Knowing the high costs of AC repair, you may wonder when spending so much is acceptable. The average air conditioner repair is $400, not including service fees. A single major fix can cost thousands of dollars. Even multiple small repairs over time can strain your budget. However, replacing your AC is sometimes cheaper than fixing it (both upfront and in the long term). To help you make an informed decision, we’ll look at when the cost of AC repair is justified.
When to Accept an AC Repair Bid
Your local air conditioning contractor has evaluated and diagnosed your system and presented an air conditioner repair quote. Does it seem acceptable or more costly than it’s worth? Here are some questions to ask in weighing your decision to repair or replace your AC system:
Is the Repair ±50% of the Replacement Cost?
To determine if the cost of an air conditioner repair is acceptable, compare it with the price of an AC replacement. Age is also a significant factor here.
- Less than 50%: If an AC repair costs less than half the price to replace it, the expense can be justified. Equipment under 10 years old is the best candidate for repair, but that doesn’t mean a well-maintained 13-year-old AC isn’t worth fixing.
- More Than 50%: While fixing an AC under 10 years old may be worth it, restoring an older model needing costly repairs is probably not. It’ll likely require additional repairs and may have just a few short years left.
Therefore, if you have a 10+-year-old AC that needs a $3,000 repair, and replacing it costs roughly $6,000, it’s generally wiser to invest in a replacement.
Does Your AC Break Down Often?
If your air conditioner needs a repair less than once a year, the occasional fix should be worth it. The system is likely in decent shape overall. However, if you need an urgent AC repair every few months, consider whether the costs are acceptable. You can save money by purchasing a newer, more efficient AC system.
How Efficient Is Your Air Conditioner?
It doesn’t make sense to repair an AC that isn’t energy efficient. Air conditioner efficiency is measured using a standard known as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). An air conditioner in a northern climate like Portland must be rated at least 14 SEER (those in southern climates must be rated at least 15 SEER). The higher a system’s SEER rating, the greater the potential for energy savings over the season.
If your AC has a 13 or lower SEER rating, you’re not only wasting money on repairs. You’re paying more in energy over time. The unit is likely starting to show signs of its age anyway. It also likely doesn’t meet the new SEER2 rating system introduced in 2023 (a 13.4 SEER2 system is the equivalent of a 14 SEER unit).
Have You Properly Maintained Your Air Conditioner?
Neglecting AC maintenance makes costly breakdowns more likely. In this case, multiple issues may be present if your AC isn’t working. However, you can keep the cost of AC repair in check by scheduling preventative maintenance. Aside from an annual inspection, cleaning, and tune-up by a professional, the following steps can add years to the unit’s life:
- Change or clean the air filter as recommended (typically every one to three months).
- Ensure return registers aren’t blocked by drapes or furniture, and keep at least 80% of the supply registers open.
- Remove debris and trim back vegetation on all sides of the outdoor unit, which maintains airflow and heat transfer.
What Type of Refrigerant Does Your AC Use?
Older air conditioners that use R-22 Freon are not worth fixing. The refrigerant was phased out in 2020 due to its ozone-depleting potential. Recycled Freon is becoming more expensive to obtain. Therefore, an older AC with a refrigerant leak should be replaced. Also, an air conditioner designed for R-22 can’t work with newer refrigerants such as R-410A without a costly retrofit, so investing in a replacement helps achieve short-term and long-term cost savings.
Is Your Current AC Keeping Your Home Comfortable?
Spending money on another AC repair isn’t worthwhile if your home won’t stay comfortable, especially if the unit was fixed recently and is still not performing up to par. Multiple signs of trouble can also mean your AC is at the end of its life. Consider replacing the unit if:
- It isn’t keeping up with the cooling demand.
- Temperatures fluctuate rapidly.
- Rooms are not evenly cooled.
- Your home is increasingly more humid.
- Your energy bills keep going up.
Do All Your System’s Components Match?
Mismatched AC equipment operates less efficiently and is more prone to breaking down. If the outdoor or indoor unit was replaced separately at one point, they may not be compatible. This can shorten the system’s operating life.
Also, installing components separately usually voids the warranty, making the AC repair cost even less acceptable. If you or a previous owner mismatched AC components to save when part of the system was still working, and a major repair is necessary, consider replacing the entire system.
FAQs
How Is the Cost of AC Repair Determined?
An HVAC contractor calculates the cost of a repair by considering the following factors:
- Cost of Parts: Replacement parts vary in cost from as little as $5 to over $2,000. A replacement filter, contactor, or relay switch costs less to replace than an evaporator coil or compressor.
- Type of Repair: The scope of the repair, materials needed, and length of time it takes can affect the cost of an AC repair. Your AC contractor may set a price based on the project’s difficulty level.
- Cost of Labor: Depending on the company, it may charge a flat rate, but most set hourly rates. An AC company can charge from $75 to $175 per hour, adding hundreds, if not $1,000 or more, to the cost of a major repair.¹
How Do I Save on AC Repairs?
You can’t cut corners on an AC repair and expect high-quality results, but there are ways to spend less. For example, AC maintenance helps catch problems early, preventing costlier repairs later. Changing the air filter as recommended and vacuuming around the AC unit to stop dirt and debris from getting inside can also avoid costly repairs.
Can I Fix an AC Without a Professional?
Even if the project seems simple, a DIY AC repair can do more harm than good. You risk missing the underlying problem, causing more damage, or injuring yourself. Failing to hire a professional also voids the warranty. Therefore, attempting to fix your air conditioner yourself can cost more than hiring a pro in the first place.
Call Air Stars for an AC Repair Quote
An air conditioner blowing warm air, making loud noises, or running continuously must be repaired. But if the cost of AC repair is unacceptable, it’s time to consider a replacement. At Air Stars, our fully trained and licensed technicians can find cost-effective repair solutions or install a new, high-efficiency air conditioning system. We install and service central AC units, heat pumps, and ductless cooling equipment in Keizer, Salem, and surrounding areas. To request help or learn more about our heating and cooling services, call (503) 897-9292 today.
