Not only does your air conditioner make you comfortable, it’s also a health necessity during the heat of summer. Unfortunately, when the cold air quits blowing or your air conditioner won’t come on at all, you’re not able to call around for several days.
When your AC breaks down in the middle of the summer, you don’t always have time to shop around for multiple quotes or research average costs. Not being sure how much repairs can cost when the air conditioner service technician knocks on your door 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 Rolf Griffin Service Experts comes 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 the accessibility of the leak, whether or not it requires a leak test, and what exactly demands repair, a normal refrigerant leak detection and repair can actually cost anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on how accessible the leak is for the technician. If you’re feeling uneasy, you can ask your AC repair expert to show you his or her process and go over their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
Sometimes the issue may be beyond the A/C system itself and the circuit board may need to be replaced. Depending on your AC make and model, a new circuit board for your equipment could cost anywhere from $450 to $1300.
Thermostat Replacement
If you’re looking to replace your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will typically cost more than a basic thermostat. Depending on the type of thermostat you choose, you’re probably going to pay anywhere between $200 and $550 to install a new one. Thanksfully, the latest thermostats could pay back their purchase price in energy management savings, provided they are programmed accordingly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your A/C system is still only a couple years old or you choose to repair your older system instead of investing in an energy-efficient air conditioning upgrade, a capacitor will typically cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can be priced a little lower, ranging from $150 - $350. These repairs are some of the most common for your air conditioning system.
A/C Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always responsible to consider the pros and cons of choosing to repair your current AC system 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 might run you between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common confusion is that if a part replacement is required, that it is covered through the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many additional costs that may not be covered through the warranty that will be your out-of-pocket costs. Even with common repairs, such as a capacitor replacement, the company still has to process this warranty through the manufacturer so they can get the credit on the part. Furthermore, all manufacturers demand the contractor to hold the part for 60-120 days and may ask the contractor return the failed part at the contractor’s cost. Larger repairs, such as a compressor, also require this process but these larger repairs have ancillary supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered by the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Unless you have a labor warranty you will continuously have to pay additionally for the technician’s labor.
Some of our Membership Plans have parts and labor coverage that works in tandem with the manufacturer’s warranty to guard you from unexpected repair costs.
Always understand that these ranges are estimates and costs can increase or decrease depending on the climate of your city, the actual issues with your equipment, how old your equipment is, and whether or not you’ve been receiving regular maintenance to maintain the AC’s health and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your AC is pretty much dead and replacement is looking more likely, take a moment to review our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you want to find out more or ever need expert air conditioner repair, call Rolf Griffin Service Experts 24/7/365.