If you have been using your AC unit for the past decade, it is known that it may encounter some minor repairs now and then. Most homeowners ignore the minor repairs and do not schedule maintenance for their units annually. This is the issue that causes major breakdowns of your AC units.
The best time to schedule an AC repair is during the spring season to buckle up before the sweltering temperatures.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Broken AC?
AC repair companies are charging between $125 to $500 for repair services. The amount varies depending on the type of service your system requires, as well as the number of man-hours required to solve the problem.
Some of the basic prices for the problems are listed below:
- Refrigerant refill
The refrigerant of your AC unit is responsible for absorbing the heat energy from the surroundings and emitting it outside the home. If you notice water leakages, ice-buildup, popping noises, insufficient cooling, these are signs that indicate you require a refrigerant refill. The refrigerant levels do not decrease naturally. This will be due to some issue in your ductwork or drain pipe. Refilling the refrigerant usually takes about an hour or two. Based on the criteria, the cost may vary between $100-$400 for smaller units and up to $700 for larger units. In some areas, you must be licensed to refill the AC refrigerant, call a professional for AC repair. - Compressor replacement
The AC compressor is responsible to compress the refrigerant that absorbs the heat energy to maintain the temperature levels in the room. If your AC unit is making weird noises, it may be because there is some problem with your compressor. Other signs include warm air, vibrations, etc. Call a professional to help you out. If the compressor needs to be replaced, the process will take a few hours, and it will charge you around $1200-$1900. If your compressor is facing minor issues, you can get it repaired at $100-$250. - Air handler replacement
The air handlers are used to connect the AC units with the heat pumps. This is used to circulate both hot and cool air. On average, this will cost you around $1000-$4000. - AC Fan motor
The fan motor present inside the AC unit is used to blow out the cool air to the entire room. If your AC’s fan motor is not functioning properly the AC unit will still blow out cold air but not as effective. Repairing the fan will take around 2 hours, costing you $250-$700. - AC ductwork
Faulty ductwork leads to inefficient cooling of your house. If there are cracks in your ductwork, get it replaced or repaired immediately. This will cause the AC unit to overheat and result in higher energy consumption resulting in spiked utility bills. The average cost to repair the ductwork for your entire house approximately varies between $1500-$5000. Whereas, for a room, it costs you $300 to $700.
Trying to find reliable AC repair contractors? Contact Ameritech Air Conditioning & Heating for fast service today! Reach out to us at (407) 743-7106 for an appointment!
Repairing an AC is worth it if the unit is less than 10 years old, under warranty, and repair costs are under $1,000 or less than 50% of a new unit's price. Using the $5,000 rule, multiply the system's age by repair cost, helps determine cost-effectiveness. Minor fixes like capacitor or belt replacements are always worth repairing. However, if your unit exceeds 10 years, requires frequent repairs, or has declining efficiency with rising energy bills, replacement offers better long-term value and improved SEER ratings.
The compressor is the most expensive AC component to replace, costing $1,450-$3,850 including labor. As the "heart" of the AC system, it compresses refrigerant to enable cooling. The condenser coil ranks second at $1,200-$3,000 due to its sophisticated design and labor-intensive replacement process. The evaporator coil ($600-$2,200) and variable speed air handler ($2,000-$2,500) are also costly repairs. These high costs reflect the technical complexity and critical functions these components serve in your cooling system.
Common AC failure causes include lack of regular maintenance, refrigerant leaks, dirty air filters restricting airflow, failing control boards, and burnt-out fan motors. Electrical issues like tripped circuit breakers, faulty compressors drawing excessive power, and failed capacitors also cause breakdowns. Warning signs include insufficient cooling, warm air output, unusual noises (popping, grinding), water leakage, ice buildup on coils, and frequent circuit breaker trips. Rising energy bills and visible vibrations indicate declining efficiency. Early detection through annual spring maintenance prevents major breakdowns.