Not only does your air conditioner keep you comfortable, it’s also a health necessity when we’re here in the extreme temperatures of summer. For that reason, when the cold air stops blowing or the system won’t come on at all, you’re not able to shop around for a few days.
When your air conditioner breaks down in the extreme temperatures of the summer, you may not have time to call around for multiple quotes or research how much you may have to pay. Not being sure how much it may cost when the air conditioning service tech knocks on your door can be intimidating, so we’re here with several price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be caught off guard when Matz-Rightway arrives to get you cool and comfortable 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 exactly needs to be repaired, an average refrigerant leak detection and repair can actually cost anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on the technician’s accessibility of the leak. If you’re unsure, you can ask your air conditioner repair technician to walk you through his or her process and review their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
There are times when the issue may be beyond the A/C system itself and the circuit board may need to be replaced. Depending on the make and model of your air conditioner, a new circuit board for your equipment could cost 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 standard thermostat. Depending on which style of thermostat you go with, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 and $550 to have a new on installed. Fortunately, the newer thermostats might pay back their cost in energy management savings, if they are programmed properly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your AC is still only a few years old or you decide to repair your older AC instead of buying 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 two of the most common for your air conditioning system.
AC Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always good to consider the pros and cons of repairing your current air conditioning equipment versus purchasing an upgraded, more energy-efficient piece of equipment. If replacing your AC’s fan motor is the better decision for you, a fan motor replacement could cost between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common misunderstanding is that if the issue calls for a part to be replaced, that it is covered through 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 contractor still has to process your warranty through the manufacturer so they can obtain the credit on the part. Furthermore, all manufacturers instruct the contractor to hold the part for eight to sixteen weeks and may require the contractor return the malfunctioned part at the contractor’s cost. Greater repairs, like a compressor, are included in this process but those types of repairs have more supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered under the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. If you don’t have a labor warranty you will always have to pay additionally for the technician’s labor.
Some of our Membership Plans introduce parts and labor coverage that works in tandem with the manufacturer’s warranty to protect you from sudden repair expenses.
Remember that these ranges are estimates and they can often increase or decrease depending on the climate of your city, the particular issues with your AC, the age of your system, and whether or not you’ve been receiving yearly maintenance to maintain the health of your A/C and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your unit has seen its last summer and replacement is more likely, take a moment to review our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you have any questions or ever need expert air conditioning repair, call Matz-Rightway 24/7/365.