A quality air conditioner is one of the most vital parts of your home comfort system, particularly when you live in Portland 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 median estimated costs1 to repair them.
1. Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filter
The air filter is a crucial component for any cooling system. It traps dust and other debris, keeping it from circulating throughout your HVAC ductwork. Replacing or cleaning the filter is short and easy. Most of the time you can handle it without the help of a trained 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 washable filter, the only cost is the water and effort it takes to clean it.
In general, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t do so frequently, your air conditioner will have to work more intensely to maintain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly energy bills.
2. Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your thermostat is how you use your air conditioner. If something is wrong with the thermostat, you could think there’s a problem with the air conditioning itself. Sometimes fixing the issue is as simple as adjusting the settings.
If this doesn’t fix the problem, an HVAC technician from Three Rivers Heating and Cooling can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will start with the model you choose. Smart models offer useful features and could help you save money in the long run. Switching 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 moves 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 will run between $100 to $350, but this number can 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 disruption of the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are available, making it more expensive.
If your air conditioner requires R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may point you toward our air conditioning installation in Portland. We also serve nearby communities.
4. Damaged Electrical Components
Electrical components include the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can reach a large 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 Three Rivers Heating and Cooling technician will take a look at these parts during the diagnosis to find out if they’re the reason other parts can’t function normally.
5. Damage to Either the Evaporator or 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 between $675–$1,300.
The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before diffusing the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are commonly around $581 or higher, depending on your particular 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 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 within 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 more expensive but may offer greatly improved energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but typically runs several thousand dollars.
8. Service Calls and Tune-Ups
The other likely costs of a service call will depend on your location and local demand. It’s generally around $70–$200, which covers travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects for consideration are labor and parts, which are often flat rates. Labor may 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 anywhere from $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 maintenance plan is an exceptional value, because we can uncover 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, expert technicians will offer thorough information about your cooling system. In many cases, providing info you’ve gathered beforehand will help us uncover the source of the trouble.
Common signs you need air conditioning repairs include:
- Strange 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. Lots of starting and stopping adds extra 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 harder. Watch your monthly bills for sudden changes.
If your repair bill goes over $1,500, it may be a smarter 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 Three Rivers Heating and Cooling technician will help you settle on the right choice. Since 2019, we’ve been renowned for our trustworthy, high-quality air conditioning repair in Portland and devotion to the best possible customer service. Request your appointment by calling us at (503) 739-5400 today!