Air conditioning repairs, while necessary, can quickly add up. Take a closer look at some of the average costs per Home Advisor and Angi. Remember these are averages. Your system may be old enough that finding parts is challenging, or you might have a larger or smaller system than the average homeowner.

• AC Recharge – $350
• Blower Repair – $1,075
• Circuit Board Replacement – $425
• Compressor Repair or Replacement – $1,450
• Condenser Replacement – $2,450
• Duct Replacement – $10,750
• Evaporator Coil Replacement – $1,300
• Thermostat Replacement – $250

You can’t survive without your AC when summer arrives. What do you do to keep AC repairs as low as possible?

Perform as Much Maintenance As You Can

How much maintenance do you perform each year? It will help your system maintain efficiency and work properly. Vacuum pet hair and dust from your air intake covers. Keep your floors clean of excess pet hair and dust.

Check your AC filters and replace them before they start making it harder for your AC to work. The rule of thumb on AC filters is to replace them every 30 to 90 days. Hold it up to the light and see if you see light or not. If it’s extremely gray with dust and pet hair, it’s overdue for a change.

At the end of the peak cooling season, clean the outdoor unit. Take the cover off carefully and use a hose to spray off the coils. Make sure there are no leaves or dirt blocking airflow on the cover. Check the condensate drain line and clear it out using vinegar and water if you find algae growth that’s blocking drainage.

Get a Comprehensive Evaluation

The best way to lower the cost of repairs is by paying for a yearly evaluation and inspection. If there are problems, it’s best to catch them early before they damage other components. During this inspection, you should ask about having your system cleaned. A clean system is efficient and doesn’t have to work as hard, which makes it less likely to break down.

Another reason to get an evaluation goes back to mistakes that may have been made when your system was installed. These can lead to continual breakdowns and needs for repairs.

Sometimes, systems are oversized or undersized. A homeowner may have cut corners and installed a central AC without using an AC expert. They purchased a new unit from an overstock company and got a friend to help install it. They didn’t realize systems must be carefully sized or they will turn on and off too frequently or run too much and strain the components.

It may never have been charged correctly by the original installers. If that happens, the system isn’t going to run properly, which again can strain components within the AC and require more repairs. Having issues of this nature fixed will reduce future repair bills.

Don’t Ignore Unusual Sounds

Your AC system is making unusual sounds. Don’t ignore a new noise. It’s better to have someone look over your system now. You might find that it’s a simple fix like some loose screws or a fan blade that’s bent. Hire an AC technician to make the repairs while the problems are small.

Ease the Strain on Your AC System

Try to keep rooms cooler naturally to lower the strain on your central AC system. If you have a lot of windows that let in sunlight, have shades or blinds that block the sun at the hottest part of the day.

Run ceiling fans to help circulate cool air in larger rooms. If you don’t have ceiling fans, use box fans or floor fans. Floor fans that rotate help push cooler air into all of your living space, which keeps rooms cooler and lowers the work your air conditioner has to do.

Get Repairs When Demand Is Low

Off-season repairs will cost you less as demand is lower. If you’re not competing with dozens of other homeowners needing AC repairs, there’s less demand for the parts your AC needs and the technician’s time.

Check for State and Federal Rebates and Incentives

What happens if the repairs cost almost as much as a new AC system costs? If you have a qualifying central air conditioner installed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032, you can qualify for a 30% tax credit, up to $600, if you choose an ENERGY STAR central AC system.

That’s one option. If you also improve the insulation in your attic, you also qualify for a tax credit of 30%, up to $1,200. It’s possible to get up to $3,200 in tax credits each year. There are also tax credits for new energy-efficient windows and alternative energy sources like wind or solar power.

Are you a customer of FPL? New central AC systems that have brand-new outdoor and indoor units may qualify for a $150 instant rebate. The AC system must be installed in a single-family home that’s not a manufactured or mobile home. Make sure the system that’s installed is a 15.2 SEER2 rating or better.

Consider a Parts and Labor Warranty

Most central AC systems won’t last more than 20 years if you’re lucky. Some only make it for 10 to 15 years. This is normal. Purchase an extended parts and labor warranty when you have an AC installed. It may be too late for now, but make sure you do when you eventually have a new central air conditioner installation completed.

That gives you a full decade of worry-free operation. If something does go wrong, you’re protected by the warranty.

Maximize Your Investment by Choosing a Certified Installer

Is it time for a new AC system? The off-season is the best time to invest in a new AC as All Year Cooling has end-of-season sales that help you save up to 15% off. Plus, new installs come with a 10-year extended warranty. When you add the rebates available from FPL and tax incentives from the federal government, your new system ends up costing far less than you might imagine.

What if you can’t afford the system still? All Year Cooling offers special financing plans for up to 60 months. If you’re denied by one of our banks, we offer internal financing plans that don’t require a minimum credit score.

Ask All Year Cooling about a new AC install. We’re an FPL participating contractor, so you’ll qualify for the rebate and get a fantastic parts and labor warranty, too.

Get Cash By Referring Friends and Family Members

Have you used All Year Cooling in the past? Refer your friends and family members to our company. If they use our services, you get a $50 referral fee. All of that adds up and can cover some of your AC repairs. Ask us for more information on the referral fees that can pay for AC repairs.