How Much Does AC Repair Cost?

The typical ac repair cost is $360 with average ac repair prices ranging from $164 to $558 in the US for 2020 according to data provided by HomeAdvisor. Most homeowners report spending an average cost of $164 – $558 on air conditioning repairs in 2020. However, some homeowners have reported spending as low as $75 while others paid upwards of $1,600. The average ac repair cost per hour ranges from $35 to $200 per hour. Your overall price depends on many different cost factors. If you do need to have repairs made to your A/C unit and are wondering how much air conditioning unit repair cost, then this 2020 air conditioning repair cost guide will help you to get it done professionally, economically, and quickly.

Average AC Repair Costs

The typical ac repair cost is $360 with average ac repair prices ranging from $164 to $558 in the US for 2020.

Here are the average air conditioning unit repair costs in 2019 broke down by each individual air condition service.

AC Freon Leak Repair Cost

Freon leak repair costs anywhere from $225 to $1,600 depending on the amount of time it takes and the severity and location of the leak according to HomeAdvisor. Some freon leaks can take 8 hours or more to find and repair.

Air Conditioner Condenser Replacement Cost

Air conditioner condenser replacement costs about $575 with average prices ranging from $150 to $1,000 in the US for 2020 according to HomeAdvisor. But, you can expect to pay more if you have to replace the entire condenser coil with prices ranging from $900 to $2,800.

Air Conditioner Condenser Coil Replacement Cost

Air conditioner condenser coil replacement costs about $1,850 with average prices ranging from $900 to $2,800. Coil replacement is one of the most expensive ac repairs.

Air Conditioning Condenser Fan Motor Replacement Cost

Air conditioning condenser fan motor replacement costs about $700 with average prices ranging from $500 to $900. There is an extra $150 to $300 included in that estimate because the run capacitor will also need to be replaced.

AC Capacitor Repair Cost

DoItYourself says the average ac capacitor repair cost is about $135 with average prices ranging from $10 to $150. Generic units will cost less than brand name capacitors which can cost as much as $400.

AC Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost

AC evaporator coil replacement costs about $1,650 with average prices ranging from $600 to $2,700. Labor alone costs between $400 to $1,000 of the total estimate provided. Homeowners report paying a cost of $200 for a 1.5 ton evaporator coil replacement, and all the way up to $2,700 for a 5.0 ton evaporator coil replacement. Carrier evaporator coil replacement will cost anywhere from $400 to $1,300. An uncased evaporator will cost anywhere from $200 to $1,400 while a cased evaporator coil will cost about $350 to $1,750.

Air Conditioning Coil Leak Repair Cost

Air conditioning coil leak repair costs about $925 with average prices ranging from $250 to $1,600. HomeAdvisor says just about half of the price is due to labor and you might be able to replace your ac coil for a couple hundred dollars more.

AC Fan Motor Replacement Cost

AC fan motor replacement costs about $450 with average prices ranging from $300 to $600 according to BrowerMechanical. Experts warn that homeowners should replace the ac fan motor as soon as possible otherwise your compressor can go out which will cost upwards of $2,000.

AC Expansion Valve Repair Cost

AC expansion valve repair will cost about $450. It’s a relatively affordable service as it only takes about few hours or so to repair according to HomeAdvisor.

TXV valve replacement cost

PickHVAC says a TXV valve repair will cost about $362.50 with average prices ranging from $275 to $450. Failed thermostatic expansion valves and failed solder connects are typically due to poor installation rather than bad equipment.

Central AC Unit Repair Cost

Central ac unit repair costs about $330 with average prices ranging from $300 to $360 depending on the source you check. ThumbTack says you should expect to pay around $300 for central air condition repairs. Homeadvisor agrees with a similar average cost of central ac unit repairs at $360.

Home Thermostat Replacement Cost

Home thermostat replacement costs about $171 with average prices ranging from $112 to $249 according to HomeAdvisor. The lowest price you could expect to pay is about $60 with the highest price upwards of $425 including parts and labor costs.

AC Service Call Cost

An ac service call will cost you $137.5 with average prices ranging from $75 to $200 according to HomeGuide. Service call fees are typically applied to your first hour of labor.

