A quality air conditioner is one of the most vital parts of your home comfort system, especially when you live in Beckley and Mount Hope Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is likely to break or malfunction.
The cost of repairs will depend on the size and severity of the problem. Let’s review some of the most common air conditioning repair services and the median estimated costs1 to repair them.
1. Air Filter
The air filter is a crucial component for a cooling system. It traps dust and other debris, preventing it from blowing through your HVAC ductwork. Changing or cleaning the filter is fast and easy. Most of the time you can do it without the help of a qualified HVAC technician.
Disposable filters are most common. Depending on the brand you use, it can be a few dollars for a flat filter or around $20 for a pleated filter. If you have a washable filter, the only cost is the water and labor it takes to clean it.
In general, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t swap it out frequently, your air conditioner will have to work more intensely to sustain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly utility bills.
2. Thermostat
Your thermostat is how you communicate with your air conditioner. If something is wrong with the thermostat, you might think there’s a problem with the AC system itself. Sometimes fixing the issue is as basic as adjusting the settings.
If this doesn’t resolve the problem, an HVAC technician from Appalachian Heating can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models offer added features and may help you save money in the long run. Updating your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.
3. Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is an integral part of your air conditioner because it transfers heat out of your home. If it’s leaking, costs can include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.
On average, refreshing your supply of coolant will run between $100 to $350, but this number may be higher if your air conditioner is bigger or uses R-22. Known by the more popular name Freon, R-22 is no longer used due to its effect on 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 suggest our air conditioning installation in Beckley and Mount Hope. We also serve nearby communities.
4. Electrical Issues
Electrical components include the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can reach a wide variety 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 Appalachian Heating technician will check these parts throughout the diagnosis to find out 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 between $675–$1,300.
The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before scattering 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 across your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be fixed to keep your cooling bills from going up. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is costlier but may offer greatly increased energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but usually 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 generally around $70–$200, which covers travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects for consideration are labor and parts, which are generally flat rates. Labor may run between $70–$130 per hour.
Emergency services are usually 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.
Average air conditioning maintenance runs between $85 to $110. Signing up for a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average rigid cost of $150 for two visits. Our service plan is an outstanding value, because we can uncover and take care of problems quickly and inexpensively. This service can also shrink your chances of malfunctions and breakdowns.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
Our friendly, expert technicians will provide detailed information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve learned beforehand will help us figure out the source of the malfunction.
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. Repeated 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 longer. Watch your monthly bills for sudden increases.
If your repair bill is more than $1,500, it might be a smarter option to request air conditioning installation instead. A new air conditioner is more energy efficient, which can save you money on cooling bills over time.
Your Appalachian Heating technician will help you determine the right choice. Since 1948, we’ve been famous for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Beckley and Mount Hope and dedication to professional customer service. Schedule your appointment by calling us at 304-707-0600 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.