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

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

1. Air Filter

The air filter is a crucial component for your cooling system. It traps dust and other debris, keeping it from moving throughout your HVAC ductwork. Replacing or cleaning the filter is fast and easy. Most of the time you can take care of it without the help of a licensed 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 reusable filter, the only cost is the water and work it takes to clean it.

For the most part, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t do so frequently, your air conditioner will have to work longer to sustain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly cooling bills.

2. An Error with Your Thermostat

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

If this doesn’t handle the problem, an HVAC technician from Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models provide useful features and could help you save money in the long run. Replacing your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.

3. Refrigerant Leak

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

On average, replacing your supply of coolant will run between $100 to $350, but this number may be higher if your air conditioner is bigger or uses R-22. Also called Freon, R-22 is no longer manufactured due to its disruption of the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are available, making it more expensive.

If your air conditioner uses R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may recommend our air conditioning installation in Omaha. We also serve surrounding communities.

4. Bad Electrical Connections

Electrical components include the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can hamper a broad variety 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 Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning technician will examine these parts during the diagnosis to figure out if they’re the reason other components can’t function normally.

5. Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil holds the refrigerant and absorbs the heat from surrounding air. Replacing this component costs anywhere from $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 type of air conditioner.

6. Problems with Drain Lines

If your air conditioner is suffering from drainage problems, costs may include both water damage as well the repair or replacement of damaged parts. Affected components 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 air ducts, cool air cannot move throughout your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be addressed to keep your cooling bills from increasing. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is pricier but may offer greatly increased energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but typically runs several thousand dollars.

8. Diagnostics and Tune-Ups

The other likely costs of a service call are dependent on your location and local demand. It’s generally around $70–$200, which includes travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects for consideration are labor and parts, which are generally flat rates. Labor can run between $70–$130 per hour.

Emergency services are usually more expensive, but worth it to prevent interruptions to your comfort. An average emergency call may be around $315 for night, weekend or holiday visits.

Average air conditioning maintenance runs around $85 to $110. Participating in a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average fixed cost of $150 for two visits. Our service plan is an outstanding value, because we can discover and handle problems swiftly and inexpensively. This service might also reduce your odds of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Is It Better to Replace or Repair My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, knowledgeable technicians will provide comprehensive information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve gathered beforehand will help us find the source of the damage.

Common signs you need air conditioning repairs include:

  • Annoying 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 a result of 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 changes.

If your repair bill exceeds $1,500, it might 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 Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning technician will help you settle on the right choice. Since 1961, we’ve been renowned for our honest, high-quality air conditioning repair in Omaha and devotion to outstanding customer service. Arrange your appointment by calling us at 402-509-5940 today!

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