8 Common Air Conditioning Repairs and How Much They May Cost to Fix

May 14, 2021

A dependable air conditioner is one of the most crucial parts of your home comfort system, especially when you live in Carpentersville Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is anticipated to break or malfunction.

The cost of repairs will depend on the extensiveness and severity of the problem. Let’s discuss some of the most common air conditioning repair services and the average estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Air Filter

The air filter is a crucial component for a cooling system. It sucks in dust and other debris, stopping it from moving through your HVAC ductwork. Exchanging or cleaning the filter is quick and easy. Most of the time you can take care of it without the help of a professional HVAC technician.

Disposable filters are most common. Depending on the design you use, it can be a few dollars for a flat filter or around $20 for a pleated filter. If you have a reusable filter, the only cost is the water and effort it takes to clean it.

Typically, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t change yours frequently, your air conditioner will have to work more intensely to maintain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly utility bills.

2. Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you adjust your air conditioner. If something is wrong with the thermostat, you may think there’s a problem with the AC system itself. Sometimes repairing the issue is as basic as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t take care of the problem, an HVAC technician from Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models include useful features and might help you save money in the long run. Replacing your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.

3. Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is a crucial part of your air conditioner because it absorbs heat out of your home. If it’s broken, costs may include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

In general, refreshing your supply of coolant runs between $100 to $350, but this number might be higher if your air conditioner is more powerful or uses R-22. More popularly known as Freon, R-22 is no longer used due to its disruption of the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are used now, making it more expensive.

If your air conditioner needs R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may point you toward our air conditioning installation in Carpentersville. We also serve local communities.

4. Electrical Issues

Electrical components consist of the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can reach a wide number of air conditioning systems like the motor, compressor or AC contactor.

Most electrical components cost around $75–$290 to repair or replace. The circuit board is more important and replacing it can be between $125–$625. Your Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc technician will examine these parts throughout the diagnosis to learn if they’re the reason other components are faulty.

5. Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil houses the refrigerant and soaks up the heat from surrounding air. Replacing this component costs anywhere from $675–$1,300.

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before dispersing the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are generally around $581 or higher, depending on your brand of air conditioner.

6. Drainage Issues

If your air conditioner is suffering from drainage problems, costs may include both water damage as well the repair or replacement of damaged parts. Affected components may include:

  • Drain pan, which collects and drains condensed water. Replacement: $250–$575
  • Condensate drain tube, which drains the drain pan. Replacement: $100–$195.
  • The drain line, which may need to be flushed of mold, mildew or clogs. Service cost: $75–$250.

7. Ductwork Repair

Without your air ducts, cool air cannot move through your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be fixed to prevent your cooling bills from going up. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is more expensive but might offer greatly improved energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but generally runs several thousand dollars.

8. Service Calls and Tune-Ups

The cost of a service call will depend on your location and local demand. It’s usually between $70–$200, which includes travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects are labor and parts, which are usually flat rates. Labor can run between $70–$130 per hour.

Emergency services are frequently more expensive, but worth it to prevent interruptions to your comfort. An average emergency call may be around $315 for night, weekend or holiday visits.

Professional air conditioning maintenance runs anywhere from $85 to $110. Trying a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average flat cost of $150 for two visits. Our service plan is an exceptional value, because we can discover and fix problems swiftly and inexpensively. This service could also lower your odds of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, knowledgeable technicians will share extensive information about your air conditioning. In many cases, providing info you’ve gathered beforehand will help us figure out the source of the damage.

Common signs you need air conditioning repairs include:

  • Unpleasant or loud noises. Listen for hissing, clanging or gurgling sounds.
  • Warm air or poor circulation. Electrical failure prevents cooling systems from working, while an obstruction in your ductwork hampers airflow. This can also be caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Frequent starting and stopping adds an abnormal amount of strain on your air conditioner. This is often caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Higher utility bills. Damaged components or clogs force your air conditioner to work harder. Watch your monthly bills for sudden spikes.

If your repair bill is more than $1,500, it could be a better option to arrange for air conditioning installation instead. A new air conditioner is more energy efficient, which can save you money on cooling bills over time.

Your Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc technician will help you figure out the right choice. Since 2007, we’ve been known for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Carpentersville and dedication to professional customer service. Arrange your appointment by calling us at 224-412-8308 today!

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1Average air conditioning repair costs are sourced from 2020 HomeGuide estimates, which are based off nationwide averages. Your exact cost may vary.