How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?

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

When your air conditioning goes out 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 air conditioning service technician arrives can be intimidating, so we’re here to provide a few price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be surprised when Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing shows up to get you cooling again. 

  1. Refrigerant Leak Detection & Repair: $150 – $500 
  1. AC Circuit Board Replacement: $450 – $1300 
  1. Thermostat Replacement: $200 – $500 
  1. Capacitor Replacement: $250 – $350 
  1. Contactor Replacement: $150 – $350 
  1. AC Fan Motor Replacement: $500 – $1200 

Refrigerant Leak Detection and Repair 

Depending on the accessibility of the leak, 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 air conditioning repair technician to walk you through his or her process and explain 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 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 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. Fortunately, the latest thermostats may pay back their investment in energy management savings, provided they are programmed properly. 

Capacitor or Contactor Replacement 

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

AC Fan Motor Replacement 

Again, it’s always responsible to weigh the pros and cons of repairing your current air conditioning equipment versus investing in an upgraded, more energy-efficient piece of equipment. If replacing this part is the better option for you, a fan motor replacement may run you 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 common repairs, such as a capacitor replacement, the contractor still has to process this warranty through the manufacturer so they can get the credit on the part. Additionally, all manufacturers require the contractor to hold the part for 60-120 days and may make 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 under the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Unless you have a labour warranty you will always have to incur charges for the technician’s labour. 

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

Always understand that these prices are estimates and many times they can increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the specific issues with your equipment, the age of your system, and whether or not you’ve been receiving annual maintenance to maintain the AC’s health and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your system has just plain given up 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 air conditioning repair, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 24/7/365. 

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