AC Drain Pan Replacement Cost

AC drain pan replacement costs about $319 with average prices ranging from $125 to $459 according to HomeGuide. The lowest price you could expect to pay is about $75 with the highest price upwards of $2,500 including parts and labor costs.

AC Filter Drier Replacement Cost

HomeGuide says home ac filter drier replacement will cost $52 to $159 without labor costs included.

AC Circuit Board Replacement Cost

According to HVAC, the average price to repair a circuit board is about $50 while the price to replace a circuit board is about $350.

HomeGuide says ac circuit board replacement costs about $375 with average prices ranging from $125 to $625.

AC Float Switch Installation Cost

An ac float switch only costs about $50 for the part. Pure says, that your ac repair contractor should be able to install it in less than an hour. With labor prices ranging from $70 to $130 an hour, you can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $180 for ac float switch installation.

AC Tune Up Cost

According to Howell’s, the average cost of an ac tune-up is about $150 with prices ranging from $100 to $200 depending on your home size, type of ac system, and age of the unit. Experts suggest that getting regular tune-ups will help spot problems and avoid expensive ac repairs down the road. This yearly maintenance can help you from needing major repairs to your system and even give you peace of mind and save you money in the long run. Servicing your unit regularly can even help a home inspector to certify that your unit is working right in the event that you decide to sell your home.

Home AC Recharge Cost

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a home ac recharge is about $150 with average prices of a freon refill ranging from $100 to $350. However, you might have to pay a small recovery cost of $50 to $100 since r22 Freon is mandated to be captured and disposed of properly.

Home AC Compressor Replacement Cost

Air conditioner compressor replacement costs about $1,200 with average prices ranging from $800 to $2,800 according to AirConditionerLab. Signs of a bad air conditioning compressor include ac not as cold, ac blowing hot air, ac keeps tripping circuit breaks, ac is making loud noises, the compressor clutch is not moving, or the outside ac unit shakes during startup. Poor ac maintenance is the number one cause of home ac compressor failure.

Heat Pump Compressor Replacement Cost

Replacing a heat pump compressor costs about $1,950 with average prices of replacement ranging from $1,500 to $2,400 including labor in the US for 2020, according to CoolToday.com.

Other AC Repair Costs

• Detection of refrigerant (Freon) leak and repair (ranges from $235 – $1,650) Average Refrigerant Leak Detection Service: $942.50
• Replacement of relays, fuses, and/or circuit breakers (ranges from $20 – $310) Average relay, fuses and circuit breaker replacement $165
• The hard start kit for the compressor (ranges from $110 – $260) Average hard start kit cost: $185
• Drain pan for the evaporator coil, when available (ranges from $160 – $560) Average ac drain pan replacement cost: $360
• Cost for Replacement of the motor fan for the condensing unit (ranges from $110 – $320) Average ac fan motor replacement cost: $215
• Replacement of the condensate pump (ranges from $95 – $260) Average cost of condensate pump replacement: $177.5
• Flush or repair the condensate drain line (ranges from Free – $260) Average condensate drain line flush cost $130
• The circuit breaker (main fuse box) (ranges from $59 – $139) Average circuit breaker service cost: $99
• The air handler’s motor’s fan (ranges from $320 – $550) Average cost to repair or replace air handler’s fan motor: $435
• The condensing unit’s motor fan (ranges from $125 – $260) Average cost to replace condensate unit fan motor: $192.5
• Contractor replacement, including switches of the capacitor (ranges from $65 – $125) Average cost to replace contractor and capacitor switches: $95 AVG
• Power pack booster’s and hard start kits (ranges from $260 – $525) Average cost for power pack booster: $392.5
• For set repairs & replacements of copper lines, could include refrigerant (ranges from $220 – $660) Average cost to replace refrigerant lines: $440
• Replacement of condensing unit coil(this is not the evaporator coil) (ranges from $1650 – $2,350) Average cost to replace condensing unit coil: $2,000
• Drain pans, metal or plastic (ranges from $260 – $585) Average drain pan replacement: $422.5
• Installation of (1) Mini Split System A/C Unit (ranges from $2025 – $3,000) Average AC Installation cost: $2,512.50 AVG

Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Costs

Having a troubleshooting service call may cost from $70 to $190, depending on where you are located and the time of year that you call. The premium cost time for an HVAC professional is during the hot summer months.

