A trusted air conditioner is one of the most productive parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Milwaukee 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 typical estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Routine Air Filter Replacement

The air filter is a vital component for every cooling system. It grabs dust and other debris, stopping it from drifting through your HVAC ductwork. Exchanging or cleaning the filter is short and easy. Most of the time you can take care of it without the help of a trained HVAC technician.

Disposable filters are most common. Depending on the design 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 effort it takes to clean it.

Generally, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t swap it out frequently, your air conditioner will have to work longer to hold the set temperature. This can increase your monthly energy bills.

2. An Error with Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you communicate with your air conditioner. If something is malfunctioning 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 handle the problem, an HVAC technician from Done Right Air can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will start with the model you choose. Smart models include added 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 an integral part of your air conditioner because it absorbs heat out of your home. If it’s cracked costs may include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

On average, refreshing your supply of coolant is 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 in production due to its effect on 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 Milwaukee. 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 reach a large range 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 Done Right Air technician will take a look at these parts across the diagnosis to figure out if they’re the reason other components are malfunctioning.

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 around $675–$1,300.

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before spreading the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are often around $581 or higher, depending on your particular air conditioner.

6. Drainage Issues

If your air conditioner is dealing 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 ventilation, 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 increased energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but usually runs several thousand dollars.

8. Travel Costs and Routine Maintenance

The other various costs of a service call will depend on your location and local demand. It’s generally around $70–$200, which includes travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects include 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 minimize interruptions to your comfort. An average emergency call may be around $315 for night, weekend or holiday visits.

Professional 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 maintenance plan is an outstanding value, because we can find and take care of problems swiftly and inexpensively. This service can also decrease your odds of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Is It Better to Replace or Repair My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, experienced technicians will provide detailed information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve collected beforehand will help us figure out 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 prevents cooling systems from working, while an obstruction in your ductwork reduces airflow. This can also be a result of a dirty air filter.
  • Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Lots of 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 longer. Watch your monthly bills for sudden spikes.

If your repair bill is more than $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 Done Right Air technician will help you determine the right choice. Since 2011, we’ve been known for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Milwaukee and dedication to the best possible customer service. Schedule your appointment by calling us at 414-207-4034 today!

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