Cost to Repair a Central Air Conditioner in Portland

If your central AC unit in Portland has been failing to function as it should, you’ve undoubtedly been wondering how much it will cost to repair it. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but most AC repairs fall between $98 and $3,000, with an average cost of $500 and above.

As you can see, that’s quite a range, so we’ll help you decipher some of the mystery for a better idea of what you'll be spending. However, remember that these are intended as general estimates only — it will take a thorough inspection and diagnosis by a skilled AC technician for a more precise estimate.

The following factors largely determine central air conditioner repair costs:

• Cost of replacement parts
• Status of your warranties
• If your AC is beyond repair
• The contractor you hire

Is your AC no longer doing its job?

Our NATE-certified technicians at Four Seasons can quickly examine your unit, pinpoint the problem, and devise an AC repair or replacement strategy. We offer transparent and fair pricing, high-quality workmanship, and the kind of reputation that only comes with 40+ years of stellar service. Call us at 503-538-1950 or click the button to schedule service through our convenient online form.

The cost of the replacement parts is one of the main factors in determining the final repair bill.

Replacement costs vary depending on the complexity and age of the original system. In some situations, you are better off replacing the system than repairing it. For instance, when a vital part like the compressor breaks down to the point where it’s beyond repair, you’ll probably be better off opting for a new system. On the other hand, if a relatively inexpensive component such as a thermostat is the issue, a simple and budget-friendly repair job is likely in order.

Another reason for replacing a system entirely instead of just the part is when the air conditioner is getting too old and approaching 10-15 years in age and parts keep breaking down.

We’ve compiled a breakdown of the typical cost of common replacement parts to help give you an idea of the final tally. Please remember that these are only averages.

• Thermostat: $200-500
• Contactor: $200-$350
• Capacitor: $200-$450
• Circuit board: $400-$900
• Refrigerant leak search (not including the cost of the repair): $350-$1,250
• Refrigerant recharge: $230-$1500
• Condenser fan motor: $500-$800
• Compressor: $1,000-$4,200
• Evaporator Coil: $850-$3,000
• Blower motor: $1,000-$2,000

If you have any valid warranties currently in effect, that may reduce your repair bill. Two standard AC warranties can help you save money: labor warranties and manufacturer's warranties. We'll walk you through the difference between the two and what they can—and can’t—do for your wallet.

Labor warranties vary per company and are valid after the system's installation. Typically, labor warranties cover the labor and service portions of the repair bill during a specified number of years. It’s only valid for installer mistakes. Most labor warranties last for one year, but those who choose extended coverage have protection for as long as five to ten years.

Manufacturer warranties cover a wide range of expensive AC parts and last anywhere from one to ten years, depending on the specific terms of the warranty. The average one lasts five years and covers the costs of problems with your unit due to a manufacturing defect. Unlike labor warranties, part warranties cover the cost of replacement parts, and you'll still cover the labor costs.

Ask your contractor if you are unsure whether your manufacturer warranty is still valid. You can also obtain information about it by going to the manufacturer's website and looking up your air conditioner's model number (check the label on your outdoor AC unit). You can also contact the Oregon branch of the AC manufacturer closest to you for information.

As a general rule of thumb, the older your unit is, the higher the repair bill will be — there may be times when it simply costs more to babyalong a worn-out AC unit than it would replace the system. AC units that are 15 years or older most likely are reaching the end of their useful life, especially since older systems run on a refrigerant R-22 that is no longer allowed to be used because it is bad for the environment.

Unsure how old your AC system is? You can find that information on the back metal nameplate on the outdoor unit as a part of the serial number code sequence.

Even if your AC isn't 15+ years old and doesn't require R-22, replacing it may be more cost-effective if it needs frequent repairs. An inspection by a skilled technician can help you decide which way to go.

No matter the age of your existing unit or the reason for replacing it, you may be eligible for a rebate through the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR program. Enter your zip code on ENERGY Star's Rebate Finder to find special offers and rebates near you.

The adage "you get what you pay for" can be true regarding AC replacements and repairs. You may be able to find a Portland contractor to do the job for cheap, but you might end up paying more to fix subpar work than you would have if you hired a contractor who gets it right the first time.

Most HVAC contractors charge the two fees below that come with every AC repair cost:

• Diagnostic fee: This typically runs $98-$250
• Repair fee: This is either a flat rate or an hourly fee

With over two thousand 5-star reviews under our belt, Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning is the contractor that residents in Portland and the surrounding areas rely on when quality and efficiency matter. We provide same-day repairs and can repair all brands and models of central air conditioners.

Please call us today at 503-538-1950 or use our convenient online form to schedule an appointment and see why our customers return.