An air conditioning unit is like any other complex machine: sometimes things can go wrong. Whether it’s a simple thing like making sure the drainage line isn’t blocked, or something more involved like the condenser unit needing replaced, a guide to the cost repairing your air conditioning unit is a helpful tool to deciding whether it would be best to repair or replace the unit. Below, we’re going to outline a few common problems that could arise in your air conditioner, let you know what the possible fix could be, and give you a guide to cost of the fix.

One of the most common problems is that your AC unit might not be blowing cold air any more. The simplest cause of this problem could be a dirty air filter. When this problems arises, the air filter can sometimes be cleaned and replaced, which is a free fix that you can do on your own, or it might require a new filter. If your filter needs replaced, the cost could range anywhere from $5 to $20. It’s a small cost to replace the filter, so consider as your first fix.

A lot of other common problems, like your unit making odd noises when it turns on, random puddles of water, higher-than-normal utility bills from the operation of your AC unit, or other seemingly small problems can be fixed with a simple tune-up of your system. A simple tune-up will generally require a professional to look at it, which can cost about $75 to $150, depending on what needs done and how long it will take, which can be a fraction of the cost of a new unit.

What should you do if your AC unit won’t turn on at all? As with any complex system, it could be any number of things that could be causing this particular malfunction. The worst-case scenario is that your AC unit’s compressor has gone bad, which will require you to replace the part. If your AC unit is more than 8 years old and this happens, it might be wise to consider replacing the unit, as fixing or replacing the compressor can run anywhere from several hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars, depending on the unit. Consider a new AC system if the cost of replacement exceeds half the cost of the unit itself.

So that’s a simple guide to the costs of fixing some common problems with your AC unit. If you need further help, consider reaching out to the people at Hinton for a more in-depth analysis of your problem!