But on average, you can expect to pay these prices for auto AC system repairs:
- Anywhere from $170 to $730 for minor AC compressor repairs and anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 for major AC compressor repairs
- Somewhere between $100 and $140 for a car AC recharge
- About $500 for auto AC hose repair and replacement
- Between $200 and $750 for car AC compressor clutch repair and replacement
How much does it cost to recharge a car air conditioner?
These costs are generally not that expensive when considering that this maintenance also extends the life of your compressor, keeping your air conditioning performing optimally season after season. A professional AC recharge cost ranges from $150 - $300 on average depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
How much does it cost to repair auto air conditioning?
This generally includes replacing a few parts like hoses, sensors, or either the compressor or condenser. CostHelper readers report paying $171-$727 for minor air conditioning repairs, at an average cost of $488. Extensive auto air conditioning repairs can cost $1,000-$4,000 or more, depending on make and model.
How do you charge a car air conditioner?
How to Recharge Your Car's Air Conditioner
- What You Will Need and What You Should Know. First, was your car made before 1994? ...
- Assemble the Dispenser. I would recommend putting on your goggles now. ...
- Verify That the Compressor Is Running. Locate the pulley on the compressor. ...
- Locate the Low Pressure Side Refrigerant Fill Port. Pop the hood. ...
- Attatch the Dispenser. ...
- Recharge the System. ...
- Voila! ...
How much is the average cost of car air conditioning?
The total cost to install a new car ac compressor (including labor) is about $500-$1,100. The average air conditioning system installations cost is $2750 but can range from $1,500-$4,000. According to Auto Service Costs, the average recharge car ac cost is $235 but can range from $183-$281 depending on the type of vehicles you have.
Why is auto AC repair so expensive?
It takes a lot of training for mechanics to get the experience necessary to work on your cars. This skilled trade is one that’s in high demand, all...
How much does it cost to just replace the AC unit in the car?
There are multiple parts to an air conditioning system. If you were to replace the entire system, you would easily spend $2,000 or more, which is w...
How much does it cost to just install a new AC in the car?
A new air conditioning system requires many different parts. If you choose to replace them all, the bill will get very high. We recommend only payi...
How much does it cost to recharge the AC in a car?
If you can add Freon at home, you might spend $10-$30. However, having a professional recharge could cost you $25 to $200, depending on where you t...
How long does an AC compressor last?
But generally speaking, you should know that something like your AC compressor is going to continue working for about 8 to 10 years before it’ll need to be replaced. The same can usually be said for your AC condenser, too, which will often last as long as the compressor if not longer in some cases.
How to avoid being surprised by auto repairs?
One of the ways that vehicle owners can avoid being surprised by auto repairs is by figuring out how long certain parts in their car are going to last. A repair won’t catch you off guard when you have some general idea of how long your car’s parts are going to stick around for.
What does it mean when your car only sends out warm air when you turn on the AC?
If, for example, your car only sends out warm air when you have your AC turned on, that’s a pretty clear-cut sign that you need to schedule auto AC repairs and prepare to pay the auto AC repair costs that come along with them.
What is the compressor in an AC system?
The compressor is probably the first part that comes to mind when you think about your car’s AC system. It’s responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant in your AC system so that it’s able to cool air off for your car, and it’s also in charge of keeping the air in your system moving along. It’s a part that you’re going to have to repair ...
What parts of an AC system go bad?
There are also several other parts in your auto AC system that make it go. This includes an AC condenser, an accumulator, a thermal valve expansion valve, and an evaporator. There are also a series of hoses that are used to keep your car’s AC system ...
Should I dump money into my car to fix an AC compressor?
You shouldn’t dump hundreds of dollars into a car to fix a part like an AC compressor when there is a chance that another part of your AC system could break next week. You would be better off avoiding the auto AC repair costs and leaving your AC system alone.
Can I get a discount on my car's AC?
There isn’t much wiggle room when it comes to auto AC repair costs, either. Auto repair shops aren’t going to be able to offer you much of a discount on their AC products and services, which could very well make it difficult for you to arrange to have your car’s AC system fixed.
What are the components of an air conditioner?
A car’s air conditioner will have five main components: the refrigerant, which is designed to carry the heat; the compressor, which draws in and compresses the refrigerant, moving it along; the condenser, which expels the heat; the expansion valve, which regulates the refrigerant flow; and the evaporator, ...
How much does it cost to fix an air conditioner leak?
Most problems, which will involve repairing a leak, can be $50 to $225. According to MSN, 80 percent of air conditioning problems come from a simple leak. Leaks are able to occur anywhere the refrigerant passes from part to another. If it isn’t a leak, the common repair can be anywhere from as little as $300 to more than $2,000.
What is a fan level check?
During most checks, a certified technician will do a system fan level check, they will read the PSI pressure to verify the Freon level, an output temperature check will be performed and the blower fan and the compressor will be examined thoroughly to see if it’s working properly. Belts and hoses will also be closely inspected to see if any signs of aging or potential failure are present.
