A quality air conditioner is one of the most productive parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Ballwin and St. Charles Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is going to break or malfunction.
The cost of repairs will depend on the scope and severity of the problem. Let’s review some of the most common air conditioning repair services and the typical estimated costs1 to repair them.
1. Air Filter
The air filter is a crucial component for a cooling system. It catches dust and other debris, stopping it from circulating 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 certified 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 washable filter, the only cost is the water and effort it takes to clean it.
For the most part, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t do so frequently, your air conditioner will have to work harder to sustain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly energy bills.
2. Thermostat
Your thermostat is how you communicate with your air conditioner. If something is faulty with the thermostat, you might think there’s a problem with the air conditioner itself. Sometimes fixing the issue is as simple as adjusting the settings.
If this doesn’t resolve the problem, an HVAC technician from Air Alliance Team can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models offer additional features and can help you save money in the long run. Swapping out your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.
3. Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is a vital part of your air conditioner because it transfers heat out of your home. If it’s cracked, costs can include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.
Generally, refilling 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 harm to the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are used now, making it more expensive.
If your air conditioner uses R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may recommend our air conditioning installation in Ballwin and St. Charles. We also serve nearby communities.
4. Electrical Issues
Electrical components contain the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can hamper a broad 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 Air Alliance Team technician will check these parts during the diagnosis to determine if they’re the reason other parts can’t function normally.
5. Evaporator and Condenser Coils
Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil houses the refrigerant and absorbs 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 often around $581 or higher, depending on your specific air conditioner.
6. Drainage Issues
If your air conditioner is dealing with drainage problems, costs may include both water damage as well the repair or replacement of damaged parts. Affected parts might 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 ventilation, cool air cannot move within your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be taken care of to keep your cooling bills from going up. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is costlier but could 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 typically within $70–$200, which covers travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects for consideration are labor and parts, which are usually flat rates. Labor may run between $70–$130 per hour.
Emergency services are almost always more expensive, but worth it to lower the risk of interruptions to your comfort. An average emergency call may be around $315 for night, weekend or holiday visits.
Professional air conditioning maintenance runs around $85 to $110. Trying a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average flat cost of $150 for two visits. Our protection plan is an outstanding value, because we can discover and take care of problems promptly and inexpensively. This service can also lower your odds of malfunctions and breakdowns.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
Our friendly, expert technicians will review thorough information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve gathered beforehand will help us locate 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 stops cooling systems from working, while an obstruction in your ductwork restricts airflow. This can also be caused by a dirty air filter.
- Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Repeated starting and stopping adds extra 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 exceeds $1,500, it may 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 its life span.
Your Air Alliance Team technician will help you settle on the right choice. Since 1993, we’ve been famous for our honest, high-quality air conditioning repair in Ballwin and St. Charles and commitment to outstanding customer service. Request your appointment by calling us at 636-206-4250 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.