It’s nearing the middle of the hottest summer we’ve had in years, and when it is the least expected, not to mention badly needed, the central air conditioning unit goes on the blink.  That is why it is so crucial to keep the maintenance up all year long on you’re A/C Unit, and to have you’re A/C system checked at regular intervals, ensuring that it will be in good working condition when you need it the most, without any unexpected breakdowns.

Occasionally, there are going to be repairs needed. The problems may be in the capacitor, or the evaporator, the condenser, and sometimes the refrigerant will run low and need to be recharged. Just about all of the people we’ve done work for, has done the math, and the calculations are showing that more than 75% of those who have had service by a professional in Central A/C Units, and had to have servicing done on their A/C Unit has had to spend between ($167 – $495) on the repair costs.

In fact, some of those who fall in that 75% range had to have repair services to some extent by a professionally trained Central A/C technologist and they have divulged to us that the amount they actually had to spend for their A/C Units Servicing was around ($318). If there is something wrong with your A/C Unit that you, yourself will not be able to fix, it is of great significance that you contact someone who, not only has the skills that are needed, but they also have the knowledge that was taught to them at the time they learned those skills.

If repairs is what your Central Air-Conditioner Unit is in need of, check out the following information, it will help to get the job done more quickly, economically, and professionally.

Home Air Conditioner Labor Costs

 

Labor charges for ac unit repairs will vary company to company but normally the repair cost for labor can run anywhere from $70 per hour to $130 per hour. Average air conditioning labor cost: $100. Many companies will use flat rate pricing guides for repairs. This means that a particular fix will cost a certain amount and that includes labor and parts.  If your AC unit was working but stopped working after a few days, they probably did not find and fix all of the issues and the refrigerant has leaked out. It is possible that other parts have failed since they made the repairs. There are plenty of reasons why your unit may have stopped working. Contact the service manager for the company who fixed your unit and inform them what is going on. They may send the same technician back since they would be familiar with your system and know where the leaks are. You are welcome to request a different technician to be assigned if you feel that the job was not done properly.

Questions you should ask your AC contractor/technician

• Will the company provide a written estimate before the work is done?
• Does the company have 24/7 emergency service?
• Is financing available for larger repairs?
• How does the company charge for their services?
• Will the technician inspect the duct system as well as the whole unit?
• Does the company provide AHRI Performance Certification?
• Does the HVAC repair company require the employees to undergo drug testing and background checks?
• Will the company provide testimonials and references for you to review?
• How many years has the company been in business?
• If something is for free, are their conditions that need to be met to qualify for the special offer?
• If the unit is still under warranty, is the HVAC professional certified to do warranty work for the brand of Air Conditioning unit that is owned?
• What types of warranties and guarantees are offered for their work?
• Are the technicians certified by any professional HVAC organizations?
• Are they insured, bonded, and licensed?

How to Find Low Cost Air Conditioning Repair

The best way to find low cost air conditioning repair include:

Ask Friends and Family for Referrals

Your friends or family may have used a good ac repair company in the past. Try asking around to see if they know of an affordable contractor that can help.

Use Search Engines Like Google.com

Use Google.com to search for “low cost air conditioning repair” and look at the maps listings to find the best air conditioning repair company.

Use Online Directories to Find AC Repair Companies

Online directories like Home Advisor and Angie’s List provide lists of the best ac repair companies near you. Looking for the highest rated HVAC professionals? You will surely find them on these helpful websites.

Check out Groupon

Groupon offers a ton of low cost air conditioning repair services. Choose from all different types of ac repair and tune up deals they have for sale on their site to see if you can save money on your repair.

Home AC Replacement Cost

Cost factors include load calculation, energy efficiency ratings, and the brand.

Installation cost of an A/C Unit, notes, and other information:

The estimate for the cost is only a ballpark figure, the actual cost can differ according to the basic work performed, and the service conditions. The cost estimates include local materials, delivery of equipment, transportation, and the cost of preparing the site.

