A trusted air conditioner is one of the most vital parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Portland 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. Air Filter
The air filter is a crucial component for every cooling system. It traps dust and other debris, preventing it from blowing through your HVAC ductwork. Exchanging or cleaning the filter is short and easy. Most of the time you can handle it without the help of a certified 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 reusable filter, the only cost is the water and time 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 harder to hold the set temperature. This can increase your monthly utility bills.
2. Thermostat
Your thermostat is how you interact with your air conditioner. If something is faulty with the thermostat, you could think there’s a problem with the air conditioning itself. Sometimes fixing the issue is as basic 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 start with the model you choose. Smart models provide additional features and may help you save money in the long run. Switching out your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.
3. Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is a vital part of your air conditioner because it transfers heat out of your home. If it’s broken, costs can include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.
Generally, refreshing your supply of coolant runs between $100 to $350, but this number might be higher if your air conditioner is larger or uses R-22. Also called 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 recommend our air conditioning installation in Portland. 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 influence a wide 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 Three Rivers Heating & Cooling technician will take a look at these parts during the diagnosis to figure out if they’re the reason other systems can’t function normally.
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 diffusing the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are generally around $581 or higher, depending on your particular 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 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. Ductwork Repair
Without your duct work, cool air cannot move within your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be repaired to keep your cooling bills from getting bigger. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is more expensive but may offer greatly enhanced 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 usually within $70–$200, which includes travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects are labor and parts, which are generally flat rates. Labor can run between $70–$130 per hour.
Emergency services are usually more expensive, but worth it to minimize 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. Signing up for a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average fixed cost of $150 for two visits. Our maintenance plan is an extraordinary value, because we can discover and resolve problems swiftly and inexpensively. This service might also shrink your odds of malfunctions and breakdowns.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
Our friendly, experienced technicians will provide thorough information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve gathered beforehand will help us figure out the source of the damage.
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 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. Lots of starting and stopping adds an abnormal amount of 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 longer. Watch your monthly bills for sudden increases.
If your repair bill exceeds $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 figure out the right choice. Since 2019, we’ve been famous for our honest, high-quality air conditioning repair in Portland and commitment to professional 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.