A quality air conditioner is one of the most crucial parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Athol 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 go over 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 your cooling system. It sucks in dust and other debris, stopping it from circulating throughout your HVAC ductwork. Exchanging or cleaning the filter is short 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 type 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.

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 cooling bills.

2. Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you communicate with your air conditioner. If something is wrong with the thermostat, you could think there’s a problem with the AC system itself. Sometimes fixing the issue is as easy as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t take care of the problem, an HVAC technician from Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will begin with the model you choose. Smart models include useful features and could help you save money in the long run. Switching 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 moves heat out of your home. If it’s leaking costs could include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

Generally, replenishing your supply of coolant costs between $100 to $350, but this number may be higher if your air conditioner is larger or uses R-22. Also called Freon, R-22 is no longer in production due to its disruption of the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are eligible for use, making it more expensive.

If your air conditioner requires R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may suggest our air conditioning installation in Athol. We also serve nearby communities.

4. Electrical Issues

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

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 Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling technician will review these parts across the diagnosis to learn if they’re the reason other systems are faulty.

5. Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil holds the refrigerant and absorbs 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 often around $581 or higher, depending on your brand of air conditioner.

6. Drainage Issues

If your air conditioner is struggling 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 addressed to keep your cooling bills from increasing. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is pricier but may offer greatly enhanced 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 around $70–$200, which includes 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 minimize 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 protection plan is an extraordinary value, because we can discover and take care of problems swiftly and inexpensively. This service could also reduce your chances of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, experienced technicians will provide detailed information about your air conditioning. In many cases, providing info you’ve collected beforehand will help us identify the source of the problem.

Common signs you need air conditioning repairs include:

  • Strange 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 hampers airflow. This can also be a result of a dirty air filter.
  • Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Lots of starting and stopping adds more strain on your air conditioner. This is often caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Higher utility bills. Faulty components or clogs force your air conditioner to work harder. Watch your monthly bills for sudden increases.

If your repair bill is more than $1,500, it might be a smarter 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 its life span.

Your Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling technician will help you settle on the right choice. Since 1998, we’ve been known for our honest, high-quality air conditioning repair in Athol and commitment to professional customer service. Schedule your appointment by calling us at 208-561-1226 today!

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