Not only does your AC system help you to stay comfortable, it’s also a health necessity when we’re here in the dog days of summer. Unfortunately, when the chilly air suddenly isn’t blowing or the system won’t start up at all, you’re not in a position to shop around for a few days.
When your air conditioning breaks down in the heat of the summer, you may not have time to shop around for competing quotes or research what you can expect to pay. Not being sure how much it may cost when the AC service tech shows up can be unnerving, so we’re here to show you some price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be caught off guard when Norrell Service Experts shows up to get you up and running 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 needed, and what precisely requires repair, an average 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, you can ask your AC repair expert to show you the process and explain their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
Sometimes the culprit may be beyond the A/C system itself and the circuit board may require replacement. Depending on your AC make and model, a new circuit board for your system could be priced anywhere from $450 to $1300.
Thermostat Replacement
If you’re interested in replacing your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will typically cost more than a basic thermostat. Depending on the type of thermostat you decide on, 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 correctly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your air conditioner is still only a few years old or you choose to repair your older equipment instead of purchasing an energy-efficient A/C system upgrade, a capacitor will most likely cost $250 to $350 and a contactor can run a little lower, ranging from $150 - $350. These repairs are two of the most typical for your air conditioner.
A/C Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always important to weigh the pros and cons of paying to repair your current air conditioner versus buying an upgraded, more energy-efficient air conditioner. If replacing your AC’s fan motor is the better option for you, a fan motor replacement may cost between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common confusion is that if a part replacement is required, that it is covered under the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are several additional costs that may not be covered through the warranty that you will be required to pay for out-of-pocket. Even with common repairs, for example, a capacitor replacement, the company still has to process your warranty through the manufacturer so they can obtain the credit on the part. Additionally, all manufacturers demand the contractor to hold the part for eight to sixteen weeks and may make the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Greater repairs, such as a compressor, are encompassed in this process but those types of repairs have more supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered through the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Without a labor warranty you will continue have to pay additionally for the technician’s labor.
Always understand that these costs are estimates and they can often increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the particular issues with your system, the age of your air conditioner, and whether or not you’ve been getting annual maintenance to maintain the AC’s health and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your unit is pretty much dead and replacement seems more likely, take a moment to review our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you have any questions or ever need expert AC repair, call Norrell Service Experts 24/7/365.