If your home air conditioning system starts playing up, your first thought may be “What’s this going to cost me?”
Average AC repair costs in Calgary vary from just over $100 to several thousand dollars. Troubleshooting basic problems and estimating how much repairs will set you back can help prevent nasty surprises.
Let’s look at the average air conditioning repair costs, the main factors influencing costs, when a replacement may be better than repair, and tips for homeowners to save energy and money.
Average AC Repair Cost in Calgary
The average AC repair cost in Calgary can be anywhere from $125 up to $3,000-$5,000 or even more, including parts and labour. This depends on multiple factors such as the air conditioner type, the age and condition of the unit, the part(s) affected, the time of year, the time of day, the precise location, parts availability, warranty coverage, and more.
We take a deeper look at this below…
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What Factors Influence AC Repair Costs in Calgary?
The following factors all influence AC repair costs in Calgary…
Type of Air Conditioner
Large central air conditioners are more complex systems to troubleshoot and fix, and usually cost more to repair than smaller, ductless mini-split AC systems that heat individual rooms (all else being equal).
Part(s) Affected
Air conditioners are complex devices requiring many components to work in perfect balance. Repair costs vary significantly depending on the part(s) affected. Thermostat or filter problems are usually relatively cheap to fix (closer to the $100-$200 mark) while compressor, coil or refrigerant issues usually cost considerably more ($500 to well over $1,000).
Age and Condition of the Unit
Older systems often include parts with hard-to-find replacements. If you can find them, they may cost more. Because older systems are often less efficient, they will likely be less efficient than newer models even after repairs, and some homeowners will prefer to upgrade to a higher efficiency model.
Seasonality
In Calgary, AC repairs usually cost more from June to August (peak summer season) than the rest of the year. This is simple “supply and demand” economics. AC installation, repair, and maintenance companies are busier during the hotter months.
Time of Day
If your unit needs emergency AC repairs in Calgary and an HVAC technician must come to your home out of hours, you will likely pay a premium on top of the standard labor costs, increasing the overall costs.
Location and Accessibility
AC repair costs can also vary according to your precise location in Calgary. Easy-to-access city areas are generally cheaper for repairs than locations on the city’s outskirts or beyond, which add to the travel time and labor costs.
Refrigerant Availability
The type of refrigerant your AC uses can also affect the costs of repairs. R-22 (Freon) is being phased out and becoming scarcer. It is only used in older units, while modern alternatives like R-410A are more available and generally cheaper for recharging and repairing leaks.
Warranty and Service Agreements
If your AC unit is still under manufacturer warranty, it can significantly offset your repair costs. You may only need to cover the labor costs, which could save you hundreds of dollars. An AC unit still under an installation warranty should spare you even the labor costs.
Calgary AC Repair Cost: A Deeper Dive
Many things can affect the delicate balance of air conditioner mechanics. When things go wrong, like strange smells, noises, lack of cooling power or the AC not turning on at all, professional HVAC troubleshooting is usually recommended.
The good news for Calgarians is that AC repair costs are reasonable here compared to Toronto, Vancouver, and other areas. Pricing is moderate and comparable to Edmonton AC repair costs.
You will likely pay $75-$100 for a diagnostic call and $150 to $200 if the unit needs servicing. This service call fee is a minimum charge for AC repairs and it may contribute to the total repair cost if the work is approved.
The costs vary greatly depending on what’s wrong with your AC. Following are some estimates of central air repair costs in Calgary…
|
AC PROBLEM |
APPROX. REPAIR COST CALGARY |
|
Refrigerant top-up |
$250-425 |
|
AC refrigerant leak |
$400-$1,250 |
|
Capacitor replacement |
$200-400 |
|
Contactor replacement |
$200-$400 |
|
Compressor coil replacement |
$1,500 – $1,750 |
|
Evaporator coil replacement |
$1,500 – $1,750 |
|
AC circuit board replacement |
$450-$1,250 |
|
Thermostat replacement |
$200-$500 |
|
AC fan motor replacement |
$400-$1,000 |
How Do You Know if Your AC Needs Repair?
It’s not always obvious that your AC has problems. Sometimes, warning signs are ignored and the problems worsen until the air conditioning stops working. Understanding the typical warning signs can prevent this…
Poor Cooling Performance
The most obvious sign that your AC needs repairs or maintenance is poor cooling performance or temperature inconsistencies between rooms.
An air conditioning unit that blows warm air or is not cooling your home as efficiently as before should be checked. Reduced airflow from the vents is another sign of poor cooling performance and your unit requiring attention.
Rising Energy Bills
When a problem impacts the efficiency of your home cooling system, the unit must work harder and electricity bills tend to rise. This sign can be missed unless you monitor your monthly energy bills and check for unexplained increases.
Strange Sounds or Noises
Banging, grinding or hissing noises from an AC unit are a sure sign that a professional pair of eyes is needed to troubleshoot a mechanical issue. Equally, if you smell strange odors like musty smells or electrical burning smells, get in touch with a Calgary AC repair service.
Water or Refrigerant Leakages
Water or refrigerant leaks are another major sign of an AC problem. Water leaks are usually quite obvious but a refrigerant leak may be less evident, although potentially hazardous. Professional emergency AC repairs are required as soon as possible.
Frozen AC
A frozen evaporator coil or ice around the condenser unit are other quite dramatic signs of a problem with your cooling system.
DIY Troubleshooting vs Professional Repair
DIY-safe actions with air conditioners are few and far between. Most problems require professional fixes. Generally speaking, Calgary homeowners can safely do the following:
Beyond that, call an HVAC technician to check your system. This is essential for anything involving refrigerant, compressor tasks or electrical matters because of safety issues but it’s a good rule of thumb for almost any AC problem other than the limited DIY tasks outlined above.
Bear in mind that if you attempt a DIY fix while your AC is under warranty, it may void the warranty—not to mention the exposure to potential safety hazards.
Tips to Save on AC Repair Costs in Calgary
To reduce unexpected repair costs in Calgary:
AC Repair vs Replacement: Making the Right Decision
How do you know if repairing or replacing your AC unit is best?
One simple yardstick to use is the “50% rule”:
If the cost of repairs is more than 50 percent of the cost of a new AC unit, it’s usually best to replace the system.
Alternatively, use the “5,000 rule”:
Multiply the age of your HVAC unit by the estimated cost of repair. If the total exceeds $5000, replacing the unit is often the better choice. If the total is under $5000, a repair may be a more cost-effective option.
Often, you’ll find that older units (10-15 years or more) that frequently run into trouble are good candidates for replacement. Newer, efficient units are usually better candidates for repairs than replacement. Here are 10 signs it’s time to replace your AC unit.
If you decide to upgrade to a new AC unit, the upfront costs can usually be offset by the lower running costs, which save money on the monthly electricity bills.
Some Calgary homeowners concerned about the environmental impact of their cooling systems are more likely to upgrade older units to more energy-efficient models using more eco-friendly refrigerants.
FAQs
Call the Professionals for AC repairs in Calgary…
All HVAC professionals at Alberta Mountain Air are SAIT-certified and can help you make the right heating and cooling decisions. So, if you’re in Calgary and considering your heating and cooling options, contact us online.
