How Much Does Emergency HVAC Cost?

No one wants to deal with a faulty air conditioner, especially when you need it the most. That is why having an emergency repair service at hand is essential.

The average HVAC repair costs $360. As a homeowner, you will likely spend between $150 and $650 to repair your air conditioner. However, this cost will vary depending on the type of HVAC repair. Most HVAC contractors may charge you an hourly rate of $75 to $150. Before settling on an emergency HVAC repair service, it is essential to research and compare rates. It would be best if you were also wary of the factors that affect the pricing of emergency HVAC repairs.  At Emergency Plumbing Squad we offer 24/7 emergency HVAC repairs at an affordable cost.

In this guide, we will explicitly detail the cost of emergency repairs to your HVAC and answer questions relating to the repair of your system.

How Much Does Emergency Air Conditioner Repair Cost?

An air conditioner malfunction can sneak up on you when you least expect it. In most cases, the fault may result in high energy bills in your home. An emergency repair service is necessary at this point.

If your HVAC system stops working, it’s important to get emergency services right away. Unfortunately, these services typically cost more than regular rates. On the low end, you can expect to pay $140 to $210 per hour, and on the high end, you may be looking at $400 to $600 per hour. Some HVAC contractors only charge an extra $40 to $80 an hour for after-hours and weekend visits, but others may charge their regular rate plus a premium.

Before you schedule an emergency service call, be sure to ask about the cost so you can budget accordingly. Taking care of your HVAC system can help prevent emergencies from happening in the first place, so make sure to keep up with regular maintenance. By being prepared and informed, you can minimize the stress and expense of HVAC emergencies.

Emergency HVAC Repair Costs for Maintenance and Replacement

As mentioned, the cost of HVAC repair services varies. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cost of each service to heat pumps, air conditioners, furnaces, and other HVAC equipment.

Emergency Air Conditioners Repairs

The cost factors of air conditioning repairs depend on your system’s problem. For example, a leaking refrigerant will cost $400 to repair, whereas a filter drier replacement that affects your unit’s hot or cold air blowing will cost $300.

The cost of an air conditioner replacement increases with high efficiency. The cost estimate of a new air conditioner installation ranges between $2,300 to $7,500. This service includes replacing the indoor coil and the refrigerant line set.

At Emergency Plumbing Squad we provide all our clients with two annual tune-ups on their air conditioners, which will include inspecting the unit’s refrigerant charge level, the condition of the indoor coil, drain tube, drain pan, and other electrical components.

Emergency Air Handlers and Furnace Repairs

Typically, homes achieve heating through the use of furnaces or heat pumps. If you suddenly wake up in the middle of the night because your room is cold, it could indicate a clogged air filter in your furnace or a fault in your heat pump. In this case, you can contact Emergency Plumbing Squad for a quick repair.

On average, most homeowners spend between $125 and $355 on repairs. HVAC technicians usually charge between $70 and $150 per hour, and diagnostic fees generally run about $90. So if you’re looking to get your furnace serviced, don’t let the cost scare you away. Get a few quotes and find a technician that you can trust to do the job right.

If your broken furnace is beyond repair, or the furnace repair cost over time becomes too high, we will advise on a new furnace suitable for your home.For just $150 to $160, an experienced HVAC technician will inspect your furnace and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that it is running efficiently. You can also get gas furnace replacement for an average cost of $2000-$4000.

If your home uses a heat pump for heat circulation, your system will also include an air handler. The cost of replacing an air handler is significantly lower than furnace replacement since the former doesn’t have burners or gas valves. However, units with a variable speed blower may cost more to replace. The average cost of an air handler replacement is $2050.

Thermostat Repair

Your thermostat plays a vital role in controlling how your unit works. A faulty thermostat can be inconvenient since it deters you from adjusting the temperatures. Generally, if your thermostat stops working, our HVAC technician will advise on a replacement since it’s more effective than a repair.

There are two types of thermostats. You can opt for a simple or smart thermostat with added features and functions. A smart thermostat will cost more to install. The average price of installing a smart thermostat ranges between $45 and $300. On the other hand, installing a non-programmable thermostat will cost between $20 and $90.

Emergency Ductwork Repair

Your home’s ductwork plays a vital role in the supply of hot and cold air in your home. Your air conditioning units could be functioning correctly. However, an uninsulated duct can cause loss of heat, which translates to high utility costs, especially during winter.

