How much is it to fix ac

Air Conditioner Repair Costs at a Glance

  • Average total cost: $150-$650 (CAD 190-CAD 840)
  • HVAC service call cost: $75-$200 (CAD 100-CAD 260)

A central air conditioning unit is a big investment. A new central ac unit can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $9,000 (CAD 2,600 and CAD 11,600) on average. In order to preserve that investment, professionals encourage their clients to schedule regular HVAC maintenance for their HVAC systems.

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Home repairs — and the costs that come with them — are a necessary evil. Air conditioner repair costs vary. In order to help you understand the rates you may be given, here’s a guide to AC repair costs.

Average Air Conditioner Repair Costs

According to data from HomeGuide, repairing an air conditioner usually costs somewhere in the ballpark of $150 to $650 (CAD 190 to CAD 840). However, costs can vary wildly depending on the part that needs to be repaired or replaced.

Air Conditioner Repair Costs by Part

Faulty Circuit Breakers, Relays or Fuses

The average cost is $100 to $300 (CAD 130 to CAD 390) for these parts, including installation. If you notice that the AC unit is having electrical issues, the culprit could be faulty circuit breakers, relays or fuses. The source could be the main panel. Once an HVAC contractor takes a look, they can tell you if a repair is necessary or if it is something that requires a replacement.

Freon Leak Fix

The average cost to fix a Freon leak is $200 to $1,500 (CAD 260 to CAD 1,900). When there are holes or corrosion on the coils where the refrigerant lives, leaks occur. The refrigerant is important for an air conditioner. If the level is too low, the air may not be properly cooled off. In order to prevent further damage to the unit, the leak must be repaired as well as the coils.

Refrigerant Recharge

The average cost is between $200 and $500 (CAD 260 and CAD 650), according to Fixr. An air conditioner’s refrigerant level should never be too low. The process a professional uses to refill it is known as a refrigerant recharge. So, the AC recharge cost is the refill, which requires specialized equipment and skills.

Thermostat Replacement

The average cost to replace a thermostat is $140 to $350 (CAD 180 to CAD 450). It is important that your thermostat always be as close to accurate as possible. Programmable thermostats can be off by up to five degrees. If you notice that your AC unit is running too long or not long enough, the thermostat may be in need of repair.

After an inspection, a technician will go over their findings and home air conditioner repair costs. In some cases, it may be best to replace the thermostat, for example. If your current thermostat is an older model, it could be worth your while to make the upgrade to a smart thermostat instead of repairing the older model. Smart thermostats have an error rate of as little as half a degree. Plus, they offer several benefits, such as setting up your settings and preferences as well as improved energy efficiency.

Additionally, HVAC professionals believe that a smart thermostat can extend the life of your current air conditioner unit.

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AC Compressor Replacement

According to Bob Vila, replacing an AC compressor can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,800 (CAD 1,000 to CAD 3,600). When you turn on your air conditioner and you hear it go through the motions, but no output is produced, the ac compressor may be in need of repair. Every part of an AC system is important. The compressor, however, is particularly important. This is the heart of an AC unit. If it is not operating correctly, your air will not be cooled. You will hear the unit turn on, and you will hear the fans run. However, there will be no cold air output.

In some cases, it is more cost-effective to replace the compressor than to repair it. In other cases, it is more cost-effective to replace the AC unit. A technician who examines your unit will be able to give you more information. He will outline your options, too.

Condensing Components Repairs

The average cost for repairs to the AC condensing components is $200 to $700 (CAD 260 to CAD 900). The condensing unit includes the fan and pump. Sometimes the fan gives out. Other times the pump gives. Once these components stop operating as intended, it is best to replace them. The cost you are going to incur is for the part and the service call. Those who are handy with a screwdriver and can follow instructions might be tempted to complete the replacement as a DIY project. However, it’s always best to utilize the services of a professional.

Professional HVAC technicians can complete the repair or replacement. They will also test the unit and get it as close to the manufacturer's settings as possible. This gives the AC unit the opportunity to reach its expected lifespan.

Evaporator Coil Repair

The average cost of an evaporator coil is $400 to $2,400 (CAD to CAD 3,100). Since the refrigerant runs through the coil as a liquid and gas, the coil is a prime target for bacterial growth and corrosion. To keep the AC unit running and the indoor air quality of your home healthy, it is important that the coils be repaired in a timely manner.

HVAC Service Call Costs

Service calls can cost from $75 to $200 (CAD 100 to CAD 260). When you know that your air conditioning unit is not operating correctly, an HVAC technician can come to your home and take a look. In most cases, you are going to incur a service call charge. Then, you will be given a repair estimate. The air conditioning repair costs are based on the technician's findings.

Emergency Repair Costs

The average cost for an emergency repair varies. The emergency repair cost is going to vary based on demand and urgency. There will be the service call fee as well as the costs of the labor and parts.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

How long does an AC unit last?

While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.

How much does it cost to recharge AC?

But the cost of a home AC recharge depends on why you need coolant in the first place, and whether your system still uses Freon or R-22 refrigerant. According to Home Advisor, the average cost for a Freon refill (in 2021) is between $100 and $350.

How much does it cost to replace an AC compressor?

Overall, the average cost to replace a whole-home AC compressor is about $1,500. However, depending upon the size of the unit and a few other factors, it may cost as little as $800 or as much as $3,000. The factors that can affect your AC compressor's replacement or repair cost include your home size and HVAC type.

Why is my car AC not blowing cold air?

The most common causes of broken air conditioning are leaks or compressor issues. If your air is blowing cool but not cold, the problem could be a clogged filter, cooling fan problem, radiator trouble, or it could simply be that you need to recharge your AC.