A quality air conditioner is one of the most productive parts of your home comfort system, particularly when you live in Jefferson City Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is anticipated to break or malfunction.

The cost of repairs will depend on the extensiveness and severity of the problem. Let’s review some of the most common air conditioning repair services and the typical estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Air Filter

The air filter is a central component for a cooling system. It sucks in dust and other debris, keeping it from drifting throughout your HVAC ductwork. Replacing or cleaning the filter is short and easy. Most of the time you can take care of it without the help of a certified 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 washable 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 do so frequently, your air conditioner will have to work more intensely to sustain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly utility bills.

2. Malfunctioning Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you control your air conditioner. If something is wrong 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 Stieferman Heating Company Inc can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models provide extra features and might help you save money in the long run. Swapping out 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 leaking costs can include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

Typically, 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 produced 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 Jefferson City. We also serve local communities.

4. Electrical Issues

Electrical components consist of the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can hamper a wide 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 Stieferman Heating Company Inc technician will examine these parts throughout the diagnosis to find out if they’re the reason other components are faulty.

5. Damage to Either the Evaporator or Condenser Coils

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

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before scattering the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are generally around $581 or higher, depending on your model of 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 systems 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. Broken Ductwork

Without your ventilation, cool air cannot move throughout your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be repaired to keep your cooling bills from going up. 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. Travel Costs and Tune-Ups

The other potential costs of a service call are dependent on your location and local demand. It’s typically within $70–$200, which includes travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects include labor and parts, which are often flat rates. Labor might run between $70–$130 per hour.

Emergency services are almost always 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 anywhere from $85 to $110. Enrolling in a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average fixed cost of $150 for two visits. Our protection plan is an outstanding value, because we can spot and take care of problems promptly and inexpensively. This service may also reduce your chances of malfunctions and breakdowns.

When Is Replacement Better than Repairing My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, experienced technicians will share extensive information about your air conditioning. In many cases, providing info you’ve gathered 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 stops cooling systems from working, while an obstruction in your ductwork reduces 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. Inefficient components or clogs force your air conditioner to work more intensely. Watch your monthly bills for sudden changes.

If your repair bill exceeds $1,500, it could be a wiser option to arrange for air conditioning installation instead. A new air conditioner is more energy efficient, which can save you money on cooling bills over time.

Your Stieferman Heating Company Inc technician will help you figure out the right choice. Since 1956, we’ve been famous for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Jefferson City and commitment to professional customer service. Request your appointment by calling us at 573-635-3547 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.