The Costs Of AC System Repairs: Breaking It Down For Homeowners

Posted on: 9 July 2020

Properly maintaining your air conditioning system is a big deal for any homeowner because this one system is one of the most valued components of a home. Take a look at some of the typical questions about repair and maintenance costs. 

How much will it cost to replace an AC condenser motor? 

The condenser motor in your central air conditioning system is one of the more costly components. This one motor is responsible for the brunt of the work the AC does, so it is naturally more costly. If the motor has failed, you will usually pay somewhere between $350 and $600 for just the motor itself. Most AC condenser motors also have a secondary part that is referred to as a capacitor. This may also have to be replaced and can cost anywhere from $150 to $300. Keep in mind that a larger air conditioning system can sometimes be outfitted with two motors. It is better if you have both motors replaced at one time, so you could be looking at an even higher cost.  

How much does it cost for a standard tuneup?

You can expect to pay somewhere between $85 and $110 for a typical tuneup of your air conditioning system. The tuneup is the most basic service call outside of a diagnostic visit, and the process usually doesn't take all that long. During this visit, the technician may top off the system with refrigerant if levels are low, test your thermostat for functionality, and clean around the exterior condenser and the interior fan. What is included can vary between companies, so it is always a good idea to ask. 

How much does it cost to have the ducts cleaned?

While air duct cleaning is not always a necessity, it may be helpful if you have a lot of dust or pet hair running through your air conditioner system. Most good HVAC contractors are going to charge anywhere between $300 and $500 to do a thorough cleaning of the air duct system. This process will include:

  • Cleaning the vents and registries 
  • Using specialized vacuum systems to remove debris from each individual duct
  • Eradicating dust, dirt, and debris throughout the return vent and ducts

The end result is an HVAC system that is mostly free of contaminants, so your AC can operate more efficiently and the air cycled through the system may be less contaminated.

To learn more, contact a resource that offers residential HVAC services.

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Summer is Upon Us – Is Your AC Working?

Hi. My name is Laurie Waters. The HVAC contractor was just out at our house last week and did I ever get a lesson from him. You see, we had a warm spell hit and I went to turn our air conditioning on for the first time since last summer. Much to my dismay, it wasn’t working. All I got was a blast of warm air. The fan was bringing the outdoor heat inside. Thank goodness it wasn’t anything major. My unit needed Freon. While he was here, the contractor taught me how to do some routine maintenance around my unit, vents, and filters. I’m going to share this information with you. I hope you find it to be useful.

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