The cost of installation of a brand new A/C Unit?

 

Installation of brand new ac units range from $4,000 – $10,000. Average AC unit installation cost: $7,000. A basic 2-ton model will cost around ($4,000), A mid-range unit will cost ($7,000), and the highest cost ac unit replacement will cost ($10,000).

The average cost to buy each of the different brands of air conditioning units:

 

The average cost to buy a brand new ac unit is $2,442.50.

Aire-Flo – ($1,750)

Amana – ($2,650)

American Standard – ($3,300)

Armstrong – ($2,100)

Bryant – ($2,250)

Carrier – ($3,250)

Coleman – ($1,750)

Comfort Maker – ($1,800)

Frigidaire – ($2,950)

Gibson – ($2,350)

Goodman – ($2,200)

Heil – ($2,500)

Lennox – ($3,300)

Payne – ($1,500)

Rheem – ($2,600)

Ruud – ($2,500)

Tempstar – ($1,900)

Trane – ($3,400)

Whirlpool – ($1,950)

York – ($2,850)

Cost Factors Of Home Air Conditioning Repairs:

• The A/C Unit is Leaking Refrigerant: It is not uncommon for the A/C Unit to stop working due to a leakage of the refrigerant. It is locating where the leak is, what’s causing it, and repairing the faulty part(s) that is going to cost, for both, the parts and labor. This can range between ($200 – $1500), and possibly more.
• The A/C Unit’s Compressor is Broken (maybe beyond repair): occasionally, an A/C Unit’s compressor can break down. It may be beyond being repaired, meaning you will have to install a new compressor. Depending on the type and size you’re A/C Unit will need, this can cost you anywhere between ($1200 – $1700).
• The A/C Unit’s Evaporator Coil is Malfunctioning: If there is a malfunction with you’re A/C Unit’s evaporator coil, it will cost somewhere between ($200 – $1500) to replace.
• The A/C Unit’s Condensing Unit Coil needs to be Replaced: If you have never encountered this one before, let me tell you, it is a mind boggler. This A/C Unit’s part is quite possibly the most expensive part of the Unit. Replacing this part is also very time-consuming. If the Condensing Unit Coil is your Unit’s problem, money wise you will be looking upward from ($1600 – $2300) to have it fixed.

When the A/C Unit’s repairman is sent to diagnose someone’s A/C problem, the customer is going to be charged a service fee, and many people do not feel that they should be charged for this. However, let’s put the shoe on the other foot for a minute – Pretend that you are the repairman for a moment, now, do you think you should go out and diagnose these people’s A/C problems without getting paid? Didn’t think so!

The most basic problems to happen to your home’s A/C Unit

• The HVAC system on your A/C Unit is not working correctly: This could be from problems in the power source, thermostat, and/or the controls, and to have this type of issue fixed it is going to cost you approximately ($140) to have it fixed.
• Your A/C Unit is noisy when running: This usually only involves a little bit of adjusting and changing the valves and filters, costing about ($160).
• Is your A/C Unit causing high energy bills?: If you perform routine maintenance and do some minor tweaks to your A/C Unit it might require you to put out a few extra dollars (approx. $110), but at the same time, it is going to keep your energy bill down drastically.
• Having issues with the A/C Unit’s temperature control and/or thermostat?: Problems with controlling and regulating the temperature using the A/C Unit’s thermostat may require you to replace the thermostat, which will only cost you about ($175).

To prevent needing repairs to your A/C Unit

It is important to schedule regular routine check-ups for your A/C Unit to see a professional in order to minimize the chances of your unit having a breakdown. With maintenance up-keep being only a fraction of what repairs will cost remember to keep your filters clean and/or changed when they become dirty.

7 Signs that you may need to repair your air conditioner unit

1. Your unit isn’t working at all.

Before you call a professional to deal with the issue, you may want to look into a few things first. Check to see if your thermostat is set to cool. Ensure that your cooling temperature is lower than the temperature of the home. If everything is set up correctly, check the electrical panel to ensure that you have not tripped the breaker. If all of this checks out and your AC is still not working, then call a professional.

