Eight Common Air Conditioning Repairs and How Much They May Cost to Fix

A dependable air conditioner is one of the most vital parts of your home comfort system, especially when you live in Rapid City Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is anticipated to break or malfunction.

The cost of repairs will depend on the scope and severity of the problem. Let’s go over 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 key component for any cooling system. It sucks in dust and other debris, stopping it from circulating into your HVAC ductwork. Changing or cleaning the filter is fast and easy. Most of the time you can take care of it without the help of a qualified 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 cleanable filter, the only cost is the water and time it takes to clean it.

Typically, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t swap it out 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 use your air conditioner. If something is wrong with the thermostat, you could think there’s a problem with the air conditioning itself. Sometimes resolving the issue is as simple as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t resolve the problem, an HVAC technician from Precision Mechanical can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will begin with the model you choose. Smart models provide additional 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 key part of your air conditioner because it absorbs heat out of your home. If it’s has sprung a leak costs can include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

In general, refreshing your supply of coolant runs between $100 to $350, but this number might be higher if your air conditioner is larger or uses R-22. Also known as Freon, R-22 is no longer in production due to its harm to the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are available, 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 Rapid City. We also serve surrounding communities.

4. Electrical Issues

Electrical components consist of the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can reach 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 Precision Mechanical technician will check these parts throughout the diagnosis to figure out if they’re the reason other systems 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 type 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 systems may 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 fixed to stop your cooling bills from getting bigger. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is more expensive but could offer greatly increased energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but most often 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 around $70–$200, which takes care of travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects include labor and parts, which are usually flat rates. Labor can run between $70–$130 per hour.

Emergency services are almost always 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. Enrolling in a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average fixed cost of $150 for two visits. Our maintenance plan is an extraordinary value, because we can find and fix problems promptly and inexpensively. This service might also decrease your chances of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, experienced technicians will share comprehensive information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve learned beforehand will help us identify the source of the problem.

Common signs you need air conditioning repairs include:

• Unusual or loud noises. Listen for hissing, clanging or gurgling sounds.
• Warm air or poor circulation. Electrical failure prevents 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. Frequent starting and stopping adds extra 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 longer. Watch your monthly bills for sudden increases.

If your repair bill exceeds $1,500, it could be a wiser option to request air conditioning installation instead. A new air conditioner is more energy efficient, which can save you money on cooling bills over time.

Your Precision Mechanical technician will help you figure out the right choice. Since 2006, we’ve been renowned for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Rapid City and dedication to outstanding customer service. Arrange your appointment by calling us at 605-206-3766 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.