A quality air conditioner is one of the most crucial parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Manassas 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 average 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, stopping it from circulating through your HVAC ductwork. Exchanging or cleaning the filter is quick 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 type 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 time 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 longer to hold the set temperature. This can increase your monthly cooling bills.

2. Malfunctioning Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you use your air conditioner. If something is malfunctioning with the thermostat, you may think there’s a problem with the AC system itself. Sometimes fixing the issue is as easy as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t take care of the problem, an HVAC technician from Air-Right Energy Design can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will start with the model you choose. Smart models come with added features and may help you save money in the long run. Replacing your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.

3. Coolant Leak

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

Typically, replenishing your supply of coolant costs between $100 to $350, but this number can 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 effect on the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are eligible for use, making it more expensive.

If your air conditioner uses R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may point you toward our air conditioning installation in Manassas. We also serve nearby communities.

4. Bad Electrical Connections

Electrical components contain 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 Air-Right Energy Design technician will take a look at these parts during the diagnosis to figure out if they’re the reason other systems are faulty.

5. The Condenser and Evaporator 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 around $675–$1,300.

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before dispersing the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are usually around $581 or higher, depending on your brand of 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 systems 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 duct work, cool air cannot move through your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be taken care of to prevent your cooling bills from increasing. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is costlier but might offer greatly increased energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but most often runs several thousand dollars.

8. Emergency Support and Tune-Ups

The other various costs of a service call will depend on your location and local demand. It’s typically between $70–$200, which covers travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects include labor and parts, which are generally flat rates. Labor may 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.

Average air conditioning maintenance runs between $85 to $110. Enrolling in a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average fixed cost of $150 for two visits. Our service plan is an exceptional value, because we can uncover and handle problems quickly and inexpensively. This service might also lower your likelihood of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, knowledgeable technicians will offer extensive information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve collected beforehand will help us identify 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 hampers airflow. This can also be caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Frequent starting and stopping adds more 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 increases.

If your repair bill exceeds $1,500, it might 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 in the long run.

Your Air-Right Energy Design technician will help you determine the right choice. Since 1994, we’ve been renowned for our honest, high-quality air conditioning repair in Manassas and devotion to professional customer service. Schedule your appointment by calling us at 703-260-1148 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.