How much does it cost to fix your car AC
Anything that leads to the car’s air conditioner not functioning can wreck your driving plans. No one wants to get caught in the dead of summer without the cooling on! It is a hassle plus, the repairs are expensive. Speaking of expensive, you may wonder how much would it cost to fix the car’s air conditioner? This blog will provide you with the answers.
What is the cost to fix car AC
The cost of fixing the air conditioner varies depending on the cause of the malfunction. On average, the car ac repair costs around $2500 excluding labor costs. The price can be as low as $1000 for minor repairs and can go high as $5000. The labor cost ranges from $120 to $160 depending on the repair facility that you chose. Here’s a rundown of the costs for different types of breakdowns:
- If the AC is faulty: Your AC might not be working properly, and it could take a while to figure out the problem. There may be a problem in some component or could be a leakage somewhere. The AC coolant is not supposed to be released into the atmosphere, hence you must visit a mechanic.
- Leakage in the AC: If there is a refrigerant leak in negligible quantity, then it is not a cause for worry but if it’s significant, it’s time to get it checked. Older cars are more susceptible to leakages due to the wear and tear of the component materials. At the repair shop, they conduct dye tests to check if there is a leakage. The leakage can be caused due to the compressor being faulty and might need replacing costing some hundred dollars. If the trouble is due to O-rings leakage, it won’t cost more than $20 for replacing it. The labor charges are added to the replacement costs.
- Air compressor: If you have switched on the AC and the cabin is still hot, you should get the compressor checked. Some signs include unusual noises and fluid leaks, common to both gas and electric vehicles. These fixes would require specialized tools, which would contribute to higher labor costs. Overall, the cost to fix an air compressor would be about $300 to $800.
- Clogged filters: The AC filters are essential items that allow the air to flow into the cabin. If you notice insufficient air in the cabin, it can be due to filter malfunction. Also, they also stop small particles like pollen, dust, and other pollutants from entering the area. Filters are inexpensive and cost $10 to $20 to replace. The labor cost would be additional and some might do it for free if your car has other issues as well.
- Other parts: There might be any other components like evaporator, condenser hoses, etc that need repairing. The amount to get these parts fixed would vary depending on the extent of the problem. The rough figure would be around $1000 or more.
Should you DIY or hire a professional?
If you’ve got an auto warranty, you need not worry about repairing the AC yourself and the bloated repair costs. But if you do not have one, you might be tempted to go through with the DIY route for fixing the issues, because you won’t want to spend hundreds of dollars out of your savings. However, there are several environmental regulations you need to follow and specialized tools to use to conduct repairs. They may or may not be available to you and if you try any experiments, you could end up causing more damage. Hence, it is advisable to get the repairs done by a mechanic.
Final word
The air conditioner helps to keep the car atmosphere pleasant and bearable during hot weather. The cost to fix the issue may vary depending on how much of a trouble it is. You can fix the issue yourself or hire a professional. Either way, it is best to fix the issues as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
