Central air conditioning systems are a necessary element in today’s homes. They are very useful in helping control the temperature throughout the property and provide quality of life to the people sharing the home. However, it is not uncommon for issues to spring up, ranging from clogged filters or broken ductwork to leaks and mold infestation. House Pro recommends you set up a regular maintenance schedule with your AC technician to ensure your equipment functions as it is intended and that any small issue may be caught before it turns into something major. However, despite your best intentions and careful maintenance, you may discover that when the unit is over ten years old, the best way to stop having issues is to buy a new system.
Let’s have a look at how much you can expect to pay for an AC repair.
How much does it cost to repair a central AC system?
Depending on the issue, a homeowner can expect to pay about $300 for an AC repair, as this is the figure that is being charged on average nationwide. While some issues may cost more, moving the cost up to $500, minor repairs may let you get away with paying closer to $100.
The lowest end of the scale is $75, which is the amount you would have to pay to have your filter changed, while the highest amount of $6,000 or above is what you might be charged when your home requires replacing extensive ductwork.
How much does it cost to fix each AC component?
Below is a list of the different components that make up your AC system and how much you would have to pay to repair each one.
- Compressor – $600 to $1,200.
- Coil – $200 to $475.
- Thermostat – $100 to $300.
- Duct – $200 to $800.
- Blower motor – $300 to $600.
When would you need to repair your thermostat?
The thermostat is one of the most important elements in an HVAC system because its function is to control the temperature of the air in the home. When the thermostat develops a problem, it can cause the entire system to stop working correctly. You may notice the problem when the air is not cool anymore, when even after turning the system on and off, the problem persists, or when the temperature to which it is set allows the room temperature to keep rising. Your technician may have to clean it or reboot it to get it working again. When would you need to have the coils repaired?
The evaporator and condenser coils may stop doing their job if they get clogged, dirty, bent, or if they break. When this happens, the AC system cannot run as efficiently as it should. However, these elements cannot be cleaned or repaired by a homeowner, but need a professional technician to come and do the job.
Why would you need duct repair?
If you live in a large house and your ductwork gets filled with mold, you need to call in an expert to detect the source of the mold and do a thorough cleaning of the ducts. If a leak is detected, you may have to have the duct patched, or leaky sections may have to be sealed. If the technician finds dents, they may straighten them out by hammering them.
When would you need the central air blower motor repaired?
The job of the blower motor is to power the fan in your central AC. This allows air to blow through the ducts and circulate throughout the house. When this motor stops working, you will not get the cool air that you expect from your system. Your technician will make some adjustments and, if necessary, rewire the faulty motor to allow it to run properly again.
Why would you need the compressor repaired?
Having a compressor that works as it should, means that the necessary pressure exists for the refrigerants to flow and work. Whenever you notice that the air coming out of the vents is not cold, you can conclude that the compressor is not working as it should. Your repairman can fix this problem by adjusting the valves or replacing the floating seal.
Practice Preventive Maintenance
As a homeowner, you know that having to replace an air conditioning unit is not inexpensive, and you want to make your equipment last as long as possible. That is why it pays to schedule preventive maintenance on your AC equipment on a regular basis, preferably twice a year. As your AC technician about a maintenance plan. They may recommend a visit before the hot summer months start and another one when the temperatures start to drop.
