A quality air conditioner is one of the most vital parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Buellton 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 go over some of the most common air conditioning repair services and the typical estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filter

The air filter is a crucial component for your cooling system. It grabs dust and other debris, preventing it from drifting throughout your HVAC ductwork. Changing or cleaning the filter is short and easy. Most of the time you can take care of it without the help of a professional HVAC technician.

Disposable filters are most common. Depending on the brand 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 effort it takes to clean it.

For the most part, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t swap it out frequently, your air conditioner will have to work more intensely to hold the set temperature. This can increase your monthly energy bills.

2. An Error with Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you communicate with your air conditioner. If something is wrong with the thermostat, you may 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 take care of the problem, an HVAC technician from Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models include extra features and can help you save money in the long run. Switching out your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.

3. Coolant Leak

Refrigerant is a crucial part of your air conditioner because it absorbs heat out of your home. If it’s leaking costs may include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

Generally, refreshing your supply of coolant runs between $100 to $350, but this number can be higher if your air conditioner is bigger or uses R-22. Also called Freon, R-22 is no longer in production due to its disruption of the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are used now, 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 Buellton. We also serve local communities.

4. Bad Electrical Connections

Electrical components include the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can affect 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 Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning technician will examine these parts across the diagnosis to learn if they’re the reason other components are malfunctioning.

5. The Condenser and Evaporator Coils

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

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before dispersing the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are often around $581 or higher, depending on your specific air conditioner.

6. Issues with the Drainage

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 parts 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. Damage to the Ventilation

Without your duct work, cool air cannot move throughout your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be repaired to prevent your cooling bills from getting bigger. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is pricier but could offer greatly improved energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but usually runs several thousand dollars.

8. Travel Costs and Tune-Ups

The other various costs of a service call will depend on your location and local demand. It’s typically within $70–$200, which covers travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects for consideration are labor and parts, which are usually flat rates. Labor might run between $70–$130 per hour.

Emergency services are frequently 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.

Professional air conditioning maintenance runs around $85 to $110. Signing up for a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average rigid cost of $150 for two visits. Our service plan is an exceptional value, because we can discover and fix problems promptly and inexpensively. This service may also reduce your likelihood of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, expert technicians will provide comprehensive information about your cooling system. In many cases, providing info you’ve learned beforehand will help us find the source of the trouble.

Common signs you need air conditioning repairs include:

  • Unusual or loud noises. Listen for hissing, clanging or gurgling sounds.
  • Warm air or poor circulation. Electrical failure keeps 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. Repeated starting and stopping adds more strain on your air conditioner. This is often caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Higher utility bills. Damaged 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 better option to schedule air conditioning installation instead. A new air conditioner is more energy efficient, which can save you money on cooling bills over its life span.

Your Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning technician will help you figure out the right choice. Since 1980, we’ve been famous for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Buellton and commitment to professional customer service. Schedule your appointment by calling us at 805-242-9638 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.