A trusted air conditioner is one of the most vital parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in McAllen Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is likely 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 median estimated costs1 to repair them.
1. Routine Air Filter Replacement
The air filter is a crucial component for any cooling system. It sucks in dust and other debris, keeping it from drifting into 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 trained 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 washable filter, the only cost is the water and effort it takes to clean it.
Generally, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t change yours frequently, your air conditioner will have to work harder to hold the set temperature. This can increase your monthly energy bills.
2. Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your thermostat is how you communicate with your air conditioner. If something is wrong with the thermostat, you could think there’s a problem with the AC system itself. Sometimes repairing the issue is as basic as adjusting the settings.
If this doesn’t handle the problem, an HVAC technician from Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models come with 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. Coolant Leak
Refrigerant is a vital part of your air conditioner because it moves heat out of your home. If it’s has sprung a leak costs may include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.
Generally, refreshing your supply of coolant costs between $100 to $350, but this number may be higher if your air conditioner is bigger or uses R-22. Also known as 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 recommend our air conditioning installation in McAllen. We also serve nearby communities.
4. Bad Electrical Connections
Electrical components consist of the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can affect 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 Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. technician will inspect these parts across the diagnosis to see if they’re the reason other components aren’t working.
5. The Condenser and Evaporator Coils
Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil contains the refrigerant and absorbs the heat from surrounding air. Replacing this component costs around $675–$1,300.
The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before spreading the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are commonly around $581 or higher, depending on your particular 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 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. Damage to the Ventilation
Without your ventilation, cool air cannot move through your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be taken care of to keep your cooling bills from increasing. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is more expensive but might offer greatly improved energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but generally runs several thousand dollars.
8. Diagnostics and Tune-Ups
The other potential costs of a service call are dependent on your location and local demand. It’s usually between $70–$200, which covers travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects 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.
Quality air conditioning maintenance runs between $85 to $110. Participating in a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average flat cost of $150 for two visits. Our protection plan is an extraordinary value, because we can discover and handle problems promptly and inexpensively. This service could also reduce your odds of malfunctions and breakdowns.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
Our friendly, expert technicians will provide detailed information about your cooling system. In many cases, providing info you’ve learned beforehand will help us uncover 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 prevents cooling systems from working, while an obstruction in your ductwork restricts airflow. This can also be caused by 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. Faulty components or clogs force your air conditioner to work harder. Watch your monthly bills for sudden changes.
If your repair bill is more than $1,500, it could be a smarter 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 Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. technician will help you settle on the right choice. Since 1991, we’ve been famous for our trustworthy, high-quality air conditioning repair in McAllen and dedication to professional customer service. Request your appointment by calling us at 956-553-3265 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.