2. You hear your unit running but there is no cool air coming out of the vents.

If the thermostat has been set to a good temperature for your home and it is still too warm, your air conditioner is not doing what it should correctly.

3. Your AC unit is making weird noises.

You are most likely familiar with the noises that your unit makes normally. If you live in a warmer climate, then your AC unit is a normal noise that you hear as part of your daily life. When you hear weird noises, it is time to call for repairs.

4. Your AC smells bad.

Any unusual orders that are coming from your unit have indicated that there is mildew, dirt, or mold inside of the unit, which has been circulated through the air in your home. Bad smells are definitely more than just a nuisance. They are an indication that there is an issue that needs to be addressed right away in order to avoid health issues for your family.

5. Your AC unit is short cycling.

It is normal for your AC to cycle on and off to keep a set temperature through your home. Although, if you notice that your unit is turning off and on more frequently than normal and the outside temperature isn’t warmer than normal, it is very possible that your unit may be malfunctioning. Short cycling puts a lot of extra stress on your AC unit and can cause it to fail entirely if it isn’t handled quickly.

6. Water happens to be leaning around and in your AC unit.

While having some small amounts of condensation is normal for an AC unit, having excessive water is a sure indication that you have an issue. It is because your AC has electrical components which need to be protected from any water damage, and you will need to contact an HVAC professional.

7. Your unit is frosty or icy.

Just like excessive water is an issue, so it frost or ice in your AC unit. Restricted or blocked airflow can lead to ice buildup, which can cause your unit to literally freeze up.

If you have detected any of these signs that your AC unit is on the fritz, then it would be wise to call a professional AC repair professional. After all, the reason that you have an AC is for your comfort and if you are uncomfortable, then it would be time to call for help.

The following gives the different costs (from the lowest to the highest) on the repairs of a Home A/C Unit:

Low Range Home A/C repair costs in 2019 ($Free – $280) Average of $140 spent on low-cost A/C repairs

With the lowest cost of repairs on an A/C Unit being ($0 dollars to $280 dollars). I hope for your sake the repair you need will fall into this category. The cost is going to be (less than $100) if the problem is related to a circuit breaker or fuse. If you call in a professional the minimum cost to occur can range from ($50 – $100 dollars), that is why you should rule out the circuit breaker before calling in the professionals. This is something that you would be able to do yourself, and the cost for the fuse is only a few bucks.

Remember, even if it is a minor repair the A/C Unit should be repaired unless of course, you have the kind of money it takes to get the entire A/C Unit replaced. No matter how small the task is, anytime someone without experience messes with the A/C Units, it can be a dangerous situation. can still be a dangerous situation for anyone not experienced in doing it. Some of the other repairs in the lowest cost category are Thermostats, Pump Replacement, and cleaning/clearing the drain line. The parts and labor for repairs like these will cost between ($50 – $290), so the cost here will depend on what you’re being charged for the labor.

Middle Range Home A/C repair costs in 2019 ($110 – $600) | Average of $355 homeowners spent on A/C repairs

The list would be very long for all of the possible reasons that you’re A/C Unit might suddenly stop working, The majority of the repairs will fall into the category of middle range for the repair costs.

The repairs that will be in this range will include:

• Capacitors
• Evaporator Coils to the Drain Pans
• Control Circuit Boards, Contactors
• Recharges of Refrigerant
• Among many others…

The cost of the middle range repairs are going to vary and will be depending on particular factors, such as:

• The nature of the repair
• How long it has been in this shape
• The extent of the damage

You can look forward to the costs being between ($100 – $600).

Mid-High Range Home A/C repair costs in 2019 ($200 – $650) | Average Mid-High range AC repairs cost homeowners $425 in 2019

 

• Fan motors
• Power Pack Boosters
• Metal Drain Pans
• Hard Start Kits
• Copper HVAC Line Set Repairs
• And, many others…

Repairs of this type put them in the high middle range category, costing between ($200 –  $650).

