A dependable air conditioner is one of the most vital parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Jefferson Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is going 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 average estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Routine Air Filter Replacement

The air filter is a vital component for every cooling system. It grabs dust and other debris, stopping it from moving through your HVAC ductwork. Replacing 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 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 labor it takes to clean it.

In general, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t do so frequently, your air conditioner will have to work longer 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 may think there’s a problem with the air conditioning itself. Sometimes repairing the issue is as simple as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t fix the problem, an HVAC technician from Pratt Brothers can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models include useful 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 absorbs heat out of your home. If it’s leaking costs could include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

In general, replacing your supply of coolant is between $100 to $350, but this number might be higher if your air conditioner is more powerful or uses R-22. Known by the more popular name Freon, R-22 is no longer produced due to its effect on the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are eligible for use, making it more expensive.

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

4. Damaged Electrical Components

Electrical components include the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can affect a large range 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 Pratt Brothers technician will take a look at these parts during the diagnosis to figure out if they’re the reason other parts are faulty.

5. Damage to Either the Evaporator or Condenser Coils

Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil contains 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 dispelling the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are generally around $581 or higher, depending on your model 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. Repairing Broken Air Ducts

Without your duct work, cool air cannot move across your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be repaired to stop your cooling bills from increasing. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is more expensive but could offer greatly improved energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but typically runs several thousand dollars.

8. Diagnostics and Routine Maintenance

The other various costs of a service call will depend on your location and local demand. It’s typically within $70–$200, which includes travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects for consideration are labor and parts, which are usually flat rates. Labor might 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.

Professional air conditioning maintenance runs anywhere from $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 extraordinary value, because we can find and fix problems quickly and inexpensively. This service might also decrease your odds of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Is It Better to Replace or Repair My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, experienced technicians will offer extensive information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve collected beforehand will help us find the source of the trouble.

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 hampers airflow. This can also be caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Repeated starting and stopping adds more 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 more intensely. Watch your monthly bills for sudden changes.

If your repair bill goes over $1,500, it might be a better 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 time.

Your Pratt Brothers technician will help you determine the right choice. Since 2011, we’ve been renowned for our trustworthy, high-quality air conditioning repair in Jefferson and devotion to exemplary customer service. Arrange your appointment by calling us at 920-347-8495 today!

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