How much does an A/C Pro cost?
This product will cost less than $35 and is a great first step to see if it gets rid of the problem. Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links.
What is the most common repair to be done to a car's air conditioner?
The most common repair that needs to be done to a car's air conditioner is to have the freon or coolant refilled. The refrigerant in an air conditioning unit is what allows the air conditioner to actually blow cold air. It changes its state from a gas to a liquid inside of the compressor of your air conditioner.
How does coolant move?
The coolant then moves into the condenser where cool air circulates through to remove the heat that has been built up in the coolant when it changes state from gas to a liquid the condenser then moves the coolant over to an expansion valve where it returns from its liquid state back into a gas. This causes the cooling reaction ...
What happens if the clutch is not working?
If the clutch wasn't there it would either be on all the time or off all the time. However, if the clutch begins to seize up then your compressor won't come on at all in the air conditioning won't work. In rare cases the clutch may seize when your AC is on and that means you're not able to turn it off anymore.
What happens if you don't seal your compressor?
If there is no seal in the compressor anymore then the coolant comes out and you'll not be able to properly run your air conditioning any longer. This could be a definite danger as depending on the kind of coolant in your vehicle it's potentially very toxic.
How much does it cost to replace an air conditioner compressor?
If your entire air conditioner needs to be swapped out and replaced with a new unit you may have to pay anywhere between $1,500 and nearly $4,000.
How much does it cost to replace coolant in a car?
If you need to get the coolant level replaced in your car it will likely cost somewhere between $150 and $300 to get the job done. This is definitely a job that you would be better off getting a mechanic to do than trying to handle it on your own. That's not to say you can't do it on your own, but it's very dangerous to handle refrigerants.
Why does my AC make a grinding noise?
This generally indicates something has slipped loose or is misaligned somewhere in the system .
What happens if you leak air con coolant?
If you’ve got leaking air con you’ll probably see some oily residue around them. The air con coolant has a small amount of oil in it (this is what lubricates the seals in the system). If it’s leaking out, it’ll mix with the dust coming off the road and leave its oily mark.
How to keep air con on throughout the year?
To prevent this happening, it’s best to keep the air con on throughout the year, just adjusting the temperature and where the vents are pointing to suit. This is what an air con condenser looks like.
Why does my air conditioner stop working?
Leaks are the most common reason for air conditioning to stop working. The system is closed and under pressure so even a pin prick hole can cause the coolant to leak out. What’s more the system is located under the bonnet, in quite a hostile environment.
Where is the condenser located on a car?
The condenser is usually positioned towards the front of the engine, ahead of the radiator but behind the front bumper.
Is refrigerant bad for the environment?
The refrigerant can be harmful to the environment so it’s best to get a trained technician on the job. Unfortunately, if it is the condenser that’s causing the leaking air con and needs replacing, it’ll be a costly job. The part is expensive and you’ll need to have the system fully charged with gas. As a result, you’ll be looking ...
How much does it cost to fix an air conditioner compressor?
Air conditioning compressor repair costs $100 to $250 for a hard start kit. If the AC makes a grinding noise, it may be a loose bearing. A squealing noise indicates a leaking bearing. For extensive damage, most HVAC services recommended installing a new compressor.
How much does it cost to repair AC ductwork?
The average cost to repair AC duct work is $200 to $700. It’s the ductwork that delivers cold air to each room in your house, and if it develops cracks which leak, they need to be repaired. Having faulty ductwork makes your system work harder with worse results.
How much does it cost to replace an evaporator coil?
On average, an AC evaporator coil replacement costs $675 to $1,300. If your AC unit is frosty, the evaporator coil is most likely frozen. Also, if the air conditioner smells bad, there could be bacteria buildup on the coil. The cold liquid (refrigerant) inside the coil absorbs the heat away from your home.
Why is my AC coil freezing?
The evaporator coil is most likely frozen. The cause is generally a lack of airflow over the evaporator coil, which is caused by a plugged filter. Without airflow, moisture from the air will collect on the evaporator coil and freeze. Turn off the AC unit, let the ice melt, change the filter, and try again.
What certification do I need to be an HVAC technician?
At the minimum, your technician should be “Level II Certified” or have a “Universal Certification” to work on your central air conditioner.
How much does it cost to fix an AC coil leak?
An AC evaporator coil leak repair costs $1,300 to $2,000. Pinhole leaks in the evaporator coil can develop as a result of VOCs combined with the moisture in the air. Acids will form and adhere to the coil, causing slow leaks. If your AC unit starts blowing warm air, it might be an indication that you have a leak.
What to do if your AC doesn't come on?
First, check the circuit breaker. It’s possible it has just tripped. If you flip the circuit breaker and the AC still doesn’t come on, it may be a thermostat problem.