The HVAC system’s heater and air conditioner are usually the best components in your car during winter and summer, respectively. Unfortunately, this system is not immune to developing a fault or breaking down like other electrical or mechanical components.
While the air conditioning system’s proper functioning can be pleasurable, a single fault can be frustrating if you fail to fix it. Sometimes, a minor fault can linger for so long that it degenerates into a severe state.
If you’re contemplating how much it is to fix the AC in a car, various possible faults and their respective repair costs are provided in this post. So, go ahead and read on!
How Does AC Work in a Car?
A car’s air conditioner is built to manipulate refrigerant and convert it from gas to liquid and back again. Then, the refrigerant is sent to the evaporator as a cold gaseous substance at this point in the cycle.
Afterward, the air is released from outside over the gas, and the mixture transforms into a cool gaseous substance and is sent down to the cabin.
The whole process of cycling the refrigerant involves various components like the compressor, condenser, dryer, thermal expansion valve, etc. The process goes on until it releases water back outside the car through a series of other components like the evaporator coil, drain pipe, etc.
Typically, the compressor is responsible for compressing the air, creating high pressure and heat through its various pistons. This is further transferred to the condenser, which cools and changes the hot air into liquid.
After that, the fluid goes through the dryer, which ensures the absence of gas in the liquid as it moves to the thermal expansion valve. Here in the expansion valve, the liquid is cooled, transformed into a gaseous state, and sent through the evaporator.
The heater fan then blows fresh air from outside over the cold evaporator, thereby releasing the cold air straight into the cabin to cool the car’s interior. However, a malfunction in one or more of these components can hinder this operation.
Read Also: How To Make Car AC Colder – Everything You Need To Know
How much does it cost to fix AC in the car?
Usually, a car’s air conditioner can develop various faults, from simple to complex, as the case may be. However, the most common problems are traceable to leaks in the HVAC system. Nevertheless, various faults and their respective repair costs are captured below in this section.
The goal is that they will serve as a guide in helping you deal with the issues whenever they suddenly occur in your car. The following are some of the common faults and the cost of fixing each of them below.
Dirty or clogged cabin filters
The cabin filter is designed to remove dirt from the air inflow required by the air conditioning system. However, the component is subject to dirt accumulation over time.
The trapped dust, dirt, or debris will eventually cause the evaporative coil in the air conditioner to freeze. When this occurs, it will result in an overflow of water from the condensate drain.
The cost of replacing a dirty air filter is estimated at around $40 – $130, depending on the vehicle’s make, model, and year. However, it can be more expensive in some luxury cars.
Corroded evaporator coil
The air conditioner evaporator coil is also subject to dirt accumulation. The debris or dirt can cause the component to rust or corrode over time, creating escape routes for leaking water in the air conditioning system.
Usually, repairing the evaporator coil is difficult, as the best remedy is a complete replacement of the part. The cost of replacement is estimated at around $600 – $2,000, depending on the brand you choose to buy and the location of the parts dealer.
Damaged condensate drain pan
The condensate drain pan is designed to receive the excess water dripping from an air conditioning system’s evaporator coil. While receiving the moisture, it channels the fluid to the AC drain line, preventing water leaks.
Unfortunately, the component is susceptible to wear and tear over time, especially due to usage. However, an accident can also break or damage the component. This will cause the component to leak water into the air conditioning system.
A broken condensate pan costs about $200 –$600. However, the price is determined by the type of condensate pan you decide to buy, which is also a function of the kind of material used.
Clogged condensate drain pipe
The condensate drain pipe is built to channel the water in the air conditioning system to drain outside after receiving the fluid from the condensate pan. This operation occurs simultaneously while the cooling gaseous substance is released inside the car.
If this component becomes clogged up with dirt or debris, the water will not be able to flow outside the car; instead, it will reverse the order. A common symptom that reveals a condensate drain pipe problem is the constant leak into the passenger’s side of the car.
The condensate drain pipe can be unclogged in order to get the dirt or debris out; trace and locate the pipe at the rear of the car’s engine around the passenger’s side. Then, carefully bend the pipe to release the debris or dirt.
