How Much Does It Cost to Repair an Air Conditioner?
When your home’s air conditioner kicks the dust, you are probably nervous to even ask how much it might cost to replace it— so you look into getting it repaired. Air conditioner repairs can be one of the more costly home service repairs, but depending on what you need done, can be very worth it to buy you a few more years out of your system.
So, how much does it cost to repair an air conditioner? On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $1,000, but that number can climb for more major repairs. This guide will help you determine how much your ac repairs might be so you can plan ahead and know what to expect.
Air Conditioner Repair Cost Guide
As we stated, the costs of your air conditioner repairs can swing one way or the other depending on the type of the repair and the extent of repairs.
AC Repair Cost by Unit Type
There are a few different types of air conditioner units, from extra large HVAC systems to your classic window unit— all working to achieve the same result— a nice cool home. In the summer months, when we’re dealing with Minnesota’s brutal humidity, having a working AC unit is absolutely vital. So when it goes down, you’re going to want to get repairs ASAP. Box fans can only help so much.
But first, it’s important to know which kind of unit you have so you can anticipate the costs for repairs.
Window Unit: $50-$200
Portable Unit: $75-$250
Swamp Cooler: $100-$500
Central Air Conditioning: $100-$700
Geothermal: $200-$750
HVAC Package: $300-$600
Ductless Mini-Split System: $750-$1,000
Costs by the Type of Repair
Once you know what type of unit you have and can prepare for the cost, it’s time to look into the different types of repairs and what they’ll cost on average.
Air filter: $75–$200
Blower motor: $100–$200
Drain clog: $100–$200
Thermostat: $100–$500
Circuit board: $200–$300
Coil: $200–$500
Expansion valve: $250–$400
Capacitor: $300–$450
Condenser: $450–$600
Fan motor: $550–$700
Ductwork: $500–$1,300
Compressor: $550–$1,250
Freon leaks: $350–$1,500
Other Costs to Consider
In addition to these repair costs, there are a few other things to consider when budgeting for your air conditioner repairs.
- Labor: Depending on the job and company, you can expect labor costs to cost anywhere from $50–$150 per hour.
- Replacement parts: In some cases, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit, instead of expensive repair parts.
- Permits: Some states or cities require permits when installing a new AC unit.
No matter what the cost is, it’s important to make sure your home’s air conditioner is in good working order— especially during the hot summer months.
Signs Your AC Needs Repair
Before you can decide how much to budget for your air conditioner repair, you first have to determine if it needs repairs in the first place. Some of the common signs that your AC is on its last legs include:
- Strange noises coming from the unit
- Uneven temperatures throughout your home
- Lack of airflow
- Unusual odors coming from the AC unit
- High utility bills
If you are experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to call a professional HVAC technician to assess the situation. They will be able to tell you what repairs need to be done and give an estimate as far as cost is concerned.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your Air Conditioner
If the cost of your air conditioner repair is too high, you may want to consider replacing your unit instead. Generally, if you have an older system and it needs expensive repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace the unit. However, if your AC isn’t that old and only needs a minor repair here or there, you should lean towards just repairing the unit instead of replacing it.
With the average cost of central AC installation costing between $3,000 and $6,000 or more, it sometimes may seem cost-effective to make repairs, but if your repair costs are inching towards that $3,000 mark altogether, it could be worthwhile to invest in a new system that will last longer and be more efficient. Some signs you might want to consider replacing your AC include:
- Consistently high energy bills, even after making a repair.
- You experience moisture and humidity issues.
- Your AC unit is old (over 20 years).
- Your AC just can’t cool your house no matter what you try.
- You continually battle freon leaks.
DIY vs. Professional Repairs (Pros and Cons)
When it comes to actually doing the repairs, you have two options: DIY or hire a professional. There are some pros and cons to both these methods, so let’s take a look at each one in turn.
DIY AC Repair
Pros: If you opt for a DIY repair, you’ll likely save money since you won’t be paying for labor.
Cons: However, it can be dangerous to work on your own AC unit if you don’t have the right tools and know-how. Plus, if you make a mistake and damage your equipment, you won’t have the warranty that comes with professional repairs.
Professional AC Repair
Pros: On the other hand, if you hire a professional, you’ll get the job done right and won’t have to worry about damaging your equipment. You will also likely be given a warranty on the repair work. Cons: The downside is that it can be expensive depending on what needs to be repaired or replaced.
No matter which option you choose, it’s important to consider all of the cost factors associated with your air conditioner repairs. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision about how much to budget for your next AC repair.
We Recommend Calling the Pros at Aquarius
If you want to make sure your air conditioner is repaired the right way, it’s best to call a professional. At Aquarius Home Services, we have years of experience providing quality AC repair services in the Twin Cities area. Plus, our technicians will be able to accurately diagnose and repair your issue so you’ll be cool and comfortable in no time.
For more information on the cost of air conditioner repairs, contact AquariusHome Services at (651) 256-0441 or request a free estimate online. We look forward to helping you get your air conditioner up and running as soon as possible.
