Car AC Repair Costs: Common Problems and Pricing Information

A long drive in a hot car can be miserable. Luckily, air conditioning systems are ubiquitous in modern vehicles—but air conditioning (AC) problems are still common.

Car AC systems operate under pressure ,so even a tiny leak in one part of the system can lead to major issues. Because of that, it's best to fix AC problems quickly, before they become more serious and expensive to repair. Here's everything you need to know about car AC repair costs, including some of the most common problems and how to get your cool air blowing again.

Most people don't think about the complexity of car air conditioning systems. But there's a lot going on under the hood when you press the button to cool down the cabin. To understand common AC problems, it's helpful to know a bit about how car ACs work.

On the most basic level, a car's air conditioning system works by transforming a refrigerant from a liquid to a gas. As the refrigerant changes state, it absorbs heat and humidity. Then, you're left with cool, dry air—which is much more comfortable for driving.

Most air conditioning systems in modern vehicles share these common parts :

• Compressor. Mounted at the front of the engine, the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant gas. It's a critical component of the system. Unfortunately, a compressor can't usually be fixed—so if something goes wrong with it, you're looking at a costly replacement.

• Condenser. Located just behind the grille of a vehicle, the condenser cools the refrigerant and releases heat. Fans are located within the condenser.

• Dryer. The dryer removes water from the refrigerant.

• Metering device/expansion valve. The metering device reduces the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant.

• Evaporator. The evaporator, which is mounted behind the dashboard, is where the cooling happens. Here, the refrigerant changes back to a liquid state. As that happens, it cools the air that passes over the evaporator. That air is then blown into the cabin, making you more comfortable.

• Hoses/Lines. Refrigerant flows through hoses when moving from one part of the system to another.

Before you can fix your air conditioning system, you need to identify what the problem might be. A mechanic can help with this, but you can also do a bit of detective work yourself. Below are four common types of car AC problems, as well as info about what might be causing them and repair options to consider.

One of the most frustrating problems you'll encounter is a lack of cold air, or an AC system that is blowing air that's cool, but not cold. There are a number of reasons this could be happening, including :

• Low refrigerant. Over time, systems lose refrigerant and need to be "recharged." This can be done at home or in an auto shop.

• Blocked or broken fans. If the fans on the condenser aren't turning, your cold airflow will be affected. Clear away any bugs, leaves and dirt on the condenser. Then, turn on the AC and see if the fans are blowing.

• Dirty air cabin filter. A clogged air cabin filter can impact air flow and cooling.

• Leaks. Leaks in the line affect the pressure and effectiveness of the AC system.

• Electrical problems. Electrical problems can interfere with an AC system cooling properly.

• Failing compressor or compressor clutch. If your compressor isn't operating properly, you won't get cool air.

Repair options: Troubleshoot at home before seeing your mechanic. First, clear any debris from the condenser and the radiator in your car. Check to see if the fans are turning. Then, change your cabin air filter. If that doesn't solve the problem, try recharging your system with an at-home AC recharge kit ($35+ ). If you still don't have cool air, it's time to see a mechanic for more diagnostics.

Leaks are a common cause of AC problems in a car. Since a vehicle's air conditioning system is a closed, pressurized system, a leak anywhere can disrupt the flow of cold air. It's important to repair leaks quickly because if they're left untreated, they can cause the compressor to work too hard. Over time, that can cause the compressor to fail.

Repair options: First, visually inspect your car's AC system. Pay close attention to fitting, seals and hoses, making sure that each is securely attached. If you're comfortable with DIY projects, you can use an at-home AC leak detection kit ( $145 ) to determine where a leak is occurring. Once you find the leak, you'll have to replace the piece of equipment that's leaking. Alternatively, you can take your vehicle to a mechanic. There, you'll pay about $200 to diagnose the problem and find the leak. A hose repair or replacement can cost about another $350.

A loud noise or "clunk" when you turn on your air conditioning is a sign that the compressor clutch is starting to fail. If the compressor clutch is starting to go, you might also notice :

• Air that's not cool enough

• An inability to turn the air conditioning on or off

• Leaking refrigerant

• The clutch not turning when you turn on the AC

Repair options: When the compressor clutch goes, you have two options:
Replace just the clutch, or replace the entire compressor. A compressor clutch costs roughly $450 to $850. Unless you're a confident DIY-er, you'll also need professional installation, which runs an additional $150 to $250. Compressors are more expensive than that, but if the clutch is going, it may be a sign that your compressor is not far off.

No one wants a cool but stinky car. A moldy or musty smell is a sign that there's some bacteria or mold growth somewhere within your vehicle. This could be caused by:

• A dryer not working

• Mold on the evaporator

• Dirty or moldy vents

Repair options: Start with the simplest repair—cleaning the vents. Use an AC vent and duct cleaner ( $10 ) to clean out the vents. If the smell returns quickly, talk to a mechanic about whether you need to replace your dryer. That will cost roughly $320 to $400 which covers parts and labor.

AC repair costs can vary widely, depending on the cause of the problem and the type of vehicle. On average, car AC repair costs run between about $430 and $520. However, if you need a new compressor, you can expect to spend $1,300 to $2,500 or more.

Here's a breakdown of some of the most common car AC repairs and their average cost.

When you're getting your car's AC system repaired, these factors will likely impact the cost:

• Cause of the problem. Some parts of an AC system are more affordable to fix than others.

• Type of car. More expensive car brands often have higher price tags for AC repairs.

• Diagnostics. If it's difficult to find and diagnose the problem, you'll pay more in labor costs.

• DIY vs. professional repair. If you're able to fix your AC yourself, you can save on labor costs.

Riding around in a warm car is uncomfortable, so it's important to get your air conditioning up and running before the summer months. If you've noticed that your car's AC system isn't as cool as it once was, start by troubleshooting issues you can take care of at home. Replace the air filters, clean the ducts and recharge the system. After that, if you're still having problems with the AC, bring your car to a mechanic.

Remember, a car's AC problems often get more costly if they're left untreated, so be proactive. A strange noise or smell can be a sign of a more serious issue.

This summer, don't suffer through the heat. Repair and service your AC before the warm months arrive so you can stay comfortable all year round. The Synchrony Car Care™ credit card can help make it easy to manage all of your car, truck and RV expenses, including AC repair, on one card. Learn more and apply today.