A trusted air conditioner is one of the most crucial parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Manassas Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is likely to break or malfunction.
The cost of repairs will depend on the scope and severity of the problem. Let’s discuss some of the most common air conditioning repair services and the median estimated costs1 to repair them.
1. Air Filter
The air filter is a vital component for a cooling system. It grabs dust and other debris, keeping it from drifting throughout your HVAC ductwork. Replacing or cleaning the filter is fast and easy. Most of the time you can take care of it without the help of a professional HVAC technician.
Disposable filters are most common. Depending on the brand you use, it can be a few dollars for a flat filter or around $20 for a pleated filter. If you have a reusable filter, the only cost is the water and work it takes to clean it.
Typically, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t change yours frequently, your air conditioner will have to work longer to sustain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly utility bills.
2. Thermostat
Your thermostat is how you control your air conditioner. If something is wrong with the thermostat, you might think there’s a problem with the AC system itself. Sometimes fixing the issue is as simple as adjusting the settings.
If this doesn’t dispose of the problem, an HVAC technician from Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will start with the model you choose. Smart models include added features and may help you save money in the long run. Replacing your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.
3. Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is a vital part of your air conditioner because it transfers heat out of your home. If it’s broken, costs may include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.
Typically, refreshing your supply of coolant will run between $100 to $350, but this number can be higher if your air conditioner is bigger or uses R-22. Known by the more popular name Freon, R-22 is no longer manufactured due to its disruption of the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are available, making it more expensive.
If your air conditioner needs R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may suggest our air conditioning installation in Manassas. We also serve nearby communities.
4. Electrical Issues
Electrical components include the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can reach a broad number of air conditioning systems like the motor, compressor or AC contactor.
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 Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. technician will review these parts during the diagnosis to find out if they’re the reason other parts can’t function normally.
5. Evaporator and Condenser Coils
Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil houses 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 diffusing the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are often around $581 or higher, depending on your model of air conditioner.
6. Drainage Issues
If your air conditioner is dealing with drainage problems, costs may include both water damage as well the repair or replacement of damaged parts. Affected parts can 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 duct work, cool air cannot move within your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be addressed to keep your cooling bills from getting bigger. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is costlier but could offer greatly increased 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 usually within $70–$200, which includes travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects for consideration are labor and parts, which are often flat rates. Labor can run between $70–$130 per hour.
Emergency services are almost always more expensive, but worth it to lower the risk of interruptions to your comfort. An average emergency call may be around $315 for night, weekend or holiday visits.
Professional air conditioning maintenance runs around $85 to $110. Enrolling in a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average rigid cost of $150 for two visits. Our service plan is an exceptional value, because we can discover and fix problems promptly and inexpensively. This service may also reduce your chances of malfunctions and breakdowns.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
Our friendly, expert technicians will provide detailed information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve gathered beforehand will help us figure out the source of the damage.
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 stemming from a dirty air filter.
- Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Repeated starting and stopping adds extra 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 harder. Watch your monthly bills for sudden changes.
If your repair bill exceeds $1,500, it may 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 its life span.
Your Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. technician will help you figure out the right choice. Since 1994, we’ve been renowned for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Manassas and commitment to professional customer service. Arrange your appointment by calling us at 703-260-1148 today!
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1Average air conditioning repair costs are sourced from 2020 HomeGuide estimates, which are based off nationwide averages. Your exact cost may vary.