A trusted air conditioner is one of the most important parts of your home comfort system, specially when you live in Spokane Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is likely 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 typical estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Air Filter

The air filter is a key component for every cooling system. It catches dust and other debris, keeping it from moving into your HVAC ductwork. Exchanging or cleaning the filter is quick 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 washable filter, the only cost is the water and effort 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 harder to maintain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly utility 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 basic as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t fix the problem, an HVAC technician from Bigfoot Mechanical can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will start with the model you choose. Smart models come with extra features and could help you save money in the long run. Swapping 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 absorbs heat out of your home. If it’s leaking costs could include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

On average, refreshing your supply of coolant runs between $100 to $350, but this number might be higher if your air conditioner is larger or uses R-22. Also known as Freon, R-22 is no longer produced due to its harm to 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 recommend our air conditioning installation in Spokane. We also serve nearby communities.

4. Damaged Electrical Components

Electrical components consist of the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can influence a wide 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 Bigfoot Mechanical technician will review these parts during the diagnosis to see if they’re the reason other systems are malfunctioning.

5. The Condenser and Evaporator Coils

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

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before dispelling 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 struggling with drainage problems, costs may include both water damage as well the repair or replacement of damaged parts. Affected systems 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. Broken Ductwork

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

8. Emergency Support and Routine Maintenance

The other various costs of a service call will depend on your location and local demand. It’s usually between $70–$200, which takes care of travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects for consideration are labor and parts, which are generally flat rates. Labor might 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.

Quality air conditioning maintenance runs around $85 to $110. Signing up for 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 spot and fix problems swiftly and inexpensively. This service may also decrease your chances of malfunctions and breakdowns.

When Is Replacement Better than Repairing My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, expert technicians will offer thorough information about your air conditioner. In many cases, providing info you’ve collected beforehand will help us identify 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 restricts airflow. This can also be caused by 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. Damaged components or clogs force your air conditioner to work more intensely. Watch your monthly bills for sudden changes.

If your repair bill exceeds $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 in the long run.

Your Bigfoot Mechanical technician will help you settle on the right choice. Since 2023, we’ve been renowned for our dependable, high-quality air conditioning repair in Spokane and devotion to the best possible customer service. Arrange your appointment by calling us at 509-392-8770 today!

—

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