Not only does your AC system keep you comfortable, it’s also vital to your health through the extreme temperatures of summer. As a result, when the cool air suddenly isn’t blowing or your air conditioner won’t come on at all, you’re not able to shop around for several days.
When your air conditioning goes out in the heat of the summer, you might not have time to shop around for competing quotes or research what you can expect to pay. Not being sure how much repairs can cost when the AC service expert shows up can be intimidating, so we’re here to provide a few price ranges on some basic services so you won’t be shocked when San Antonio Air Service Experts comes to get you cool and comfortable 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 a leak test is required, and what exactly demands repair, a regular refrigerant leak detection and repair can cost you anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on the accessibility of the leak for the technician. If you’re feeling uneasy, you can ask your AC repair technician to guide you through the process and review their findings.
AC Circuit Board Replacement
At times the issue may be beyond the air conditioner itself and the circuit board may require replacement. 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 typically cost more than a standard thermostat. Depending on what kind of thermostat you decide on, you’re probably going to pay anywhere between $200 and $550 to get it installed. Fortunately, the latest thermostats may pay back their cost in energy management savings, provided they are programmed properly.
Capacitor or Contactor Replacement
If your air conditioner is still young or you want 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 cost a little lower, ranging from $150 - $350. These repairs are a couple of the most typical for your air conditioner.
A/C Fan Motor Replacement
Again, it’s always important to assess the pros and cons of choosing to repair your current air conditioning equipment versus buying an upgraded, more energy-efficient piece of equipment. If replacing this part is the better decision for you, a fan motor replacement might cost between $500 and $1200.
NOTE: Part repair under warranty
A common misconception is that if a part replacement is required, that it is covered through the manufacturer’s equipment warranty; however, there are several other costs that may not be covered under the warranty that you will be required to pay for out-of-pocket. Even with common repairs, such as a capacitor replacement, the HVAC contractor still has to process this warranty through the manufacturer so they can receive the credit on the part. Additionally, all manufacturers require the contractor to hold the part for 60-120 days and may require the contractor return the failed part at the contractor’s cost. Greater repairs, a compressor for example, are included in this process but these bigger repairs have more supplies and materials required (i.e. refrigerant, copper fittings, etc.) that are not covered through the Original Equipment Manufacturer warranty. Without a labor warranty you will continue have to pay additionally for the technician’s labor.
Keep in mind that these ranges are estimates and many times they can increase or decrease depending on where the home is, the specific issues with your equipment, the age of your air conditioner, and whether or not you’ve been having yearly maintenance to maintain the health of your air conditioning system and your manufacturer’s warranty. If your system has seen its last summer and replacement is looking more likely, take a moment to review our air conditioner pricing guide.
If you would like more information or ever need expert air conditioning repair, call San Antonio Air Service Experts 24/7/365.