A dependable air conditioner is one of the most vital parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Lincoln Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is anticipated to break or malfunction.

The cost of repairs will depend on the size and severity of the problem. Let’s review some of the most common air conditioning repair services and the typical estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Air Filter

The air filter is a key component for a cooling system. It sucks in dust and other debris, preventing it from drifting into your HVAC ductwork. Replacing or cleaning the filter is short 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 type you use, it can be a few dollars for a flat filter or around $20 for a pleated filter. If you have a washable filter, the only cost is the water and work it takes to clean it.

In general, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t change yours frequently, your air conditioner will have to work longer to hold the set temperature. This can increase your monthly cooling bills.

2. Thermostat

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

If this doesn’t take care of the problem, an HVAC technician from AW Heating & Air Conditioning can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will begin with the model you choose. Smart models provide useful features and might help you save money in the long run. Swapping 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 transfers heat out of your home. If it’s leaking costs may 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 more powerful or uses R-22. Known by the more popular name Freon, R-22 is no longer in production due to its harm to 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 point you toward our air conditioning installation in Lincoln. We also serve nearby communities.

4. Bad Electrical Connections

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

5. The Condenser and Evaporator Coils

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

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before diffusing the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are often around $581 or higher, depending on your brand 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 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. Broken Ductwork

Without your ventilation, cool air cannot move across your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be fixed to keep your cooling bills from getting bigger. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is costlier but could offer greatly increased energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but typically runs several thousand dollars.

8. Emergency Support and Tune-Ups

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

Emergency services are almost always 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.

Professional air conditioning maintenance runs anywhere from $85 to $110. Participating in a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average flat cost of $150 for two visits. Our protection plan is an outstanding value, because we can spot and fix problems quickly and inexpensively. This service might also lower your likelihood of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, experienced technicians will provide thorough information about your cooling system. In many cases, providing info you’ve collected beforehand will help us uncover 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 restricts airflow. This can also be caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Frequent 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 more intensely. Watch your monthly bills for sudden spikes.

If your repair bill exceeds $1,500, it could be a wiser 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 its life span.

Your AW Heating & Air Conditioning technician will help you determine the right choice. Since 2000, we’ve been known for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Lincoln and commitment to the best possible customer service. Request your appointment by calling us at 402-438-7992 today!

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