this process but those types of 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 introduce parts and labor coverage that work in tandem with the manufacturer’s warranty to guard you from sudden repair bills.
Remember that these prices are estimates and they can often increase or decrease depending on where you live, the specific issues with your equipment, the age of your system, and whether or not you’ve been having annual maintenance to maintain the AC’s health and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your AC is pretty much dead and replacement is looking more likely, take a moment to review our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you want to find out more or ever need expert air conditioning repair, call McKinley Heating Service Experts 24/7/365.