How Much Do Home Air Conditioner Repairs Cost?
- susan4434
- Jul 20, 2021
- 8 min read
One of the most significant purchases you will make for your home is the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system. So, it is only natural to wonder how much repairs will cost when the air conditioner stops running or repairs are coming soon.
Air Control of Northwest Arkansas does not charge a technician for inspections. If a repair is needed, the minimum AC repair averages from about $75 to $500. If a major part needs replacing, such as the compressor, evaporator coil or condenser coil, the average cost is about $900-$2,500. For a complete replacement, the cost averages about $4,000-$6,000.
This article will discuss the most common to the most intensive repairs air conditioners experience, especially during the hot summer months, and the costs associated with those repairs, based on Air Control’s twenty-eight years of HVAC service experience.
Common Repairs
It is not uncommon for an air conditioner to experience operational issues when it first gets running for the hot season. In addition, the stress of running the air conditioner at high levels can also cause problems. Some of the most common air conditioner repairs include:
Poor Airflow
If you are experiencing poor airflow from the air conditioner, dirt and dust accumulation may be causing the problem. When air flows through the HVAC system at a high rate during the summer, dirt and dust accumulate faster in the air filters and coils.
HVAC professionals recommend replacing air filters regularly and cleaning the air conditioning unit yearly. Proper maintenance should keep airflow clear and prevent dirt accumulation from breaking down the air conditioner.
Also, make sure the condenser unit outside is clear of debris or plant growth. Often plants can grow up around the unit, which traps the heat inside, making the air conditioner work harder or less efficiently.
If your air conditioner is not performing as well as it should, it could also mean that there are low refrigerant levels, or the coils are frozen, which can also be caused by blocked air ducts and dirt accumulation. An Air Control technician can diagnose the issue and get your home’s air conditioner back to running at optimal levels.
Clogging of Drain Lines
It is normal to have some condensation accumulating outside the air conditioner condenser unit. Moisture is one sign that the cooling process is working. However, during the summer, the high humidity levels can cause more moisture to accumulate in the condenser unit and drain lines.
Outdoor humidity can cause clogging in the condenser unit drain lines, which reduces the ability of the air conditioner to work correctly. In addition, excess water collecting in the drain pan may also occur. A service technician can inspect the drain lines for any clogs, remove any clogging, and inspect the unit for any additional damage that happened by the clogging.
Damage to Fans
The HVAC system in a home has two fans, one located inside the house and one in the condenser unit outside of the home. If you hear strange or loud noises coming from your air conditioning unit, it may signal a broken fan. There are several reasons an air conditioner’s fan can break, and an Air Control technician can properly diagnose the issue on a service call.
A broken fan can cause long-term damage to the HVAC system if left unrepaired. For example, a broken fan can cause the system’s compressor to overheat. However, ongoing maintenance to the air conditioner can prevent most fan damage and needed repairs.
Electrical Issues
If your air conditioner is not working, it may not be an issue with the unit but possibly an electrical issue. These issues usually start after a power outage.
Often, the electrical switch that controls the compressor and condenser fan motor can wear out, or damage to the wiring can occur. These types of minor repairs call for a qualified technician to come out and fix the issue.
Sometimes, these electrical issues are easy to fix. For example, the AC circuit breaker can trip if specific components to the AC become overheated. Before calling an HVAC technician, check the circuit breaker to restore power.
Similar to electrical issues, the AC unit’s capacitors often wear out over time. The capacitor is located on the outside condenser unit and helps the electric motors start running. When a capacitor goes out, the air conditioner stops working. A qualified HVAC technician can replace the capacitor.
Thermostat
Another minor repair that most people can fix without an HVAC technician is a broken thermostat. If the thermostat display is not showing any data or is off, try replacing the batteries or checking the circuit breaker that controls the HVAC. If you get the thermostat to come back on, make sure the thermostat is reading the correct temperatures, and managing the HVAC properly.
If the thermostat is not working after replacing the batteries and checking the circuit breaker, you will need to call an HVAC technician to inspect the system. There may be something wrong with the HVAC system or an electrical issue that requires service by an HVAC professional.
Major Repairs
Broken Fan Motor or Compressor
You can locate the fan motor and compressor inside the outdoor AC condenser unit. These components work to keep the power running to the indoor and outdoor fans. Proper and regular maintenance can prevent this repair most of the time, but in older units or units stressed during the hot summer months, a breakdown is more likely to occur.
The components inside the outdoor compressor unit undergo a lot of stress during the summer. The air conditioner system is trying hard to keep up with the climate control demand inside the home. Too much pressure on the system can cause overheating and damage to the compressor.
Replacing and repairing these components is a costly repair but must be completed before the AC can work again to cool a home. Quickly call a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose the problem and offer their professional opinion on a repair or replacement.
Leaking Refrigerant Lines
Once an HVAC system is installed in a home and running correctly, the system will not need additional refrigerant. However, if the AC is working harder than usual to keep temperatures cool, it could signal a slow leak in the refrigerant lines. This additional work causes the HVAC system to lose its cooling power and eventually leads to a complete breakdown.
