A trusted air conditioner is one of the most crucial parts of your home comfort system, especially when you live in Wilmington Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is likely to break or malfunction.

The cost of repairs will depend on the size and severity of the problem. Let’s discuss 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 key component for a cooling system. It sucks in dust and other debris, stopping it from circulating through your HVAC ductwork. Replacing or cleaning the filter is quick and easy. Most of the time you can handle it without the help of a licensed 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 cleanable 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 more intensely to hold the set temperature. This can increase your monthly utility bills.

2. Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you communicate with your air conditioner. If something is faulty with the thermostat, you may think there’s a problem with the air conditioner itself. Sometimes repairing the issue is as basic as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t resolve the problem, an HVAC technician from Ambience HVAC, Inc. can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models come with useful features and may help you save money in the long run. Replacing your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.

3. Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is a key part of your air conditioner because it moves heat out of your home. If it’s cracked costs can include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

Most of the time, replenishing your supply of coolant will run between $100 to $350, but this number may be higher if your air conditioner is more powerful or uses R-22. Also called Freon, R-22 is no longer manufactured due to its effect on the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are eligible for use, making it more expensive.

If your air conditioner requires R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may recommend our air conditioning installation in Wilmington. We also serve nearby communities.

4. Electrical Issues

Electrical components include the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can affect a broad range 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 Ambience HVAC, Inc. technician will examine these parts during the diagnosis to find out if they’re the reason other systems are malfunctioning.

5. Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil holds the refrigerant and soaks up the heat from surrounding air. Replacing this component costs between $675–$1,300.

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before spreading the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are generally around $581 or higher, depending on your specific air conditioner.

6. Clogged Drainage System

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 can 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. Repairing Broken Air Ducts

Without your ventilation, cool air cannot move throughout your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be addressed to keep your cooling bills from getting bigger. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is more expensive but may offer greatly enhanced energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but typically 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 includes travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects include labor and parts, which are generally flat rates. Labor can 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 outstanding value, because we can discover and fix problems quickly and inexpensively. This service could also decrease your likelihood of malfunctions and breakdowns.

When Is Replacement Better than Repairing My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, expert technicians will offer comprehensive information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve collected beforehand will help us figure out the source of the damage.

Common signs you need air conditioning repairs include:

  • Strange 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. Lots of starting and stopping adds more strain on your air conditioner. This is often caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Higher utility bills. Damaged components or clogs force your air conditioner to work more intensely. Watch your monthly bills for sudden spikes.

If your repair bill goes over $1,500, it could be a better 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 Ambience HVAC, Inc. technician will help you determine the right choice. Since , we’ve been known for our honest, high-quality air conditioning repair in Wilmington and devotion to professional customer service. Request your appointment by calling us at 302-239-HVAC (4822) 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.