How Much Does Coolant Leak Repair Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $225 - $2,000
Coolant leak repair costs $1,075 on average depending on the detection system used and the repair needed.
Air conditioning coolants used in your home's HVAC system help to cool down the air temperature. While you may not be able to diagnose a leak on your own, your home suddenly taking longer to cool down to a comfortable temperature is a telltale sign. You may also notice hissing sounds, visible leaking, or a mysteriously high energy bill. A typical coolant leak repair cost can fall between $225 and $2,000. This guide will show you what to expect for specific repairs.
- Average
- $1,075
- Low end
- $150
- high end
- $3,000
Coolant Leak Cost Factors
A local HVAC pro may need to spend some time diagnosing the cause of your AC coolant leak. Common leak causes include factory defects, thinned-out connectors and joints, corrosion of copper tubing, incorrect installation, and worn rubber seals. A pro's findings will help to determine costs for parts and labor.
Service Call Fees
Most air conditioning pros charge $75 to $120 for service calls for detecting refrigerant leaks. A service call simply covers the cost to have a professional come out to inspect the issue. Most companies will fold the cost of the service call into your total fee if you decide to accept an estimate.
Labor
Most air conditioning repair technicians charge between $75 and $150 per hour. A professional should always inform you of their hourly fee before beginning any work during a service call. If you're placing an after-hours call because you need an urgent repair, you may be charged an emergency rate that's closer to $250.
Leak Detection and Testing
In most cases, an air conditioning repair expert will need to conduct testing to determine the source of a leak. Testing options range from rudimentary to highly sophisticated. Here's what you can expect to pay for various leak-detection tests:
Simple bubble test: $15–$25
Simple dye detection: $35–$275
Torch detection: $150–$400
Nitrogen detection: $300–$500
Ultrasonic detection: $100–$1,100
Electronic detection: $150–$1,200
During a bubble test, the air conditioning technician dabs soap and water over suspected leak areas to look for air bubbles. A slightly more sophisticated option is a dye detection test. During this test, the technician injects fluorescent dye through the HVAC system to allow UV light to shine through areas where dye is leaking out.
Torch detection utilizes a color-changing flame that turns green when it comes into contact with coolant materials. The option for nitrogen detection allows technicians to add refrigerant mixed with compressed nitrogen to the air conditioning system to create an audible leaking sound in the leak area.
If a technician feels that a more sophisticated method is needed, ultrasonic leak detection may be used. This method utilizes a listening device that can detect gasses escaping from the coolant line. Electronic leak detection is another sophisticated method for finding hard-to-access leaks.
Repair Type
After diagnosing your leak, your AC tech will recommend a repair solution. Repair costs can vary based on the age of your system, the seriousness of the damage, and the accessibility of your HVAC components. In addition, you will be charged for any replacement parts that are needed. Here's a look at average costs for common AC coolant leak fixes:
Evaporator coil replacement: $350–$1,000
Condenser coil replacement: $850–$1,100
Compressor replacement: $700–$1,200
Refrigerant/Freon™ refill: $100–$600
A technician may also charge you for time spent recharging your air conditioning unit after a leak has been repaired. Prior to approving an estimate, you should search your records for all warranty and manufacturer information for your unit. It's possible that parts that are in need of repair or replacement may still be under warranty.
Replacement
If it's determined that your unit cannot be saved, your technician may let you know that you need a full replacement. This can cost anywhere from $500 to $17,000. However, most homeowners can expect a full AC unit replacement to cost around $6,000.
Additional Costs to Consider
The coolant leak repair cost for your project may not stop at simple parts and labor. In cases where your technician needs to do some deconstruction in order to access your leak source, you may need to budget for some extra costs. Additionally, you may need to cover some repair costs if the coolant leak damages any part of your home.
Coolant Recharging
Most technicians charge between $100 and $500 for a coolant recharge following AC repairs. With coolants being sold by the ounce, the price for this service is determined by the coolant type that is compatible with your air conditioner model. The size of your unit will also determine charging costs. While charging costs for window and mini-split systems are in the midline range, central AC units can be cost the most.
