A quality air conditioner is one of the most vital parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Cedar Rapids 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 typical estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filter

The air filter is a central component for a cooling system. It grabs dust and other debris, stopping it from blowing through your HVAC ductwork. Exchanging or cleaning the filter is quick and easy. Most of the time you can do it without the help of a licensed 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 cleanable 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 change yours frequently, your air conditioner will have to work harder to hold the set temperature. This can increase your monthly utility bills.

2. An Error with Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you control your air conditioner. If something is wrong with the thermostat, you could think there’s a problem with the air conditioning itself. Sometimes resolving the issue is as straightforward as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t resolve the problem, an HVAC technician from Ilten's can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models include added features and might help you save money in the long run. Switching out your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.

3. Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is an integral 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.

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

If your air conditioner needs R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may recommend our air conditioning installation in Cedar Rapids. We also serve local communities.

4. Bad Electrical Connections

Electrical components contain the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can hamper a broad 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 Ilten's technician will examine these parts across the diagnosis to determine if they’re the reason other parts are faulty.

5. Damage to Either the Evaporator or Condenser Coils

Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil contains the refrigerant and takes in the heat from surrounding air. Replacing this component costs anywhere from $675–$1,300.

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

6. Issues with the Drainage

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 may 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. Repairing Broken Air Ducts

Without your air ducts, cool air cannot move within your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be taken care of to prevent your cooling bills from going up. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is more expensive but can offer greatly enhanced energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but generally runs several thousand dollars.

8. Travel Costs and Tune-Ups

The other various costs of a service call will depend on your location and local demand. It’s generally between $70–$200, which takes care of travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects include labor and parts, which are generally flat rates. Labor may 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 between $85 to $110. Participating in a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average flat cost of $150 for two visits. Our maintenance plan is an extraordinary value, because we can discover and handle problems quickly and inexpensively. This service can also decrease your chances of malfunctions and breakdowns.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, experienced technicians will share thorough information about your air conditioning. In many cases, providing info you’ve gathered beforehand will help us figure out the source of the problem.

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 prevents cooling systems from working, while an obstruction in your ductwork hampers airflow. This can also be a result of a dirty air filter.
  • Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Frequent starting and stopping adds extra strain on your air conditioner. This is often caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Higher utility bills. Inefficient components or clogs force your air conditioner to work more intensely. Watch your monthly bills for sudden changes.

If your repair bill goes over $1,500, it could 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 Ilten's technician will help you settle on the right choice. Since 1892, we’ve been renowned for our trustworthy, high-quality air conditioning repair in Cedar Rapids and commitment to professional customer service. Schedule your appointment by calling us at 319-208-2351 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.