Installing a new AC system can cost anywhere from $2,500–$8,000 depending on the unit’s size. Since replacement costs for these parts are so high, if they break, homeowners should consider replacing the air conditioning unit entirely. If your air conditioner is old, it may need major parts replaced, such as the evaporator coil ($600–$2,400) or the compressor ($800–$3,000). Here are some other common problems that cause air conditioners to stop working (and the cost to fix them). The evaporator is the most likely place, but leaks can also develop in the condenser coil or other parts of the refrigerant line.Īlternatively, an AC service technician may find that the real issue isn’t a refrigerant leak. This cost will depend on where in the system the leak is. If there is an air conditioner refrigerant leak -which is by far the most common cause of insufficient Freon in the system-you’ll pay between $400–$1,500 to have it fixed. Additionally, in places and times where HVAC contractors are more in demand-like the American South during summer-their services may cost more. This could make a refrigerant leak more likely, but extra use alone shouldn’t mean you need to refill your refrigerant more often. If you live in a hot climate, your air conditioner will face more strenuous use, which may increase your chances of HVAC problems. Labor rates will vary due to local cost of living and time of year-when HVAC contractors are in higher demand, they may charge more for their work. Often, homeowners will be charged a flat fee of $50–$130 for the service call, plus rates of $50–$150 per hour for the actual work. Refrigerant recharge jobs must be handled by a licensed HVAC technician. In addition to the HVAC system size and type, here are some other factors that help determine project cost. Recharge costs for window units can range from $75–$240. Simple to install and maintain, they are the smallest type of AC system and thus require the least refrigerant. Used to cool only one room at a time, window air conditioners contain the air handler and condenser in a single unit. Depending on the system size, Freon costs for mini-splits may range from $100–$300. Since they’re smaller than central AC systems, they require less refrigerant. They don’t require ductwork, so they’re easier to install, but they do have both an indoor and outdoor unit. Mini-split systems are smaller than central air conditioners, and they’re usually set up to control temperature in individual rooms. Refrigerant for heat pumps is measured approximately the same way as for central AC units -2–4 pounds per ton of cooling-so the Freon refill cost is similar at $150–$600. These systems move hot air outdoor in the summer and indoor in the winter. Heat PumpĪ heat pump works differently than an air conditioner, but it still requires refrigerant to run. Since most home air conditioners have a size of about 1.5–2 tons, they will cost $150–$600 to fully recharge. Remember that central AC systems take about 2–4 pounds of Freon for every ton of cooling. To work, the refrigerant must run through both units. They’re composed of two units: an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser. Ĭentral air conditioners cool entire homes using a network of ducts that carry air to multiple rooms. Here are the material and total installation costs for common refrigerants. If not, you will have to replace your old air conditioner. You may still be able to get R-22 refrigerant for older systems, but it’s very expensive and difficult to find and most R-22 systems can be converted to run on other types. R-22 Freon used to be the most popular type, but because it’s a chemical that depletes the ozone layer, it is being phased out in the United States under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Other R-400 series refrigerants are used in cars or commercial applications. R-410A refrigerant, sometimes sold under the brand name Puron, is the most common for home AC systems and refrigerators made after 2010. You will need to use whichever type your system is built to run on. The different types also have slightly different chemical makeups and are named with an R followed by a number. Different types of refrigerant come with different costs by weight.
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