Most leaks are hard to diagnosis without a professional assessment. Additionally, these problems usually occur in the evaporator coil inside the compressor, making it difficult to notice. An HVAC professional will need to determine if leaks are present. If there are leaks in the refrigerant lines, replacing the evaporator coil or replacing the entire unit if it is older than ten years might be the solution.
Failing Blower Motor
The blower motor moves the air inside your home through the ductwork. The blower motor can break down if the HVAC system is not adequately maintained yearly, is an older unit, or experiences the stress of hot or humid environments.
You may notice a banging or grinding sound coming from the ductwork or smell an electrical burning scent. These abnormal sounds probably signal an issue coming from the blower.
If you believe you have a broken blower, shut down the HVAC system to prevent additional damage or an electrical fire. Then call Air Control to have one of their qualified HVAC technicians come out to the home and diagnosis the problem.
Air Duct Repair
The air duct system runs throughout the inside of a home and moves heated and cooled air to keep the climate controlled in different rooms. Most homes have ductwork that can last for a long time. But, if you have an HVAC system that is 15 years or older, the ductwork may need repair.
If you are experiencing poor air conditioning, your system is working harder and longer, or your energy bill cost rises suddenly, please call Air Control to set up a service call to inspect the HVAC system. Since the ductwork is located inside the walls, this type of repair is more complicated, and repairs are more significant.
Replacement
There comes the point when replacing the AC unit is better than spending money on frequent repairs.
An air conditioner older than fifteen years will require a professional assessment to see if a replacement is needed. The average cost of a home air conditioner in Northwest Arkansas is around $1,000 to $2,000. With installation costs, the total cost of replacing an air conditioning unit is about $4,500. Window air conditioning units cost around $350.
Several factors determine the price of an air conditioning unit.
Buying the largest, most powerful air conditioner is not the best approach. A large air conditioner does not mean more cool air or more power. A large air conditioner will still pump out what each room needs to control the temperature and no more. Also, a large air conditioner is expensive and requires more maintenance.
On the other hand, it is not wise to buy an air conditioner that is too small and cannot keep up with the home’s demands.
Every home uses the HVAC system differently. These differences require a detailed home assessment to understand the type and size of the air conditioner needed. The home’s specifications determine the kind of air conditioning unit required, which defines the price.
If you use Air Control to quote a new air conditioning unit, you will always have the opportunity to review the quote before signing on to the replacement and installation work.
For more information on determining the correct air conditioner replacement, please see our blog post “HVAC and Air Conditioning Installation Explained” here: https://www.aircontrolcorp.com/post/hvac-and-air-conditioning-installation-explained
A/C Tune-Up to Prevent Repairs
If you are looking to avoid AC repairs, the most important thing is maintaining your air conditioning unit and supporting parts regularly.
Regularly change out air filters to reduce dirt and pollen build-up. Replacing filters reduces the amount of force the HVAC system will use to move air through the ductwork and into the home’s rooms.
Before each winter and summer, check the outdoor condenser unit and make sure it is clear of any dirt and debris. Inspect for anything unusual such as more than average water collecting in the drain pan, strange noises or unusual smells.
If you have a knack for DIY projects, try cleaning the condenser once a year. For more information on how to clean the condenser unit and how to maintain your air conditioner, please visit our blog post, “Maintaining Your Home Air Conditioner” here: https://www.aircontrolcorp.com/post/maintaining-your-home-air-conditioner
Air Control recommends a yearly tune-up to maximize the efficiency and life of your air conditioner. In addition, proper AC maintenance is essential to avoid AC repairs.
Air Control offers a Tommy’s Club membership, which includes two seasonal check-ups, a ten percent discount on parts, priority scheduling for needed repairs and no after-hour fees. This membership ranges in cost from around $200 to $1,000 depending on the number of HVAC systems and length of membership.
A tune-up includes cleaning, inspecting and adjusting the following AC components:
Venting system
Burners & heat exchangers for corrosion and cracks
Combustion for optimal fuel efficiency
Blower assembly
Electrical system control panels & boards
Thermostat
Clean condenser coil
Clean condensate drain line
Disconnect panel
Measure refrigerant level
Fuel pressure
Flue draft diverter/motor volts and amps
Blower motor volts and amps
Blower capacitors
Refrigerant for optimal cooling
Compressor contactor
Condenser fan capacitor
Compressor capacitor
Compressor voltage/amperage
Fan motor voltage/amperage
Summary
Summer is the busiest time of year for Air Conditioner repairs. Air Control of Northwest Arkansas receives most repair requests during June, July and August. Most people are running their air conditioners at maximum capacity to keep cool and comfortable.
Running an air conditioner at high levels for a long time can cause so much stress that something usually breaks, and a repair is needed. If you are considering a replacement, repair or service for your air conditioner, consider calling Air Control in the spring or fall before the air conditioner blows.
Air Control does not charge for service calls, and you always have a chance to review the inspection before signing on for any repairs. Air Control also offers simple financing programs with approved credit. Call an Air Control team member for more details.
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