What Is The Average Cost Of Repair For An A/C & Heating System?
Chances are you have keyed this question into a google search box only to close your web browser more confused than you were when you started. Why is it such a big secret? After all, if you were in the market for a new microwave you’d be able to easily find not only the model you want, the correlating price, and color but you could even have it delivered right to your home all before finishing your first cup of joe. Why is the air conditioning market so different? What is it that we are hiding? In an attempt to remove the mystery surrounding common HVAC repairs, we are going to take a look at some of the most common A/C repairs and what they cost here in Lafayette LA! At the end of this post we will also take a minute to discuss Acadiana Comfort’s pricing system and what you should expect when scheduling a service call! Lets Go!!
1.) Run Capacitor Repair Cost
The infamous capacitor. If you live in the south you’ve probably paid hundreds if not thousands in the last 10 years replacing these things likely every other year. Why is that? We’ve come to find out that a run capacitor kryptonite is heat. Yep! You heard that right, heat. Extreme ambient temperatures coupled with heat created by mechanical and electrical components will get the job done every time. I’m not sure who deserves more of the blame, mother nature or the industry that creates a component that self-destructs like clockwork the moment the temperature reaches 95°. With this being such a common repair, how much should you expect to spend on replacing your equipment’s run capacitor?
Well, it depends. Depends on what? Great question.
Pricing depends on several factors such as…
A.) Brand – Not all capacitors are created equal. Here are few of the more reliable brands on the market:
- AmRad: AmRad products come backed by over 80 years of quality, reliability and durability. These USA made capacitors have a double-rolled cover which provides a leak-proof enclosure and are encapsulated in thick non-PCB dielectric fluid to reduce heat.
- Titan HD : For over 53-years, Packard has been a master distributor of HVACR solutions for manufacturers all over the world. Their extensive history with the strongest domestic suppliers and vast experience with global sourcing, allows them to bring the most innovative and highest quality products available to customers.
B.) Market – Not all markets are the same. Cost of living plays a crucial role in how much you will spend on this repair. Not to mention the current economic climate we currently find ourselves in.
C.) Company – Larger company’s tend to have higher prices. Its not always a bad thing to pay a little more for a repair. What you’re paying for is consistency. A company with a greater margin will often provide a more reliable service. This all boils down to trust. Do you trust the company? Do you trust them to answer the phone if you have a warranty issue? Do you trust them to use quality materials? Do you trust them to have the experience and resources available to make the best recommendations when you are caught in a jam?
D.) Overtime Service – Most companies will charge premium rates when providing a service outside of the normal hours of operation.
So, how does it cost to replace a run capacitor? As you can see, it depends. We have included the average cost of repair, as well as what you expect to pay when calling Acadiana Comfort.
Average Cost: $170
High Cost: $400
Low Cost: $120
Acadiana Comfort: $215.76
2.) Condenser Fan Motor Repair Cost
The condenser fan motor plays an important role in the daily function of your air conditioning system. The condenser is responsible for condensing hot gas into liquid, thereby, releasing the heat that the refrigerant has just removed from your home. Without this component the condenser is not capable of performing a critical function in the refrigeration cycle. Additionally, if the condenser motor fails it could cause a scenario in which the compressor, if it is not internally protected, could be critically damaged. This cause could lead to expensive repairs in the future and who wants that?
So, if you’re ready, lets take a look at 3 different factors that may affect the price you pay to make this repair!
A.) Brand/Style – Not all air conditioning units use the same type of condenser fan motor. Some are very basic, others are variable speed and tend to cost much more. It is very important to know what kind of unit you own. Is 15 years and sounds like tractor when it turns on? Well then your unit probably needs a basic or what we call in the biz a “universal fan motor”. Its your unit so quiet you can barely hear and is it an energy efficient model? Well then your probably will need an OEM replacement from the factory. This will likely cost a little more and you may be looking a few days before you contractor can get this motor from the factory. Is your unit a high efficiency space ship? If This is the case, you can normally tell because its 10 feet tall and usually sounds like R2-D2 when it is starting up. If this is the case then get ready, you may be looking and spending a significant amount of money on your condenser fan motor replacement.
B.) Orientation – Sometimes the orientation of the fan motor will make a difference as well. Motors that hang down from the top of the unit often use was called a sleeve bearing. This is normally a cheaper fan motor. Other fan motors that sit in a saddle and face up toward the sky often times use was referred to as a ball bearing. These motors, even the universal ones, tend to cost a little bit more.
C.) Overtime Service – Most companies will charge premium rates when providing a service outside of the normal hours of operation.
So, how does it cost to replace a condenser fan motor? As you can see, it depends. We have included the average cost of repair, as well as what you expect to pay when calling Acadiana Comfort.
Average Cost: $500
High Cost: $650
Low Cost: $350
Acadiana Comfort: $521.09
3.) Contactor Repair Cost
The contactor is that little black box where lizards, ants and all other sorts of wildlife like to make their home. This usually leads to an un-timely demise for our little friends and usually leaves us sweating at 8:00 pm on a Friday night, right as we are putting the kids down and right before we can finally enjoy that ever elusive “me time“. We’ve all been there, right? Right, so now that we are utterly inconvenienced and frustrated with life in general, how much should we expect to pay for this little black box?
A.) 30Fla/40Fla – There are 2 common sizes for contactor replacement in residential & light commercial hvac, 30 Fla and 40 Fla. 40 Fla is a bigger contactor capable of handling more power. It is probably the more common of the contactors because it is capable of withstanding the full load of just about any residential air conditioner. Therefore, it is commonly the contactor that the service technician is likely to stock on their vehicle.
B.) Single Pole/Two Pole – Contactors are not all made the same. Some break power on two wires and some only break power on one wire. I personally prefer the two pole option simply because I do not like the idea of power cycling through a motor at all times. The two pole option will almost always be the more expensive.
C.) Overtime Service – Most companies will charge premium rates when providing a service outside of the normal hours of operation.
So, how does it cost to replace a contactor? As you can see, it depends. We have included the average cost of repair, as well as what you expect to pay when calling Acadiana Comfort.
Average Cost: $200
High Cost: $400
Low Cost: $125
Acadiana Comfort: $195.38
We hope some of these options will help clear the air about what you should expect to spend when servicing your air conditioning system. Would you recommend a breakdown of different A/C repairs than the ones we’ve highlighted here? Why Is My Air Conditioner Running But Not Cooling The House?
Let us know in the comments, and we’d be happy to update this article with the best and most recent information available!
