A quality air conditioner is one of the most vital parts of your home comfort system, particularly when you live in Port Orchard Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is likely to break or malfunction.
The cost of repairs will depend on the extensiveness and severity of the problem. Let’s go over some of the most common air conditioning repair services and the median estimated costs1 to repair them.
1. Air Filter
The air filter is a crucial component for your cooling system. It sucks in dust and other debris, preventing it from circulating through your HVAC ductwork. Exchanging or cleaning the filter is short and easy. Most of the time you can handle it without the help of a certified HVAC technician.
Disposable filters are most common. Depending on the type you use, it can be a few dollars for a flat filter or around $20 for a pleated filter. If you have a reusable filter, the only cost is the water and labor it takes to clean it.
Typically, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t change yours frequently, your air conditioner will have to work more intensely to maintain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly cooling bills.
2. Thermostat
Your thermostat is how you control your air conditioner. If something is malfunctioning with the thermostat, you could think there’s a problem with the air conditioner itself. Sometimes resolving the issue is as straightforward as adjusting the settings.
If this doesn’t fix the problem, an HVAC technician from Air Masters Heating & Cooling can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models include useful features and could help you save money in the long run. Switching out your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.
3. Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerant is an integral part of your air conditioner because it moves heat out of your home. If it’s cracked costs could include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.
Most of the time, refreshing your supply of coolant will run between $100 to $350, but this number may be higher if your air conditioner is more powerful or uses R-22. Known by the more popular name Freon, R-22 is no longer produced due to its disruption of the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are available, making it more expensive.
If your air conditioner needs R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may suggest our air conditioning installation in Port Orchard. We also serve nearby communities.
4. Electrical Issues
Electrical components include the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can reach a broad number of air conditioning systems like the motor, compressor or AC contractor.
Most electrical components cost around $75–$290 to repair or replace. The circuit board is more important and replacing it can be between $125–$625. Your Air Masters Heating & Cooling technician will inspect these parts during the diagnosis to find out if they’re the reason other systems are faulty.
5. The Condenser and Evaporator Coils
Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil houses the refrigerant and soaks up the heat from surrounding air. Replacing this component costs anywhere from $675–$1,300.
The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before dispelling the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are typically around $581 or higher, depending on your specific air conditioner.
6. Drainage Issues
If your air conditioner is dealing with drainage problems, costs may include both water damage as well the repair or replacement of damaged parts. Affected parts can include:
- Drain pan, which collects, and drains condensed water. Replacement: $250–$575
- Condensate drain tube, which drains the drain pan. Replacement: $100–$195.
- The drain line, which may need to be flushed of mold, mildew or clogs. Service cost: $75–$250.
7. Repairing Broken Air Ducts
Without your ventilation, cool air cannot move across your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be taken care of to stop your cooling bills from going up. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is costlier but could offer greatly enhanced energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but most often runs several thousand dollars.
8. Travel Costs and Tune-Ups
The other likely costs of a service call are dependent on your location and local demand. It’s typically between $70–$200, which takes care of travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects for consideration are labor and parts, which are usually flat rates. Labor may run between $70–$130 per hour.
Emergency services are almost always more expensive, but worth it to lower the risk of interruptions to your comfort. An average emergency call may be around $315 for night, weekend or holiday visits.
Quality air conditioning maintenance runs around $85 to $110. Participating in a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average fixed cost of $150 for two visits. Our protection plan is an outstanding value, because we can uncover and fix problems swiftly and inexpensively. This service may also decrease your likelihood of malfunctions and breakdowns.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
Our friendly, knowledgeable technicians will provide thorough information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve learned beforehand will help us uncover the source of the damage.
Common signs you need air conditioning repairs include:
- Annoying or loud noises. Listen for hissing, clanging or gurgling sounds.
- Warm air or poor circulation. Electrical failure prevents cooling systems from working, while an obstruction in your ductwork reduces airflow. This can also be caused by a dirty air filter.
- Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Lots of starting and stopping adds extra strain on your air conditioner. This is often caused by a dirty air filter.
- Higher utility bills. Inefficient components or clogs force your air conditioner to work more intensely. Watch your monthly bills for sudden increases.
If your repair bill is more than $1,500, it might be a wiser option to schedule air conditioning installation instead. A new air conditioner is more energy efficient, which can save you money on cooling bills over its life span.
Your Air Masters Heating & Cooling technician will help you settle on the right choice. Since 1986, we’ve been renowned for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Port Orchard and commitment to outstanding customer service. Request your appointment by calling us at 360-205-7115 today!
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1Average air conditioning repair costs are sourced from 2020 HomeGuide estimates, which are based off nationwide averages. Your exact cost may vary.