How Much Does Central Air Conditioning Repair Cost?
Your central air conditioning unit will not last forever. Even though most of these units have a 12-year lifespan, you should expect your unit to fail a couple of times before it becomes obsolete.
Hiring a central air conditioning repair expert to run regular maintenance checks on your system will help you address most of the problems before they turn into catastrophes. Below we will discuss what your overall cost to repair central air conditioning could be as well as the various types of repairs and their related costs.
When Is It Time For Some Air Conditioning Repair?
If you are experiencing one or more of the following problems, your air conditioning unit is faulty, malfunctioning, and possibly in the process of breaking down. You should contact an HVAC technician at once as leaving these problems could destroy the unit permanently:
- The air conditioner isn't working at all.
- The A/C unit runs but it's not producing any cold air.
- There are odd noises coming from the A/C.
- A bad smell is emanating from your A/C unit.
- Short cycling or premature cycle termination.
- Water is leaking out around the A/C unit.
- There is ice and frost buildup on your A/C unit.
Many homeowners prefer troubleshooting and trying to fix their units before calling in the experts. If you choose to go down the DIY path, remember to disconnect the power supply before beginning your central air conditioning repair troubleshooting. Some simple things you could troubleshoot and handle yourself include:
- Replacing the fuse or circuit breaker if the compressor doesn’t run.
- Occasional cleaning (or replacement) of the condenser and filter to increase the unit’s efficiency.
- Clearing clogged drainpipe in case of water leaks on the furnace.
If your troubleshooting doesn’t return any results, you should always call in an expert to handle any central air conditioning repairs. Venturing too deep into the unit could prove catastrophic. Before you hire just anyone, compare multiple estimates to establish a fair cost to repair your central air conditioning. Comparing estimate will ensure that you get quality workmanship and value for your money.
How Much Will It Cost To Repair Central Air Conditioning?
Central air conditioning repair costs vary depending on your system model and the damages. Some professional repairs can go for as low as $200, but you should expect to spend anywhere between $300 and $900 when calling in a professional. In some cases, depending on the extent of the repairs, this can be as high as $1,600 when replacement parts are required.
Cost Breakdown
The actual central air conditioning repair bill will depend on the spare parts and labor fees. Valuing the labor is easier than estimating how much you will spend on spare parts. Most HVAC repair experts will charge per hour or per contract.
The rate will vary depending on the task’s complexity, current market demand (most HVAC units breakdown in summer, repairing yours before summer could fetch you a friendlier bill) and individual qualifications. Remember to choose a certified central air conditioning repair contractor as this will prevent voiding your warranty.
Spare part prices will vary depending on unit model and size. A small central heating unit might need a $110 capacitor while a bigger unit will run on a $400 capacitor.
Although the average American homeowner can expect to spend anything between $300 and $900 for rigorous central air conditioning repair jobs, most will pay an average of $500 to get their HVAC systems running smoothly.
Consider the following common repairs and their related cost as well as installation:
| Repair Detail | Part Cost | Installation Time | Cost With Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service call and troubleshooting | - | 1 - 2 hours | $80 - $180 |
| Replace circuit breaker | $15-$45 | 1 hour | $90 - $160 |
| Air Conditioner Capacitor | $15 - $35 | 1 hour | $90 - $200 |
| Thermostat replacement | $60 - $200 | 1 hour | $120 - $300 |
| Replace copper line set (Insulated 30 ft) | $135 - $300 | 2 - 4 hours | $340 - $600 |
| Air conditioner circuit board | $30 - $450 | 1 hour | $120 - $550 |
| Condensing unit fan motor | $30 - $180 | 1 - 2 hours | $90 - $300 |
| Refrigerant recharge (3 pounds) | $20 - $70 | 1 hour | $80 - $310 |
| Compressor replacement | $150 - $600 | 2 - 4 hours | $400 - $1550 |
| Evaporator coil replacement | $200 - $500 | 2 - 4 hours | $650 - $1200 |
How To Keep Your Air Conditioning Repair Bills Low
Most of the malfunctions and repairs are due to poor maintenance. Giving your central air conditioning an annual service and checkup will help you keep it running optimally and keep the overall cost to repair central air conditioning to a minimum. An optimal system will be less susceptible to failure and general malfunction. These inspections and maintenance passes will address existing problems long before they turn pricey. The price of a new air conditioning installation is a lot more than a repair job.
You should always learn to ‘listen’ to your central air conditioning system for telltale breakdown signs.
Some of the things to be on the lookout for include:
- Your air conditioning unit doesn’t turn on at the right time? This could be a faulty thermostat or circuit breaker.
- Your home's temperature isn’t as comfortable as it used to be? You could be experiencing the effects of a clogged filter.
- Your utility bill is abnormally high? This suggests that your AC unit is no longer efficient. Call in an expert.
- Weird startup or operation noises? Could be a faulty or loose fan. Call in an expert.
Getting in touch with a local professional is often the only way to address your central air conditioning repair. Most companies will offer you a free estimate on their services, so be sure to compare several in order to establish a fair price in your area.
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