You may also want to use a screwdriver to get the dirt out properly. “How much does it cost to fix a clogged ac drain in car?” If you’re wondering, “How much does it cost to fix a clogged AC drain in a car?” Replacing a blocked condensate line costs around $75 – $250.
Faulty AC compressor
The compressor is one of the most crucial parts of the air conditioning system that ensures the proper inflow of cool air into the cabin. So, if the AC suddenly fails to supply cool air, a faulty compressor is most likely responsible.
Sometimes, the component may also produce inconsistent noise when you turn on your air conditioner. If this is your experience, replacing the compressor would be best.
The AC compressor replacement cost is estimated at $100 – $300, while the labor cost is about $300 – $800, respectively. This is arguably one of the most expensive car AC repairs.
Bad air condenser
Like the compressor, the air condenser is yet another critical part of a car’s air conditioning system. The unit is responsible for condensing, cooling down, and converting the refrigerant vapor received from the AC compressor into liquid.
A faulty condenser will suddenly produce abnormal, loud noises and alter the unit’s cooling capability. It can also leak an abnormal quantity of fluid. The average cost of replacing a bad condenser is between $585 and $773.
Faulty AC fan motor
The HVAC system is built with other auxiliary mechanical parts that enhance its proper functioning to produce the usual cooling experience. One of such component is the AC fan or blower motor, which enhances the cooling operation by blowing out hot air and allowing the inflow of fresh air.
A faulty AC fan motor will produce a loud buzzing or humming noise with the inability to properly expel hot air. If you’re wondering, “How much does it cost to fix AC fan in a car?” Replacing the component costs around $50 – $100 for parts and $80 – $100 for labor, respectively.
Read Also: Why is My Car Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
FAQs
Is AC expensive to fix in a car?
How much does it cost to fix AC in a car? Fixing a car’s AC can be both cheap and expensive, depending on the nature of the fault. Also, a car’s make or model, as well as the auto technician you contact, are other factors that determine how much it would cost to fix a defective AC.
However, most AC repairs are estimated to cost around $100 – $900, as the case may be. So, if you have a faulty AC, kindly consult an expert auto technician ASAP.
How much does it cost to put AC in a car?
Car air conditioner price varies based on different factors. Typically, the cost of installing an air conditioning system in a car ranges from $1,500 – $4,000. However, the estimated cost could be more, depending on the kind of car.
Meanwhile, recharging a car’s AC costs between $150 and $300. Again, several factors impact the cost of recharging the component. So, ensure to take this into consideration whenever you need a recharge.
Can I drive my car without AC?
The air conditioning system cannot automatically impede a car’s normal operation, and you can drive without it. However, you may not be efficient without the system because of its advantages.
If you have a faulty AC and you’re asking, “How much does a car AC diagnostic cost?” Ensure to contact a professional auto technician near you. However, in the meantime, you can allow the inflow of fresh air from outside into the cabin to help in cooling your car. The HVAC system’s fan can also do justice to that effect.
What happens if we drive with a leaky ac system?
Driving with a leaky air conditioning system is not ideal because the fault can escalate and result in costly damage. In addition, the leaks signify that one or more components in the system are bad and need immediate technical attention.
Usually, a faulty condensate drain pipe is responsible if your car’s AC keeps leaking water unnecessarily. If you’re asking, “How much does it cost to fix AC leak in car?” You may have to let an auto mechanic diagnose the fault before drafting an estimate.
Final Words
A car’s air conditioning system can be easily managed without stress if you incorporate the system’s check into your car’s regular maintenance schedule. This will help you detect any potential fault in order to fix it immediately.
With regular maintenance, you may not have to worry about reoccurring issues. However, if you’re experiencing a leak in your AC, kindly check out how much it costs to fix the AC in your car, as unveiled above in this article.
If you’re contemplating how much to fix an AC leak in a car before visiting your auto technician’s workshop, be sure to take a look at the replacement cost of the related component above.
