A quality air conditioner is one of the most important parts of your home comfort system, particularly when you live in Los Angeles 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 discuss some of the most common air conditioning repair services and the typical estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filter

The air filter is a central component for every cooling system. It traps dust and other debris, stopping it from circulating through your HVAC ductwork. Changing or cleaning the filter is short and easy. Most of the time you can handle it without the help of a trained HVAC technician.

Disposable filters are most common. Depending on the type you use, it can be a few dollars for a flat filter or around $20 for a pleated filter. If you have a reusable filter, the only cost is the water and work it takes to clean it.

Typically, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t swap it out frequently, your air conditioner will have to work longer to sustain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly energy bills.

2. Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you communicate with your air conditioner. If something is wrong with the thermostat, you might think there’s a problem with the AC system itself. Sometimes resolving the issue is as easy as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t resolve the problem, an HVAC technician from AZ Air Conditioning and Heating can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will start with the model you choose. Smart models include added features and might help you save money in the long run. Replacing your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.

3. Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is a crucial part of your air conditioner because it absorbs heat out of your home. If it’s leaking costs could include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

Generally, replenishing your supply of coolant costs between $100 to $350, but this number may be higher if your air conditioner is more powerful 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 Los Angeles. We also serve nearby communities.

4. Bad Electrical Connections

Electrical components include the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can reach a large 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 AZ Air Conditioning and Heating technician will review these parts during the diagnosis to determine if they’re the reason other parts aren’t working.

5. Damage to Either the Evaporator or Condenser Coils

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

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before diffusing 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 might 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 across your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be repaired to keep your cooling bills from getting bigger. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is pricier but might offer greatly improved energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but generally runs several thousand dollars.

8. Service Calls and Tune-Ups

The other various costs of a service call will depend on your location and local demand. It’s typically around $70–$200, which takes care of travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects include labor and parts, which are generally flat rates. Labor might 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. Enrolling 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 spot and take care of problems quickly and inexpensively. This service may also lower your odds of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, experienced technicians will provide extensive information about your air conditioning. In many cases, providing info you’ve collected beforehand will help us find the source of the problem.

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 reduces airflow. This can also be a result of a dirty air filter.
  • Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Lots of 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 longer. Watch your monthly bills for sudden changes.

If your repair bill goes over $1,500, it may be a wiser option to request 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 AZ Air Conditioning and Heating technician will help you make the right choice. Since 1984, we’ve been famous for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Los Angeles and dedication to exemplary customer service. Schedule your appointment by calling us at 800-296-5088 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.