How much to fix car ac leak

When summer comes around, you want your car’s air conditioner to work perfectly. You want that cold air blowing in your car to keep you comfortable until you reach your destination. Depending on where in the country you live, it could become over 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside, which means it is a lot hotter inside your metal vehicle. A car AC not working is a major issue, and it requires an immediate trip to an auto parts store. When something in the AC breaks, you may wonder how much you will need to spend, and it all depends on what the exact issue is.

Installing a New AC

You may have purchased a car that did not come with an AC. It is possible the entire unit broke down, and you just need to start from scratch. In either scenario, the cost of installing a brand new AC system can cost you anywhere between $1,500 and $4,000. However, it can be even more than that depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle. The reason it costs so much is due to the fact you have to factor in both the parts and the price of labor.If so, try partsgeek for some incredible options to enhance your car’s performance.

Fixing Leaks

When you notice puddles forming underneath your vehicle, you have to locate the source. It could come from somewhere else, but you want your mechanic to check your AC. It will generally cost you between $150 and $800 depending on the extent of the damage. Patching the leak may not be enough, and you may need to purchase additional components to make the AC work well once again. You may need to install a new condenser, compressor, sensor or hose. These are minor repairs, but you should still expect to pay a few hundred dollars. You can save money by buying them from wholesale distributors – Tooley Imports Australia.

Cleaning the AC

You may not get as much cold air out of the system as you would like. In some cases, all you need is to clean out the AC. In this instance, you need to ask yourself, “Where can I find an AC vacuum pump rental near me?” You should also look at the filter and replace it with a new one. You should generally replace this filter between every 15,000 and 30,000 miles. Any longer than that and the filter becomes brittle, and the system will not work as well as it should. Luckily, this is the most affordable thing to do to your AC, and you can even do this work on your own.

Evaluating the System

If you just need a mechanic to inspect the system to see how it is running, then you can expect to pay between $100 and $300. This inspection will include an examination of the connections, belts and hoses. The mechanic will end this with a fresh refill of refrigerant.

You should consider learning how to fix your car’s AC on your own to save some money. At that point, you just need to pay for the cost of parts, which you can find at an online auto parts shop. Everything you need to keep your car comfortable is readily accessible.

AC leak repair cost

AC leak repair costs $200 to $1,500 on average to find and fix the leak and refill the Freon. AC Freon leak repair costs depend on the HVAC location, severity, leak test method, refrigerant prices, and replacement parts. An AC leak test costs $100 to $330 for detection only.

Leaks in the refrigerant line cost the least to repair. Leaks in the evaporator coil or compressor are the most expensive to repair. AC water leak repairs cost $75 to $600 to fix.

AC leak repair cost

• An AC service call costs $75 to $200 to diagnose the problem.
• HVAC repair technicians charge $75 to $150 per hour on average or up to $200 per hour for after-hours emergency calls or hot summer months.

Table of contents

[hide][show]

1. AC leak repair cost
2. AC Freon refrigerant leak repair cost
   • AC leak test cost
   • Costs to fix a Freon leak
3. Signs of an AC freon leak
   • Types of freon leaks
4. Home HVAC water leak repair cost
   • Is water leaking normal?
5. DIY refrigerant leak repair kit cost
6. Frequently asked questions
   • Repair or replace the AC?
   • How to check for a leak?
   • Are Freon leaks dangerous?
7. Hiring an air conditioner repair service
   • Questions to ask
8. AC repair near me

AC Freon refrigerant leak repair cost

The following table shows the average cost to find and fix an AC refrigerant leak.

AC Freon refrigerant leak repair cost

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Find top-rated AC repair services near you. View Pros

AC leak test cost

The cost to find an AC leak is $100 to $330, depending on the test method. Types of AC leak tests include:

• Electronic leak detection is the most common and cost-effective test method. The drawback is that the detector can only scan components it can touch.
• Dye detection involves sending fluorescent dye through the HVAC system and using a UV light to locate spots where the dye leaks out.
• Nitrogen detection involves replacing the remaining refrigerant in the AC system with compressed nitrogen, which makes audible noises at any leak points.
• Ultrasonic leak detection uses a device to listen for refrigerant gas escaping from the line.
• A bubble test, also called soap bubble detection, involves dabbing a soap and water mixture on any suspected leak locations and looking for air bubbles that form at the leak points.
• Halide torch detection uses a flame that turns green when it comes in contact with chloride. Halide torch tests have become less common because not all refrigerant includes chloride.

Costs to fix a Freon leak

The cost to fix a freon leak depends on the AC system's age, accessibility, the extent of the damage, and whether any parts need replacing. Refrigerant leaks often occur in the following parts, which require replacement:

• AC evaporator coil replacement costs $400 to $1,000 if under warranty or $650 to $2,400 if not under warranty.
• AC condenser coil replacement costs $900 to $2,300.
• AC compressor replacement costs $600 to $1,200 if under warranty or $1,300 to $2,500 if not under warranty.
• An AC Freon refill costs $100 to $320 for R-410A refrigerant or $180 to $600 for R-22 Freon. The AC unit typically needs recharging after repairing the leak.

Return to top

Signs of an AC freon leak

Common signs of an air conditioning refrigerant leak include:

• Vents blowing warm air
• AC runs all day but doesn't cool the home
• Humid indoor air
• Hissing, gurgling, or bubbling sounds from the AC unit
• Oily residue on the refrigerant lines
• Water leaking and puddling around the condenser
• Higher utility bills
• Frost or ice on the evaporator coil

Turn off the system and contact an AC repair company immediately if there is frost or ice on the evaporator coil. Running the unit in this condition can destroy the compressor.