High Range A/C repair costs in 2019 ($235 – $2350) | Average high repairs costs for the A/C Unit $1,292.50

 

The following are the things that will be in the category of the highest repair costs of an A/C Unit, which will fall between ($235 – $2350). These things will be expensive to have repaired, and it is possible they will never happen to you, however, if they do, it might t be beneficial to easier, and more beneficial to just have the A/C Unit replaced.

The things that will cost you the most to have repaired on an A/C Unit:

• A/C Unit is Leaking Refrigerant
• A/C Unit’s Compressor is Broken (maybe beyond repair)
• A/C Unit’s Evaporator Coil is Malfunctioning
• A/C Unit’s Condensing Unit Coil Needs to be Replaced

All the things listed above will have you digging deep for the cost of repairs, or as previously mentioned, it might be more beneficial to replace instead of repairing it. Keep reading to find out what each of these things will consist of, and the cost to have them repair.

What should you look for in a professional service

Firstly, it is wise that have a company that specializes in HVAC services. Although there are many handyman companies that will do AC repairs, a company that specializes in heating and cooling will be the best option. AC unit repairs can cost a lot, depending on the issue, so it is best to work with a highly trained HVAC professional that will ensure that you get quality work.

1. Do your homework.

You should check the licensing and insurance requirements that are in your state. Research the background of the company that you plan to go with. Licensing information should be displayed on paperwork, marketing pieces, and on repair trucks.

2. Make a list.

Before you even go to speak with an HVAC repair service, you should know the model of your system and the maintenance history. Check to see if your AC unit is still under warranty. So, make a list of what your concerns are to make sure that you don’t forget anything that is important for your repair professional to know.

3. Compare service packages and prices.

If it is possible, try to get at least three(3) estimates for any type of maintenance or repair work. All of your estimates should be in writing and provide you with a full description of the services that are provided and what will be used.

4. Get Referrals.

Check with your friends and family to get names of HVAC professionals that may be in your area or service your area. If that fails to get any results, contact the Better Business Bureau or your Chamber of Commerce for suggestions.

5. Check their certifications

Most HVAC professionals will belong to the SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Contractors’ National Association) or ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). Both of those sites will be able to provide you a listing of HVAC contractors that are in your area. You should look for contractors whose technicians are certified by NATE (North American Technician Excellence) and who are partnered with ENERGY STAR.

There are also a few additional things that you should look for as well. Such as if the repair technicians are presenting themselves professionally, are courteous, and if the company vehicles appear to be well maintained. These are the things that will indicate to some extent the type of workmanship that you can expect to get.

AC Repair Certifications

AHRI Certifications

Your HVAC professional may also be able to help you verify that your system has been properly matched by providing you with an AHRI Certificate of Certified Product Performance with your request. This certificate will verify that the outdoor unit and indoor unit combination has been certified as a matched system by AHRI. For the higher efficiency systems, this certification may actually help you to get a rebate from your local municipality or utility if you have to replace your unit in part or whole unit. Not all areas will offer a rebate, but your technician will be able to give you information about the certification process. Fees for giving your unit the certification may vary, but most are inexpensive.

EPA 608 Certification

The EPA or Environmental Protection Agency does require that all technicians who open a system that contains a control refrigerant be certified to open the system. There are four different levels of certification, one which happens to be universal that allows an HVAC technician to work on any equipment that contains refrigerant. Your technician should be Level II certified or have Universal certification in order to work on your AC unit. Getting this information from your HVAC technician may actually be required in the event that you are working with a realtor to sell your home. The average cost for certification ranges between $50 and $250.

The average day of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technician:

• The HVAC Technician Labor: Take into account the travel time of approx. thirty minutes each way to the person’s home for diagnosing their A/C Unit. Don’t forget to allow for the time the repairman is at their home working!
• The cost of gasoline for travels: The repairman has to supply the gasoline for traveling to and from these people’s home. With gasoline being at, let’s say $2.70 per gallon.
• How about the companies overhead?: When the company answered the phone and told someone that their repairman was on their way, that’s when the company became responsible for any, and all overhead. The overhead is the little things, such as the gasoline it takes traveling back and forth, and all the parts that are being hauled around in the company van. That brings us to the insurance that the company has to keep so its coverage stays in force to cover any possible loss. Keep in mind that none of this is directly related to the service call.

