How Much Does Air Conditioning Service Cost?

Not only does air conditioning make you comfortable, it’s also a health necessity when we’re here in the dog days of summer. Unfortunately, when the cool air quits blowing or the system won’t start up at all, you’re not in a position to shop around for a few days. 

When your air conditioner goes out in the heat of the summer, you don’t always have time to call around for different quotes or research what you can expect to pay. Not being sure how much you can expect to pay when the air conditioner service tech knocks on your door can be intimidating, so we’re here to provide several price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be surprised when Epperson Service Experts arrives to get you cool and comfortable again. 

1. Refrigerant Leak Detection & Repair: $150 – $500 

2. AC Circuit Board Replacement: $450 – $1300 

3. Thermostat Replacement: $200 – $500 

4. Capacitor Replacement: $250 – $350 

5. Contactor Replacement: $150 – $350 

6. AC Fan Motor Replacement: $500 – $1200 

Refrigerant Leak Detection and Repair 

Depending on the accessibility of the leak, whether or not there needs to be a leak test, and what actually needs to be repaired, a typical 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 feeling uneasy, feel free to ask your air conditioner repair expert to show you his or her process and go over their findings. 

AC Circuit Board Replacement 

Sometimes the problem may be beyond the AC equipment itself and the circuit board may need to be replaced. Depending on your AC make and model, a new circuit board for your system could run anywhere from $450 to $1300. 

Thermostat Replacement 

If you’re looking to replace your home’s thermostat, a smart wifi thermostat will likely cost more than a standard thermostat. Depending on which style of thermostat you choose, you’re most likely going to end up paying anywhere between $200 and $550 to install a new one. Fortunately, the newest thermostats may pay back their investment in energy management savings, provided they are programmed accordingly. 

Capacitor or Contactor Replacement 

If your AC is still only a few years old or you choose to repair your older system instead of investing in an energy-efficient AC upgrade, a capacitor will typically cost $250 to $350 and a contractor can run a little lower, ranging from $150 – $350. These repairs are two of the most common for your AC system. 

AC Fan Motor Replacement 

Again, it’s always responsible to weigh the pros and cons of repairing your current air conditioning equipment versus investing in an upgraded, more energy-efficient air conditioner. If replacing this part is the better option for you, a fan motor replacement may run you between $500 and $1200. 

NOTE: Part repair under warranty 

A common misconception is that if there is a part that needs to be replaced, that it is covered under the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are many additional costs that may not be covered under the warranty that will be your responsibility. Even with common repairs, for example, a capacitor replacement, the contractor still has to process this warranty through the manufacturer so they can obtain the credit on the part. Additionally, all manufacturers require the contractor to hold the part for two to four months and may ask the contractor return the bad part at the contractor’s cost. Bigger repairs, like a compressor, also require this process but these larger repairs have more supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered under the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Unless you have a labor warranty you will continue have to incur charges for the technician’s labor. 

Some of our Membership Plans include parts and labor coverage that work in tandem with the manufacturer’s warranty to protect you from surprise repair expenses. 

Always understand that these prices are estimates and costs can increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the specific issues with your equipment, the age of your system, and whether or not you’ve been receiving annual maintenance to maintain the health of your A/C and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your system has just plain given up and replacement is more likely, take a moment to look at our air conditioner pricing guide. 

If you have any questions or ever need expert air conditioner repair, call Epperson Service Experts 24/7/365.