Cleaning
Did a coolant leak leave behind a mess? Getting the source of the flow under control is just the first step. Restoration could cost between $4 and $5 per square foot. Confirm with your technician that it is safe to handle areas of your home that have been exposed to coolant before attempting to handle the cleanup portion alone. If you get approval, you should still be sure to wear gloves, protective eyewear, and a mask when working in any area where coolant has leaked.
Flooring Repair or Replacement
If a leak damaged your home's flooring, flooring repairs and replacements could cost between $2 and $25 per square foot. While wood and laminate floors may be easily restored, carpeting that has been damaged by coolant and water may need to be ripped up and replaced.
Drywall Repair or Replacement
If a coolant leak damages your home's drywall, repair costs can range from $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot. If you need to have any portion of your drywall torn down to be hauled away, the cost can range from $0.75 to $2 per square foot.
Cost to Repair a Coolant Leak Yourself
It's important to be realistic about the fact that a coolant leak is a serious issue that can potentially be dangerous for your household. You should never attempt dangerous DIY repairs involving Freon™ or electricity. This is why it's highly recommended that homeowners call HVAC professionals to assess leaks before attempting to handle the problem alone.
Coolant leak detection tools can be purchased for between $50 and $100. However, it's important to note that these are not the same high-level tools that professionals use when they show up to your home to detect coolant leaks. The cost for a new compressor is between $500 and $900. Evaporator and condenser coils can cost from $200 to $900.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
While the average coolant leak repair cost when hiring a pro specializing in local air conditioning repair is between $150 and $2,000 with everything from the service call to parts and labor included, homeowners attempting to fix a coolant leak on their own can pay around $800 to correct common issues. Of course, there's no guarantee that someone without experience with HVAC systems will diagnose and fix the problem correctly. Unfortunately, this could lead to even bigger issues that will cost more in the long run. An improperly repaired air conditioner can also pose health and safety hazards in a home.
Cost of Common Coolant Leak Repair Add-Ons
After fixing your leak, your air conditioning technician may alert you to the fact the problem was caused by improper unit care. If you're alarmed by how easily a coolant leak can slip under the radar, you may be feeling motivated to start putting some routine AC maintenance on the calendar. Here's a look at some common services to schedule while you're in contact with a repair expert:
Routine AC unit inspections: $190–$400
Routine tune-up appointments: $75–$20
Filter replacements: $20–$50
Sealant application: $30–$50
Ways You Can Save Money on Coolant Leak Repair Costs
While there aren't many ways to cut corners with coolant leak repair costs, homeowners can reduce project costs with these helpful tips.
Prepare the space: Prior to the arrival of your air conditioning tech, clear the area to provide an open workspace. Some companies charge prep costs if they need to clear areas before they can access them.
DIY easy tasks: If damage needs to be repaired following a leak repair, you can remove damaged drywall, rip up old carpets, or refinish wood floors on your own to cut down on costs.
Check for mold: If you know how to check for mold, you could save on the costs for mold inspection. However, you will probably need to pay for professional mold remediation if your AC unit has caused any kind of water damage.
Check your warranty: Some parts on a newer unit may be covered under your warranty. Always refer to the manufacturer and installation documents that came with your air conditioner or HVAC unit so see if the work being done could be under warranty. This step could save you thousands of dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the reasons why homeowners shouldn't attempt DIY coolant leak repairs is that handling coolants and refrigerants can be dangerous. It's recommended that you hire a NATE-certified, EPA-certified, and ACCA-accredited professional to handle this important repair!
While it's generally safe to stay in a home with a coolant leak if your home is properly ventilated, it's important to have a professional come out to assess the situation right away. You should evacuate your home if you notice any powerful fumes. Additionally, you should leave your home if you are experiencing headaches or dizziness.
Yes, it's normal for air conditioners to leak tiny amounts of water due to condensation. Under normal circumstances, all excess moisture travels to the drain pain to be pumped through your system's drain line. You should call a technician to diagnose the issue if you're noticing frequent leaking or pooling. It's also important to investigate if your homeowners insurance can cover water damage.
It can be difficult to determine the cause of a coolant leak unless you have the unit inspected by a certified professional. Most coolant leaks are caused by wear and tear on seals and joints. This typically happens five years after a unit is installed. Additionally, faulty or worn compressors, evaporator coils, and condenser coils can also cause leaks.