How Much An A/C Repair Will Cost You

Air conditioners are a welcome relief on hot summer days, but few things are as aggravating as when they break or stop working. Luckily, most issues can be easily repaired, as opposed to an expensive and time-intensive replacement. The issue, though, is how much to estimate for these repairs — it'll certainly be less than a full replacement, but that can still quickly add up.

There isn't any flat, general number since there is any number of issues your air conditioning unit could be facing. Aside from the actual repair needed, other factors like the time of year or your location can significantly reduce or increase the price. That being said, the average cost of most air conditioner repairs is about $400, ranging in price from $100 to $650 just for common issues with central AC units. If the problem is larger than the actual unit, such as the HVAC unit itself, your ductwork, etc., that can range anywhere from $300 to $900.

One of the less severe issues your air conditioning unit may face is with the thermostat. In this case, you don't have to worry about something fundamentally wrong with the unit itself. Newer thermostats can often be easily repaired, costing $50 on the low end but averaging at $210. However, older models may simply be replaced, which can cost anywhere from $100 for simple models to $450 for high-end or smart thermostats, with labor included.

Refrigerant leaks are also a common issue you may face with your air conditioner, but this one isn't always as easy or affordable of a fix. Sometimes, all you need to do is refill the refrigerant, which is a crucial factor in the smooth operation of your air conditioning. Simple refills cost anywhere from $160 to $375. However, if the refrigerant is leaking, this is a much larger issue. Depending on how severe the leak is, as well as the root cause, this repair could cost from $550 to $1,600. This repair often needs to be followed up with a refrigerant resupply, so factor in the extra cost.

Another one of the integral factors that keeps your air conditioner running is the motor fan. A broken motor fan may not compromise your air conditioner on its own, but since its job is to keep the unit from overheating, it's a necessary repair. Warrantied fans usually cost anywhere from $100 to $300 to be repaired and $200 to $700 regularly.

Your air conditioner's capacitor is another crucial component and one of the more common causes of a seemingly broken unit. The capacitor funnels energy into the system, and without it, the air conditioner won't fully turn on. A good sign it's the capacitor that's the issue is the sound your AC is making — if it's just humming but not actually clicking on, or if it's repeatedly clicking, that means the capacitor either isn't working or is about to break. It costs anywhere from $300 to $400 to get it repaired or $10 to $20 and some basic knowledge of wiring to replace it yourself. If the issue extends past your AC unit and into more complex areas like your ductwork or the HVAC unit as a whole, expect the repair prices to go up significantly — as much as $900 for issues like fixing the circuit board.