8 Common Air Conditioning Repairs and How Much They Can Cost to Fix

May 14, 2021

A trusted 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 going to break or malfunction.

The cost of repairs will depend on the scope and severity of the problem. Let’s go over some of the most common air conditioning repair services and the median estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Air Filter

The air filter is a central component for your cooling system. It catches dust and other debris, stopping it from drifting through your HVAC ductwork. Exchanging or cleaning the filter is fast and easy. Most of the time you can take care of it without the help of a professional 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 washable filter, the only cost is the water and work it takes to clean it.

Generally, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t do so frequently, your air conditioner will have to work longer to hold the set temperature. This can increase your monthly cooling bills.

2. Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you control your air conditioner. If something is malfunctioning with the thermostat, you might think there’s a problem with the air conditioning itself. Sometimes resolving the issue is as basic as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t resolve the problem, an HVAC technician from Woody's Sudden Service Inc can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will start with the model you choose. Smart models provide additional features and may help you save money in the long run. Swapping out your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.

3. Refrigerant Leak

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

Most of the time, replenishing your supply of coolant costs between $100 to $350, but this number might be higher if your air conditioner is more powerful or uses R-22. Also called Freon, R-22 is no longer in production due to its disruption of the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are available, making it more expensive.

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

4. Electrical Issues

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 contactor.

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 Woody's Sudden Service Inc technician will examine these parts during the diagnosis to determine if they’re the reason other parts are faulty.

5. Evaporator and Condenser Coils

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

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before scattering the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are commonly 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 components 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. Ductwork Repair

Without your ventilation, cool air cannot move throughout your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be addressed to prevent your cooling bills from getting bigger. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is more expensive but might offer greatly increased energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but typically runs several thousand dollars.

8. Service Calls and Tune-Ups

The cost of a service call will depend on your location and local demand. It’s generally around $70–$200, which includes 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 usually more expensive, but worth it to lower the risk of interruptions to your comfort. An average emergency call may be around $315 for night, weekend or holiday visits.

Professional air conditioning maintenance runs around $85 to $110. Trying a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average rigid cost of $150 for two visits. Our service plan is an outstanding value, because we can notice and take care of problems quickly and inexpensively. This service may also shrink your odds of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, experienced technicians will review comprehensive information about your cooling system. In many cases, providing info you’ve collected beforehand will help us figure out the source of the trouble.

Common signs you need air conditioning repairs include:

  • Unusual 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 stemming from a dirty air filter.
  • Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Repeated 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 longer. Watch your monthly bills for sudden spikes.

If your repair bill is more than $1,500, it may be a wiser option to schedule 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 Woody's Sudden Service Inc technician will help you settle on the right choice. Since 1979, we’ve been renowned for our honest, high-quality air conditioning repair in Manassas and dedication to exemplary customer service. Arrange your appointment by calling us at 703-278-2036 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.