Not only does your AC system make you comfortable, it’s also vital to your health through the extreme temperatures of summer. Unfortunately, when the chilly air suddenly isn’t 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 air conditioner breaks down in the heat of the summer, you might not have time to shop around for different quotes or research average costs. Not having an idea how much you can expect to pay when the air conditioning service expert shows up can be intimidating, so we’re here to provide a few price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be shocked when Orangutan Home Services arrives 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 where the leak is, whether or not a leak test is required, and what actually demands repair, a normal 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 unsure, always ask your air conditioning repair expert to walk you through their process and explain their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
At times the culprit may be beyond the A/C system itself and the circuit board may be in need of replacing. Depending on the make and model of you’re A/C system, a new circuit board for your AC could cost anywhere from $450 to $1300.
Thermostat Replacement
If you’re looking to replace your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will usually 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 could pay back their investment in energy management savings, if they are programmed correctly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your A/C system is still only a couple years old or you want to repair your older system instead of investing in an energy-efficient A/C system upgrade, a capacitor will most likely cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can cost a little lower, ranging from $150 - $350. These repairs are some of the most standard for your air conditioning system.
A/C Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always good to review the pros and cons of repairing your current AC system versus investing in an upgraded, more energy-efficient piece of equipment. If replacing this part is the better choice for you, a fan motor replacement could run you between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common misconception is that if a part replacement is required, that it is covered under the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many other 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. Furthermore, all manufacturers instruct the contractor to keep the part for 60-120 days and may ask the contractor return the bad part at the contractor’s cost. Greater repairs, such as a compressor, also require this process but these larger repairs have additional supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered under the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Without a labor warranty you will continue have to pay out-of-pocket for the technician’s labor.
Some of our Membership Plans introduce parts and labor coverage that works with the manufacturer’s warranty to protect you from surprise repair bills.
Always understand that these prices are estimates and many times they can increase or decrease depending on the climate of your city, the particular issues with your AC, how old your equipment is, and whether or not you’ve been having regular maintenance to maintain the AC’s health and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your system is pretty much dead and replacement is looking more likely, take a moment to review our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you would like more information or ever need expert air conditioner repair, call Orangutan Home Services 24/7/365.