A trusted air conditioner is one of the most productive parts of your home comfort system, especially when you live in Rapid City Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is going to break or malfunction.
The cost of repairs will depend on the extensiveness 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. Air Filter
The air filter is a vital component for a cooling system. It sucks in dust and other debris, stopping it from drifting 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 trained 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.
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 maintain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly energy bills.
2. Thermostat
Your thermostat is how you use your air conditioner. If something is malfunctioning with the thermostat, you might think there’s a problem with the AC system itself. Sometimes resolving the issue is as straightforward as adjusting the settings.
If this doesn’t dispose of the problem, an HVAC technician from Precision Mechanical can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models offer additional features and may help you save money in the long run. Updating your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.
3. Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is an integral part of your air conditioner because it transfers heat out of your home. If it’s has sprung a leak, costs can include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.
Typically, replacing your supply of coolant will run between $100 to $350, but this number can 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 available, making it more expensive.
If your air conditioner needs R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may point you toward our air conditioning installation in Rapid City. We also serve surrounding communities.
4. Electrical Issues
Electrical components include the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can affect a broad variety 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 Precision Mechanical technician will check these parts across the diagnosis to figure out if they’re the reason other components 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 dispelling the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are often around $581 or higher, depending on your particular 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 components 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 air ducts, cool air cannot move across your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be taken care of to stop your cooling bills from increasing. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is pricier but may offer greatly increased energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but typically 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 generally within $70–$200, which covers 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 frequently 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.
Quality 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 maintenance plan is an extraordinary value, because we can notice and take care of problems quickly and inexpensively. This service can also reduce your likelihood of malfunctions and breakdowns.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
Our friendly, expert technicians will offer thorough information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve collected beforehand will help us identify the source of the malfunction.
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 reduces airflow. This can also be stemming from 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 harder. Watch your monthly bills for sudden increases.
If your repair bill goes over $1,500, it could be a wiser option to schedule 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 Precision Mechanical technician will help you settle on the right choice. Since 2006, we’ve been renowned for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Rapid City and dedication to professional customer service. Request 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.