2021 Average AC Repair Cost

Air conditioners don’t last forever, so at some point, you will need AC repairs. However, some property owners are hesitant to get the service they need because they are unsure about the costs associated with the service. 

The current nationwide average AC repair cost is $376, ranging between $166 and $588. In Riverside, CA, the average is almost the same at $373, with a range of $162 and $585. It’s tricky to determine the exact cost of the service because the final quote will depend on the company you choose, the damaged AC part, and the complexity of the issue. 

When it’s time to schedule AC repair, expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $1,000. The low-end and high-end national averages are $75 and $1,995. Air conditioning repairs can be an expensive yet necessary investment into your home.

Average Hourly AC Repair Rates

Repairing, maintaining, and calibrating air conditioning units is a highly specialized job requiring advanced technical knowledge. With improper handling, the equipment’s electrical and chemical components can be deadly. 

As such, most HVAC companies will charge a diagnostics fee for their initial service call, which can fall between $75 to $200. Companies may include separate charges for labor and parts. When working with HVAC technicians that work for an hourly wage, prepare to pay anywhere from $65 to $150 per hour. 

Average AC Repair Cost Guide

The type of air conditioning unit plays a role in the overall service cost. For instance, window unit repairs can be as low as $50 and as high as $125. However, a modern ductless mini-split has a low/high range of $750 to $900. 

The type of repair also influences the total amount you’ll pay for AC servicing. Below are some of the most common air conditioning issues and their average costs:

• Home AC recharge: The price for an AC recharge will fall between $100 to $660+. Recharging usually takes two hours or less. 
• AC refrigerant leak: It takes a skilled technician to detect a refrigerant leak and repair the damage properly. Depending on the extent of the damage, the process can take over eight hours and cost between $225 and $1,600.
• Condenser replacement: The average price for a condenser installation is $1,750, with an average four-hour completion time.
• Blower repair: Repairing an air conditioning blower can be as low as $150, but a replacement will run between $250 to $800. A high-end model could run you close to $2,000.
• Thermostat replacement: Installing a new thermostat can take less than two hours and costs around $115 to $250.

5 Signs Your AC Is Broken

Whenever your air conditioner has broken, damaged, or faulty components, it will produce warning signs of impending trouble. As soon as you notice an issue, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC repair company to address the problem.

1. The Unit Makes Weird Noises

It’s OK for your air conditioner to emit a gentle hum while running. However, if it begins to make sudden, unusual noises, there’s a problem. It’s possible to get an idea about the type of repair you may need based on the sounds you hear, such as:

• Banging: a loose or broken part
• Clicking: a defective or failing thermostat or another electrical component
• Buzzing: dirty filter, loose outdoor fan motor
• Screaming: a potentially dangerous refrigerant leak

Even though identifying these sounds will help you understand when to seek repairs, it’s also best to get an expert’s opinion. Some sounds have multiple causes, so an experienced technician should be on-site to pinpoint the specific issue.

2. Bad Smells From the Unit

If the air coming from your vents or the air conditioner smells musty, moldy, and overall strange, the ductwork and system likely have an accumulation of dirt or mold. Never ignore foul odors. When your AC unit circulates air throughout your house, the spores and particles will also flow from vents and potentially lead to health issues for you and your family.

3. Not Producing Cold Air

Sometimes, a “failing” air conditioner simply needs a thermostat adjustment. Make sure you have the system set to “cool,” and select your desired temperature. If the temperature in the room is higher than the set temperature with no signs of dropping, the problem could be a tripped breaker. 

Visit your electrical panel to confirm that everything is in order. If the air conditioner still will not come on or will not produce cool air, you may have an issue requiring professional assistance.

4. Water Leaks From the Unit

Your air conditioner will produce a small amount of condensation due to the humidity the evaporator coils pull from the air. The higher the humidity indoors, the more condensation the unit will produce.

However, puddles of water around the unit are never a good sign. Addressing this problem involves electrical components, so it’s best to leave the job to professionals.

5. The System Short Cycles

It’s acceptable for your air conditioner to turn off and on regularly to maintain the desired temperature. However, it shouldn’t turn on and off too frequently or run without reason. This issue is called short cycling. 

Short cycling is usually a sign of a system malfunction. The longer you allow it to continue, the more likely you will experience total system failure. 

Get the AC Repairs You Need at a Fair Price With Inland Empire Comfort

When you need air conditioning repair in Riverside, CA, you can be confident Inland Empire Comfort will get the job done. As highly skilled and experienced HVAC contractors, we provide residents with comprehensive AC repair, maintenance, and installation services at fair prices. 

We take the time to thoroughly investigate the issue, present you with a solution, and help you determine the best course of action. We’ll give you and your air conditioner the one-on-one care you deserve. Call (951) 336-1718 to schedule an appointment.