Nobody in Fort Myers or Tampa wants to be left without air conditioning for more than a few hours in the middle of summer.
So, what do you do if you have an AC breakdown or no cooling in your home?
You book AC repairs. But it helps to know some basic costs of an AC repair in Florida before you make the call. Read on to learn the costs of different AC repairs and the factors that could raise or lower costs…
AVERAGE COST OF AN AC REPAIR IN FLORIDA?
The cost of an AC repair in Florida homes typically ranges from $150 to $3,000 or more. Minor problems like a clogged air filter require only a quick visit but deeper repairs of condenser coils, electrical rewiring, a refrigerant issue or replacement of a capacitor will increase the costs. Replacing the compressor can cost several thousand dollars.
Repair costs average out at around $350-$500 for most problems. Following is a guideline for some typical AC repair costs for homes in the Fort Myers/Tampa area…
| AC REPAIR | TYPICAL COST |
|---|---|
| AC filter replacement/cleaning | $100-$200 |
| AC fan repair | $150-$200 |
| Thermostat replacement | $150-$450 |
| Refrigerant recharge | $200-$450 |
| Refrigerant leak | $250-$1,750 |
| Capacitor or contactor replacement | $150-$450 |
| Condenser coil cleaning | $150-$400 |
| Evaporator/condenser coil replacement | $550-$2,000 (depending on the size/type of AC) |
| Compressor repair/replacement | $800-$3,000 (depending on the size/type of AC) |
| Replacing a circuit board | $150-$650 |
| Condenser unit fan motor replacement | $150-$300 |
| Condensate pump replacement | $150-$300 |
| Ductwork cleaning/repairs | $275-$2,000 |
STAY COOL ALL YEAR ROUND WITH ONE WAY AIR…
The team at One Way Air installs, services, and repairs all types of air conditioning systems in Southwest Florida. Get in touch with us here for a quote or call 239-233-4356 in emergencies.
FACTORS AFFECTING AC REPAIR COSTS
The average cost of HVAC repairs nationally is estimated at $243 to $1,567 (this average includes heating as well as cooling systems).
AC repair costs in Florida also range widely from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Air conditioning systems here must contend with especially high demand, high humidity, and, often, high salt content in the air that can accelerate corrosion—so the demands on systems can be high, increasing the need for repairs.
Being able to troubleshoot AC problems and identify the issue can help prepare you for the associated repair costs.
Here are the main factors that will affect the cost of AC repairs in your home…
The Specific AC Issue
The most obvious factor is the specific issue and type of repairs needed, which should be assessed by a professional HVAC technician.
Air conditioning systems are a complex interplay of many parts from mechanical components to electrical elements and refrigerant. This must all be in balance and working efficiently or problems can arise.
Impeded airflow from a dirty air filter or a thermostat setting problem is usually easily fixed for under a couple of hundred dollars. However, more serious issues, such as a worn-out component, refrigerant leak, electrical wiring problem or another issue can be considerably more costly to fix.
One of the costliest AC repairs is for a compressor problem and, if a new compressor is required, you may consider replacing the entire unit if it is aging. Check out this post to find out how to tell if your compressor is bad.
Labor costs involved
If repairs are required but no component replacements are needed, you’ll likely pay a call-out fee and the cost of labor only.
If replacement parts are needed, this can add considerably to the repair costs (see the table at the beginning of this post).
Hourly rates in Florida are generally between $85 and $175 depending on the time of year and the professionalism and experience of the HVAC company you hire. Either way, the labor costs are likely to make up a significant portion of the repair costs.
If you’re city-based in Fort Myers or Tampa, there should be no surcharges for travel time but rural areas may cost a little more for repairs.
Type of AC unit
Around 86 percent of homes in Florida use central air conditioning but ductless mini-split systems and window units may also be found in some homes.
The type of unit in your home will affect the repair costs. In most cases, you can expect to pay a little more for repairs of central air conditioning systems as these are more complex—especially if there are ductwork issues. Window units and ductless mini splits are generally simpler with fewer parts.
Note that if you switch from a ductless mini-split AC system to central air, a new ducting system will be required, which can add significantly to the costs.
Age of the AC unit
Air conditioners may last up to 15 years in Florida, with good care and regular maintenance—but the climate means that systems must work hard here and they don’t last forever.
Fixing old AC units may be more expensive than modern units because of the scarcity (and, therefore, higher cost) of parts. For instance, R-22 refrigerant was widely used in air conditioners made before 2010 but has been phased out. Systems that require recharging with R-22 face higher costs because of its scarcity.
If your unit is approaching 10 years old and develops problems, it may be cost-effective to upgrade it to a more energy-efficient model rather than keep forking out for repairs.
Time of year
In Florida, it’s no surprise that the hottest months cause a spike in demand for AC. But did you know that this might affect the cost of repairs?
Many cooling systems fail when they are overworked—which is usually in the summer. AC companies are busiest in these months so a higher call-out fee or hourly rate for AC repairs may apply at this time of year.
Your AC warranty
Most AC units in Florida come with generous manufacturer warranties of up to 10 years, as well as labor warranties. You may also have the option to purchase an extended warranty.
If your unit is still covered by the warranty, it may reduce the AC repair costs.
The repairs contractor you hire
The cost of an AC repair in Florida is also affected by the contractor you hire. Hourly rates in Florida vary between around $85 and $175 per hour but some contractors will quote a fixed price once they have sized up the job.
Like with most home services, you should get what you pay for with AC repairs. Expect more professional, higher-quality service at the higher end of the price range.
If you’re tempted to hire a cheap contractor for AC repairs, bear in mind the following:
EMERGENCY AC REPAIRS AND COSTS
AC repair costs increase in emergencies in Florida—such as a broken-down AC unit in the middle of a Florida summer, a dangerous situation with an electrical or refrigerant issue, a unit making loud noises or if repairs are needed in the middle of the night.
Most companies will charge additional fees for emergency AC repairs in Florida. This may be a higher hourly rate ($150 to $275 per hour) or a fixed surcharge. Check with the repair company you speak to before committing.
HOW TO MINIMIZE AC REPAIR COSTS
Every homeowner wants to avoid unnecessary AC repair costs—especially emergency ones.
The best way to do that is with preventative care and ongoing maintenance. An annual AC tune-up is essential. Some companies have AC maintenance plans that offer discounted service calls. These usually cost between $120 and $200 per year.
The residential service agreements at One Way Air, for instance, offer annual or semi-annual AC checkups. We include a 32-point inspection to keep air conditioning systems operating at peak efficiency. This is designed to prevent expensive AC repairs, prolong the life of your HVAC system, and keep energy bills down—without any call-out fees to pay on top.
Between maintenance calls, homeowners should also perform a few basic DIY tasks with their AC systems:
HOW TO FIND A RELIABLE AC REPAIR SERVICE IN SW FLORIDA
Your AC installation or maintenance company likely offers repair services. But if you’re in SW Florida and unable to find a reliable repair service or want to change from an existing supplier, here are some tips for selecting a trustworthy and reliable HVAC repair service:
FAQs
The high costs of AC repairs in Florida can often be avoided with regular maintenance and reliable advice from HVAC professionals. If you’re in Southwest Florida, talk to an AC professional at One Way Air today.