Types of freon leaks

Most AC freon leaks are standing leaks (SL) in the evaporator or condenser coil. These leaks are typically not repairable and require part replacement instead. Some leaks in the refrigerant line set can be repaired with a weld.

Pinhole leaks or cumulative micro-leaks (CML) may also form in the coils or refrigerant lines over the years due to vibration, pressure, or general wear and tear.

Home HVAC water leak repair cost

Fixing a water leak in a home AC costs $75 to $600, depending on the cause and whether any parts require replacing.

Home HVAC water leak repair cost

Common malfunctions that cause AC water leaks include:

• Flushing the drain line costs $75 to $250. A clogged condensate drain line is the most common cause of an AC water leak.
• Drain pan replacement costs $200 to $600 if the pan is cracked or rusted.
• Condensate pump replacement costs $100 to $450. A malfunctioning condensate pump won't remove water from the drain pan through the drain line, causing the pan to overflow.
• Replacing the air filter costs $10 to $70, depending on the filter type. A dirty or clogged air filter blocks airflow over the evaporator coil, causing excess condensation.
• AC coil cleaning costs $100 to $400. Dirt and oil on the evaporator coil or condenser coil may cause excess condensation, resulting in a water leak.

To prevent a clogged drain line, pour 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar into the drain line once per month. Let the vinegar sit for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water to ensure the line flows freely.

Is it normal for AC units to leak water?

It's normal for an AC unit to leak a small amount of water due to condensation. Excess moisture drips into the drain pan and is pumped out through the drain line. Frequent leaks indoors or puddles around the outdoor condenser that don't dry out quickly may indicate an AC problem.

Return to top

DIY refrigerant leak repair kit cost

AC leak repair kits cost $70 to $160 and include a leak-sealing chemical in a syringe or canister along with an injection hose or applicator. The chemical travels along the refrigerant's path through the AC system and seals any leak points.

Leak sealant syringe refills cost $30 to $100, depending on the AC size. An AC system may require multiple sealant applications.

Get free estimates from local AC services. View Pros

Do AC repair kits stop leaks?

AC repair kits are a temporary solution and will only fix tiny leaks. A repair kit will not stop leaks in the evaporator coil, where most freon leaks occur. A refrigerant recharge is required after injecting the leak sealant, and only a licensed AC technician can refill the refrigerant.

Frequently asked questions

Should I repair the freon leak or replace my AC instead?

Consider replacing the AC instead of repairing the leak if any of these conditions apply:

• The AC is more than 10 years old.
• The system uses R-22 freon.
• The repair cost is at least 50% of the price of a new AC.
• The repair cost multiplied by the system's age in years exceeds $5,000.

A new air conditioner costs $3,300 to $5,900 on average.

How to check for a freon leak in a home AC

An AC technician tests for leaks using an electronic leak detector, dye, ultrasonic detector, or nitrogen bubble test. Homeowners can use these simple methods to check for a freon leak before calling a technician for repairs:

• Listen for hissing or bubbling sounds coming from the unit. Pinpoint the location of the sound.
• Look for dirty or oily spots on the refrigerant line. Leaking refrigerant attracts dirt.
• Mix soap with warm water and stir for several minutes. Apply the soap solution to areas where leaks are suspected. As refrigerant escapes, air bubbles form at the leak points.

Are Freon leaks dangerous?

Freon is a dangerous toxic substance that is harmful to health. Inhaling refrigerant gas may cause severe illness or death. Direct skin contact with refrigerants may cause a chemical burn or allergic reaction. Freon leaks also damage the environment and deplete the ozone layer.

Contact an AC repair company immediately if you suspect a freon leak. Inhaling the gas can be fatal.

Return to top

Hiring an air conditioner repair service

Before hiring an AC repair company near you, be sure to:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Look for a NATE-certified technician with experience repairing air conditioners.
• Confirm the technician is EPA Section 608 certified to handle refrigerants.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business longer than five years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.

Questions to ask

• How long have you been repairing air conditioners?
• Are you NATE certified or ACCA accredited?
• Are you EPA Section 608 certified to handle refrigerants?
• Do you charge a diagnostic or service call fee to find the leak? If yes, do you apply that fee to the repair cost if I hire you to perform the repairs?
• Which leak detection methods will you use?
• How long will the leak test and repairs take?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• What does your warranty policy include?
• What is your payment schedule?

Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted pros:

Get free estimates

• How Much Does It Cost to Repair an AC Unit? (2021).
  https://homeguide.com/costs/ac-repair-cost
• How Much Does Air Conditioning Repair Cost? (2021).
  https://airrepairpros.com/how-much-does-air-conditioning-repair-cost/
• HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FIX A LEAK IN THE AC UNIT? (2021).
  https://www.tempairsystem.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-fix-a-leak-in-the-ac-unit/
• Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs of an AC Refrigerant Leak. (2020).
  https://aristair.com/blog/what-are-the-signs-of-an-ac-refrigerant-leak/
• Air Conditioning Freon Leak Repair Service Philadelphia. (n.d.).
  https://danielshvacphiladelphia.com/air-conditioning-freon-leak-repair-service-philadelphia/

How much does it cost to fix AC leakage?

Is it normal for AC to leak under car?

Can leaks in AC be fixed?

How much is an AC leak test?