Also, you should keep in mind that for the most part, The companies that repair air-conditioners actually lose money on their service calls, as they don’t mind losing a little in order to gain a new potential customer.

With the vast amount of different kinds of A/C Units out there, it creates a long list of costs, fees, and charges. Here is a list of some factors to consider, and what you can expect on the charges for your (A/C Unit’s repairs):

• What type of air-conditioning system do you have in your home?: There are single units which either heat or cool, and then there are the units that do both. Which type of unit do you have? Units that only cool will be less expensive to repair.
• What fuel type is you’re A/C Unit?: The lowest costing A/C Unit repairs will be with the electrical types. A/C Unit’s that run off of natural gas or propane is going to be a little more costly.
• How old is your A/C Unit?: The older models of A/C Units are not only more costly to repair, but they are outdated and are not so cost efficient. This is why replacing your older A/C Unit makes sense.

7 Tips for AC unit Maintenance

1. Change the filter.

This is the easiest and most effective way to keep your AC Unit running as smoothly as it should be is changing your filter once a month. When you change your filter regularly, you will reduce the burden on your system. A clogged or dirty filter will make your AC unit work harder than a clean filter would. Regularly changing the filter is easy on your system and budget as it will lower your utility bill and extend the life of your AC.

2. Keep the coils clean.

The fins and coils outside of your AC need to be clear of obstructions and kept clean. Leaves and other sorts of debris can sometimes accumulate around it. If there are obstructions present, then your unit will begin to work harder than it should. You are able to clean your unit with a broom and garden hose. DO NOT use a pressure washer, as the strong spray could cause damage to your unit. A little bit of housekeeping will go far to keep your AC working as it should.

3. Keep all the shrubbery trimmed that surrounds the unit.

If you have any type of planted shrubbery around the unit to hide it from view, ensure that you have left plenty of space around it for the AC unit to work without obstruction. If there is a slight obstruction, a quick trim should do the trick.

4. Ensure that the dryer vent is not angled towards your unit.

The lint from the dryer exhaust can cause issues for your AC unit. Be sure that lint is unable to get inside of the air conditioner by angling the dryer vent in the opposite direction.

5. Adjust the thermostat.

If you happen to be gone for long periods of time each day, then adjust the thermostat to a higher temperature for the time that you are gone. This will lessen the amount of time that your unit will work each day, and will lengthen the cycle of the unit. The additional benefit is that you will have a lower utility bill each month. Some of the new thermostats will allow you to program it to match your schedule so that your home stays cool when you are home. Optimizing the system’s usage will maximize life in the long run.

6. Check the ductwork and seal any open spaces.

Ensure that the doors and windows are sealed properly to help keep the home cool. You should perform a visual inspection of the ductwork every now and then to ensure that it is sealed correctly. If the ductwork isn’t sealed properly, cool air will escape before it gets inside of your home. The less cool air that escapes, the less your unit will have to work.

7. Schedule yearly tune-ups with an HVAC professional.

A trained HVAC professional will be able to detect most issues before the become major ones. This costs around $100 to $150 for routine maintenance calls, but the benefits will outweigh the cost by a lot. The typical tune-up consists of various tests to make sure that your units internal parts are working right, as well as a filter check and a refrigerant charge if it is needed. The technician will also clear the drain and clean the unit inside and out.

The government offers a tax credit for the following:

• Tax credit offered for those who use a split system A/C Unit at $300, [must be a 16 SEER or a 12 EER].
• Tax credit offered for Packaged A/C Units at $300, [must have a 14 SEER or a 12 EER].

Conclusion

If you live in a warmer climate, then your AC is one of the most essential pieces for your home. The best course is to have routine maintenance to make sure that the unit runs smoothly during some of the warmest months of the year. Having yearly tune-ups done by HVAC professionals will help to increase the lifespan of your unit as well. When repairs are needed, ensure that you hire an HVAC trained technician for the best results. When you follow these guidelines, it will make sure that you are cool and comfortable through the summer. We hope you enjoyed our article on the average air conditioner repair costs in 2019.