Our emergency air conditioner repair services also include inspection and repair of ductwork in your home. You should contact us for immediate repair if you notice a leak or water damage in your ducts. Our HVAC technician will advise on the cost of ductwork replacement, which we charge per linear foot of ductwork. On average, new ductwork will cost $11 to $19 per linear foot.

Factors Affecting Repair Cost of HVAC System

At Emergency Plumbing Squad our emergency repair costs vary depending on several factors. This guide will provide a clear picture of the estimated cost for adequate planning.

Age of HVAC Unit

Generally, air conditioners are meant to serve homeowners for fifteen to twenty years. However, the unit’s efficiency will deteriorate over time, which calls for frequent maintenance. An older unit will need more repairs than a new unit, which consequently drives up HVAC repair costs. If your unit costs you more in repairs and energy bills, our HVAC technicians will advise replacing your system with a new and highly efficient unit suitable for your home.

Time of Repair

The demand for emergency HVAC services during the summer and winter tends to be relatively high. For this reason, most HVAC contractors will charge a higher price for an emergency repair on your unit. If you want to steer clear of high repair charges, we advise our clients to have frequent tune-ups on the units during the fall and autumn seasons. This will significantly save you from the high service-demand costs. For example, it’s cheaper to have your furnace serviced during the fall and your AC serviced during the spring.

Size and Efficiency of HVAC system.

The cost of emergency repair of your unit corresponds directly with its size. A bigger unit will translate to more work for our hvac contractor; hence the cost will be significantly higher. On the other hand, a more efficient unit will require minimal repairs; hence the emergency repair service will cost less.

Labor Costs  

Generally, HVAC technicians charge an average of $70 to $150 an hour. Some technicians will charge a minimum service call fee of about $75 to $200. The service call fee is usually treated as the first-hour labor cost or billed as the final maintenance cost.

In addition, technicians will provide a flat rate for repairing worn-out parts, especially if it is a minor job on your healing and cooling system. For emergency services, the repair cost tends to be higher after business hours. An HVAC contractor will charge you $150 to $250 per hour for emergency repairs, and you should expect to pay an additional $50 to $90 per hour for emergency repair services outside normal business hours.

When Should You Contact an Emergency HVAC Repair Service

An air conditioner, just like any other machine, requires periodic maintenance. The unit can quickly develop a fault if its mechanical components are not correctly serviced. You may be able to troubleshoot our air conditioner if it stops working. However, some repairs will require extensive experience and expertise. The following common tell-tale signs should guide you when contacting an emergency HVAC service.

Unit Stops Working

If your air conditioning system stops working, it clearly shows a fault. However, sometimes the circuit breakers may have tripped, or your thermostat isn’t working. Some of the basic things to do in such a case are to check the power supply to your unit and thermostat. If your thermostat is in working condition, your unit’s circuit board may be faulty. You will need to call an HVAC repair service to fully diagnose the system.

Water Damage in Your Home

If you notice significant water damage on your property, it could mean that your unit’s coil is frozen or the condensate drain is clogged. In such cases, it is essential to contact a repair service before the damage worsens. Water accumulation in your property can easily attract vermin and cause the growth of mold. To avoid this, you should contact an emergency HVAC repair service for an immediate fix.

Strong Odors

Cool or hot air from your air conditioning unit should not have any odor. If you notice a pungent smell, this indicates a fault. A burning smell could mean the heating and cooling system has a wiring problem that can tragically affect your safety if left unattended. Also, if you notice a distinct sweet smell from your cooling systems, this could signify a refrigerant leak in your ducts which is detrimental to your health.

A home with a natural gas connection will have a foul smell from the vent or duct when there is a leak. If you notice this, you should contact our emergency HVAC system repair services. Switching off your heating and cooling systems immediately and evacuating your home is also advisable.

Schedule Your Emergency Air Conditioning Repair

If you’re in need of emergency air conditioner repair, you can count on us to get the job done. We provide routine maintenance of HVAC systems as a minimum service, so our team is always up-to-date on the latest models and equipped with the right tools for any emergency HVAC services. Plus, our HVAC experts have extensive knowledge of all different types of systems, so you can rest assured that your repair is in good hands. So if you’re looking for a professional and expert HVAC service, give us a call today. We’re always here to help!Call us today!