A dependable air conditioner is one of the most crucial parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Portland Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is going 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 median estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Air Filter

The air filter is a vital component for any cooling system. It grabs dust and other debris, stopping it from circulating through your HVAC ductwork. Replacing or cleaning the filter is fast and easy. Most of the time you can do it without the help of a licensed 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 cleanable filter, the only cost is the water and time it takes to clean it.

In general, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t do so frequently, your air conditioner will have to work harder to sustain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly utility bills.

2. Thermostat

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

If this doesn’t fix the problem, an HVAC technician from Three Rivers Heating & Cooling can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models come with additional features and could 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 key part of your air conditioner because it absorbs heat out of your home. If it’s leaking costs can include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

Most of the time, refreshing your supply of coolant will run between $100 to $350, but this number might be higher if your air conditioner is larger or uses R-22. Known by the more popular name 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 requires R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may point you toward our air conditioning installation in Portland. We also serve local communities.

4. Electrical Issues

Electrical components include the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can reach a broad 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 Three Rivers Heating & Cooling technician will inspect these parts across the diagnosis to figure out if they’re the reason other components aren’t working.

5. Evaporator and 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 between $675–$1,300.

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before spreading the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are commonly around $581 or higher, depending on your type of air conditioner.

6. Drainage Issues

If your air conditioner is struggling 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. Ductwork Repair

Without your duct work, cool air cannot move through your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be taken care of to stop your cooling bills from going up. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is costlier but may offer greatly increased energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but usually 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 typically around $70–$200, which includes travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects are 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.

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

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

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

Common signs you need air conditioning repairs include:

  • Annoying 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 restricts airflow. This can also be a result of 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. Faulty components or clogs force your air conditioner to work harder. Watch your monthly bills for sudden spikes.

If your repair bill goes over $1,500, it could 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 time.

Your Three Rivers Heating & Cooling technician will help you determine the right choice. Since 2019, we’ve been known for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Portland and devotion to the best possible customer service. Request your appointment by calling us at 503-213-4433 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.