How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?

Not only does your AC system make you comfortable, it’s also a health necessity when we’re here in the dog days of summer. Unfortunately, when the cold air quits blowing or the system won’t come on at all, you’re not in a position to shop around for a few days. 

When your AC breaks down in the heat of the summer, you don’t always have time to call around for different quotes or research what you can expect to pay. Not knowing how much you can expect to pay when the AC service technician shows up can be scary, so we’re here to provide a few price ranges on some common services so you won’t be surprised when Air Engineers Service Experts shows up to get you cooling again. 

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

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

3. Thermostat Replacement: $200 – $500 

4. Capacitor Replacement: $250 – $350 

5. Contactor Replacement: $150 – $350 

6. AC Fan Motor Replacement: $500 – $1200 

Refrigerant Leak Detection and Repair 

Depending on how accessible the leak is, whether or not there needs to be a leak test, and what exactly needs to be repaired, a typical refrigerant leak detection and repair can cost you anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on how accessible the leak is for the technician. If you’re feeling uneasy, feel free to ask your AC repair expert to guide you through his or her process and go over their findings. 

AC Circuit Board Replacement 

Sometimes 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 system could cost anywhere from $450 to $1300. 

Thermostat Replacement 

If you’re interested in replacing your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will likely cost more than a traditional thermostat. Depending on which style of thermostat you go with, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 and $550 to install a new one. Thanksfully, the latest thermostats might pay back their investment in energy management savings, provided they are programmed properly. 

Capacitor or Contactor Replacement 

If your AC is still young or you choose to repair your older system instead of investing in an energy-efficient air conditioning upgrade, a capacitor will typically cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can cost a little lower, ranging from $150 – $350. These repairs are a couple of the most standard for your AC system. 

AC Fan Motor Replacement 

Again, it’s always responsible to examine the pros and cons of repairing your current air conditioning equipment versus investing in an upgraded, more energy-efficient AC system. If replacing this part is the better option for you, a fan motor replacement may cost between $500 and $1200. 

NOTE: Part repair under warranty 

A common misconception is that if there is a part that needs to be replaced, that it is covered by the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many additional costs that may not be covered by the warranty that will be your responsibility. Even with standard repairs, like a capacitor replacement, the HVAC contractor still has to process this warranty through the manufacturer so they can get the credit on the part. Additionally, all manufacturers instruct the contractor to hold the part for 60-120 days and may require the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Greater repairs, such as a compressor, also require this process but those types of repairs have ancillary supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered through the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Unless you have a labor warranty you will always have to incur charges for the technician’s labor. 

Some of our Membership Plans include parts and labor coverage that work in tandem with the manufacturer’s warranty to protect you from unexpected repair bills. 

Always understand that these prices are estimates and many times they can 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 receiving yearly maintenance to maintain the AC’s health and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your system has seen its last summer and replacement is looking more likely, take a moment to look at our air conditioner pricing guide. 

If you have any questions or ever need expert AC repair, call Air Engineers Service Experts 24/7/365.