June 15, 2021

Your air conditioner is one of the most important parts of your home comfort system. When properly serviced, it can last 20 years (or even longer). But over time, even the best maintained air conditioner will break down at some point.

These are some of the most common air conditioning repairs we do and average estimated costs* to repair them. Your exact cost may vary based on the scope and severity of your unique problem.

At AC Mechanical, estimates and second opinions are free. And your satisfaction with our air conditioning repair in Cheyenne, WY, and surrounding areas is 100% guaranteed.

5 Common Air Conditioning Problems and Estimated Costs to Fix Them

1. Refrigerant Leak — $100 and up

Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to remove heat from your home. If it’s leaking, you may need to pay to repair the leak and replace the refrigerant you’ve lost.

If your air conditioner was installed before 2011, it probably runs on R-22 or Freon®. This refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the ozone layers. It’s more expensive since only recycled quantities are available.

If your air conditioner uses Freon, we recommend planning to replace it since the refrigerant will only get more expensive as time goes on. AC Mechanical offers fast and affordable air conditioning installation in Cheyenne, WY, and surrounding areas.

2. Evaporator and Condenser Coils — $600 and up

Your air conditioner typically has two coils. The evaporator coil uses refrigerant to pull heat from indoor air. The cost to replace it typically runs between $675 and $1,300.

The condenser coil turns heat into liquid and disperses heat outdoors. Replacing it is around $600 or more, depending on your air conditioner model.

3. Drainage System — $75 and up

Your air conditioner has a drainage system to get rid of excess moisture it pulls from indoor air. Repairing drainage issues can involve fixing water damage plus broken parts, depending on the extent of the problem.

Affected components may involve the:

  • Drain pan, which collects and drains condensed water.
    • Replacement: $250­­–$575
  • Condensate drain tube, which drains the drain pan.
    • Replacement: $100–$195.
  • Drain line, which drains the drain pain.
    • Service cost to remove clogs: $75–$250.

4. Electrical Problems — $75 and up

Because your air conditioner relies on electricity to create cooling, a lot can go wrong with its electrical components. This includes its circuit board, motor, compressor and contactor.

  • Repair or replace electrical components: Varies, typically $75–$250.
  • Replacing circuit board: Varies based on model, usually $125–$625.

5. Thermostat – $75 and up

If your thermostat isn’t working properly, your air conditioner won’t be able to run. Sometimes correcting the problem is as easy as double-checking your settings.

The cost of replacing your thermostat depends on the model you choose. Replacing a programmable one is typically around $75 when factoring in labor costs.

However, we recommend upgrading to a smart thermostat, which makes it easy to stay on top of energy efficiency. These thermostats learn from your temperature preferences and create an energy-efficiency schedule to match.

A smart thermostat typically runs $100 or more, depending on the model. Since many smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR® qualified, make sure to check with your utility company for valuable rebates.

Is It Better to Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

It can be difficult knowing if it’s better to repair or replace your air conditioner. Here are a few things to consider.

  • Repair costs. If repairs are infrequent or inexpensive, we recommend repairing your air conditioner. But if repairs exceed $1,500, it’s better to put that money toward a new cooling system.
  • Age. How old is your air conditioner? Most last between 15–20 years, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). If yours is more than 10 years old, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it.
  • Dependability. Is your air conditioner reliable or does it keep breaking down on hot days? If you can’t depend on yours to run consistently, we recommend replacement.
  • Energy efficiency. Air conditioners lose efficiency as they age. If you replace an air conditioner that’s only 10 years old, the DOE says you could save 25–40% on cooling costs!

Our professionals at AC Mechanical are looking out for your best interests, so you can trust their opinion on whether air conditioning repair or air conditioning installation is right for your situation. Call us at 307-778-0515 to schedule your appointment now!


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

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