AC units and HVAC systems are integral parts of any modern establishment. They single-handedly maintain the internal climate of residential and commercial buildings. However, they can encounter minor or major issues every once in a while.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the various costs of AC & HVAC repair services. We’ll also highlight some factors you need to keep in check.
Let’s jump right into it.
In-Depth Costs for AC Repair and HVAC Contractor Services
Just like any other appliance, AC units and HVAC systems are made from a combination of complex electronics. Even a single faulty transistor chip can bring the whole system to a halt. Almost every component of an AC or HVAC can encounter a problem.
However, you don’t have to worry one bit about it. Every single type of issue can be easily fixed or replaced. Now, let’s check out the various AC repairs and their associated costs.
Important Note: These repair costs are rough estimates. The actual repair costs may vary depending on the state of your residency.
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AC Repair Costs & Various Factors
It is quite convenient to break down the cost of any kind of AC repair. If your AC needs repair, the associated part most likely has irreversible damage. You can simply check your AC model, replacement part, and type of repair to calculate repair costs.
On average, your AC repair costs can range from $150 to $600. Let’s check out various kinds of repairs and their costs.
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Type of Air Conditioner Unit
The first factor that determines the AC repair cost is the type of your AC unit. Your AC unit can be from three main categories. These categories are central air conditioners, ductless mini-split ACs, and heat pumps.
Repairs for each category cost a different amount. This is mainly due to the ease of access and associated complexity.
- Central air conditioners cost between $150 and $550 to repair. The prices for central air conditioners are generally lower because of exceptional access. The diagnosis of the entire system takes a couple of minutes.
- Ductless mini-split ACs cost roughly $200 to $400. However, this price can significantly increase if your AC unit has a leaking issue. It can be related to condensate or the refrigerant.
- Heat pumps can cost you between $300 to $1500 for repairs. This is mainly because heat pumps are designed to provide dual benefits. They are used for cooling but also for heating your home.
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Type of Repair Required
Not every AC repair has the same complexity or time consumption. Some are fairly easy to do like air filters while come take additional resources. This is why, some contractors charge differently based on the nature of repair.
For such purposes, contractors select an hourly rate. In every situation, this is beneficial for both parties. You can even save a lot of money from negotiable terms.
On average, time and labor costs can increase your repair costs by a surprising $75 per hour. This rate is excluded from the materials costs and service charges.
| Repair Type | Price range |
| Air filter repairs | $50 |
| Faulty electronic repairs | $250 – $700 |
| Gaseous leak repairs | $500 – $1800 |
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Type of Replacement Part
Another factor that drives the cost of AC repairs is the replacement parts. The actual cost of replacement parts and their availability plays an important role. Sometimes, the part is expensive due to limited availability or isn’t in stock at all.
This puts your contractor in a difficult spot. They have to ship it from a different state. The additional delivery charges are added to the final cost.
The major parts of an AC that can face issues can be replaced within the $50 to $650 range.
These parts can cost as little as $10 and can up to $2500. However, if your repair costs surpass the price of a new system, we recommend a complete replacement.
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Costs for HVAC Contractor Services
Unlike conventional AC units, HVAC systems are intricate and cover the entire house. Naturally, their associated services require exceptional expertise. HVAC contractors categorize their services in three forms.
Each service has a different price cap. Some contractors offer negotiable rates while some prefer flat rates. You can go for either option that suits your current financial constraints.
- Installation: For HVAC systems, installation is a one-time investment. A high-quality system can last several years with basic maintenance. On average, an installation can cost between $5000 and $15,000 range.
- Repair/Replacement: Repairs and replacements are costly for HVAC systems. This is mainly because it requires a complete diagnosis to locate the problem and fix it effectively. A single can cost upwards of $500 during peak season.
- Maintenance: The cheapest HVAC service on the list is maintenance. Every residential HVAC contractor charges between $250-400 for maintenance. These prices can vary depending on the current season.
Factors to Keep in Check When Selecting an HVAC Contractor
Almost every HVAC contractor provides identical services. To find the right one, you have to be aware of some crucial factors. Here they are:
- Select a contractor on a referential basis. You can ask for references from your neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family. However, only trust references with first-hand experience.
- Check for licenses and certifications. Every HVAC contractor is required to hold certain licenses and certifications to provide HVAC services. Ask your contractor to provide proof of these licenses.
- Always check the equipment inventory of your HVAC contractor. Without proper tools and equipment, it is impossible to achieve the desired results.
- Get a third-party evaluation to determine your home’s requirements. This can help you negotiate a better rate with your contractor before installation, repair, or maintenance.
- Always get multiple quotes before you finalize a contractor. This can help you find a cheaper and better option.
- Get a detailed pricing of every HVAC aspect. This will create transparency on both sides and streamline the entire installation, repair, or maintenance process.
Final Thoughts
With this, we come to the finish line of our post on the costs of AC repairs and HVAC contractor services. Your AC unit can encounter a problem once in a blue moon. However, you can easily fix any minor or major issue within an affordable range. The key to keeping your AC in optimal condition is through regular maintenance.
We hope this guide proves to be exceptionally beneficial for you. Let us know what type of air conditioning you have in your home.