Cost to Repair an Air Conditioner in Denver, CO

Homeowners in Colorado frequently inquire about the cost of air conditioner repair. The repair cost can vary depending on several factors, including:

1. The type of repair
2. Your warranties
3. Hourly vs. fixed rate

In this article, we’ll discuss these factors and help you decide if you should repair or replace your AC unit.

Let’s start with cost factor #1:

Cost factor #1: The type of AC repair

The type of repair your air conditioner needs largely determines what you’ll end up paying.

Think of A/C repairs like taking your car to a mechanic. You know that some car repairs are more expensive than others, like a costly transmission rebuild compared to a simple belt replacement.

It’s the same with AC repairs; some repairs cost more than others.

The most expensive part to replace with an A/C unit is the compressor. A compressor is a pump that’s responsible for raising and lowering the pressure of refrigerant, which is how an air conditioner keeps your home cool.

Other common AC repairs include:

• Replace the evaporator coil
• Fix a refrigerant leak
• Replace a circuit board
• Replace condensing unit fan motor
• Replace a capacitor or contactor
• Cleaning of condenser/evaporator coils

Luckily, some parts are covered under warranty, which we’ll cover in the next section:

Cost factor #2: Your warranties

A warranty will reduce the amount of money you’ll pay out-of-pocket for an AC repair.

Most brand name A/C units come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers parts like:

• The compressor
• The condenser coil
• Connecting tubing
• The evaporator coil

Some warranties will even cover the labor associated with replacing each part, but it depends on the manufacturer and contractor.

To check your warranty, look online or call the manufacturer with the model number, serial number, and date of installation.

Cost factor #3: Hourly vs. fixed rate

Whoever you choose to repair your air conditioner also affects how much you pay.

Why is that?

Well, one reason has to do with how A/C contractors charge for repairs. Some charge by the hour; others at a flat-rate price.

Just be sure to ask up front which method the company uses so you can know what to expect.

A word of warning: Be wary of contractors who quote really low prices; they may be using inferior replacement parts. Or they could be planning on doing a bait and switch (quoting you a low price, then selling you a brand-new system that you don’t need).

For more information about contractors, learn 7 things to look for to find the best HVAC contractor in Denver, CO.

Repair or replace your A/C unit?

Let’s say you get quoted a really high price for an air conditioner repair. Should you pay for the repair or just buy a new unit?

Well, the answer depends. Consider these questions:

• How old is your A/C unit? If it’s 10–12 years old, it’s nearing the end of its life. So, it may be worth it to replace your A/C unit.
• Have you been paying for a lot of repairs? If your air conditioner has already been breaking down regularly it may be time to replace it. That would save you money on future repairs.
• How much is the repair? Is it expensive, like a coil or compressor replacement? If so, it may be less expensive to install a new AC unit—especially if your current unit is old.

At the end of the day though, the decision to replace or repair is yours. It definitely depends on your current budget. But also consider long-term benefits like a more efficient A/C unit, which will save you money down the road in energy costs.