A quality air conditioner is one of the most important parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Kearney Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is going to break or malfunction.

The cost of repairs will depend on the scope 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 a cooling system. It grabs dust and other debris, keeping it from circulating throughout your HVAC ductwork. Changing or cleaning the filter is quick and easy. Most of the time you can do it without the help of a certified 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 change yours frequently, your air conditioner will have to work more intensely to maintain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly cooling bills.

2. Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you communicate with your air conditioner. If something is wrong with the thermostat, you might think there’s a problem with the AC system itself. Sometimes fixing the issue is as simple as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t handle the problem, an HVAC technician from Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will start with the model you choose. Smart models include useful features and can 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 vital part of your air conditioner because it transfers heat out of your home. If it’s has sprung a leak costs could include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

Most of the time, replenishing your supply of coolant costs between $100 to $350, but this number can be higher if your air conditioner is more powerful or uses R-22. Also called Freon, R-22 is no longer produced due to its disruption of the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are eligible for use, making it more expensive.

If your air conditioner needs R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may point you toward our air conditioning installation in Kearney. We also serve nearby communities.

4. Electrical Issues

Electrical components include the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can reach a large 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 Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning technician will examine these parts during the diagnosis to find out if they’re the reason other systems are faulty.

5. Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil houses the refrigerant and soaks up the heat from surrounding air. Replacing this component costs around $675–$1,300.

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before dispersing the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are commonly around $581 or higher, depending on your specific 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 parts 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 across your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be fixed to keep your cooling bills from going up. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is more expensive but might 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 typically between $70–$200, which takes care of travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects include labor and parts, which are usually 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.

Quality air conditioning maintenance runs between $85 to $110. Enrolling in a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average flat cost of $150 for two visits. Our service plan is an extraordinary value, because we can find and take care of problems quickly and inexpensively. This service may also lower your likelihood of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, experienced technicians will provide comprehensive information about your air conditioning. In many cases, providing info you’ve learned beforehand will help us figure out 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 restricts airflow. This can also be caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Lots of starting and stopping adds extra 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 more intensely. Watch your monthly bills for sudden changes.

If your repair bill is more than $1,500, it might be a better option to arrange for air conditioning installation instead. A new air conditioner is more energy efficient, which can save you money on cooling bills over time.

Your Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning technician will help you determine the right choice. Since 1954, we’ve been famous for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Kearney and devotion to exemplary customer service. Schedule your appointment by calling us at 308-624-3485 today!

1Average air conditioning repair costs are sourced from 2020 HomeGuide estimates, which are based off nationwide averages. Your exact cost may vary.