Discover Costs of AC Repair for New Mexico Homes

Need AC Service? Let us Help You Know What to expect.

Hot weather in New Mexico is no joke. It gets hot.

And when your air conditioning goes out, you need AC repair as quickly as possible. But with so many types of air conditioners (swamp coolers, mini splits, window units, and central air) and so many different air conditioning repairs you might need, how can you tell what kind of bill you’ll be in for?

Well, your New Mexico air conditioning repair specialists at TLC are here to help you prepare. Let’s dig in!

How Much Do AC Repairs Cost in New Mexico?

When it comes to determining the cost of refrigerated air conditioning repair, there are four important factors you have to take into consideration:

The Type of HVAC Unit
The Type of Issue or Repair
Warranty
Emergency or Non-Emergency Repair

Without taking that information into account, most air conditioning repairs in New Mexico cost anywhere from $150 to $3,000.

Cost factor #1: What Type of HVAC Unit Needs Repairs?

As you well know, there are a lot of options out there when it comes to how you heat and cool your home. You may have different types of HVAC systems for a lot of different reasons: they may be original to the house, you may not have the option to remodel or alter your home, or they may just be the thing that made the most sense at the time. It shouldn’t surprise anyone to know that the cost of a furnace repair for a unit from the 1960s is going to be different than mini split repair cost for a system installed in 2020. Don’t worry, we won’t let your AC system repair cost surprise you.

Here is a list of the common types of HVAC systems and the average cost of fixing AC:

AC Repair – $200-$2000
Furnace Repair – $150 – $1200
Heat Pump Repair – $200 – $2000
Ductless Mini split repair – $300-$2,000
Split System Repair – $200-$2,500
Packaged System Repair – $300-$2,000

These are averages, and nothing is set in stone, but this gives you an initial idea of what you might expect to pay. Even in this chart, there’s quite a range of what it might cost. That leads us to our next section, because, obviously, much of what it costs to repair an air conditioning unit will be determined by what is actually wrong with the unit.

Cost Factor #2: What AC Repairs are Required?

Okay, it would be easy to give you a one-size-fits-all cost approximation for repairing an air conditioning system. However, the cost is going to vary pretty widely between a clogged intake line and getting punted across your lawn by a full-size Chevy Tahoe.

Parts

One of the primary costs of any repair is the parts. Parts for newer systems tend to be easier to find and cheaper to get at a discount, as they can still be purchased in bulk. However, parts for more technologically sophisticated systems can also sometimes be more complicated and contain proprietary parts, so it is hard to say which repair will cost you more.

Here is a list of the estimated cost of some of our most used parts in repairs:

Repair	Average Cost
HVAC TXV	$600–$1,200
AC Inspection	$100–$250
Capacitor	$300–$600
Circuit board	$500–$1700
Condenser Fan motor	$600–$1,500
Ignitor	$150–$300
Thermostat Install	$200–$800
Blower or fan motor	$600–$3,500
Duct cleaning	$250–$1,000
Duct repair	$500–$2,000
Compressor	$1,600–$3,500
Coil replacement	$1,700–$3,200
Condensate Drain Line Cleaning	$160–$200
Refrigerant leak	$250–$700
Refrigerant recharge	$300–$2,000
AC transformer cost	$200–$300

Labor

There are some things the average joe can do around the house. We might have a horse in this race, but we don’t think air conditioning repair is one of those things anyone should try. Our technicians go through months of rigorous training before they start and, on top of that, constantly work with new systems to keep their knowledge up to date. And unlike that time you let your Uncle Frank take a shot at fixing the plumbing, our work is guaranteed. If your system doesn’t work after we repair it, we won’t leave you high and dry.

Because you’re working with certified professionals, labor tends to cost around $150-$180 per hour of work. So a simple repair or replacement of an AC system can add up, the longer it takes to get done.

Cost factor #3: Is the System Under Warranty?

If you have an air conditioning system that was purchased or installed in the last ten years, before you start paying for repairs or replacement out of pocket, we encourage you to check the warranties included with the system when you first got it. Depending on the model, the company, and the type of warranty, your cost could be greatly reduced or even covered entirely.

If you need an AC repair, two types of AC warranties might help you out in terms of out-of-pocket costs:

The manufacturer’s warranty
The labor warranty

We’ll explain the differences between these 2 warranties and how to check the status of each.

What is a Manufacturer’s Warranty

The manufacturer’s Warranty is provided by the AC manufacturer (i.e., Trane, Lennox, etc). This warranty covers the cost of replacing any AC parts that fail due to a manufacturer’s error.

However, manufacturers’ warranties never cover the cost of labor, only the cost of the replacement part.

Keep in mind that the time period for coverage depends on the particular part. Most manufacturers will cover basic AC parts for 1-2 years, but cover more complex parts like the compressor and/or evaporator coils for anywhere from 5-7 years. If you purchased an “extended” warranty when the AC was first installed, you’ll be covered for even longer.

Unfortunately, manufacturers make it easy to void your warranty. For example, you could have accidentally voided your AC warranty by:

Not registering the AC with the manufacturer within a certain time period after the AC was installed
Not scheduling regular AC maintenance with a licensed AC contractor
Replacing a faulty part with an aftermarket part (a part not specifically made for your AC’s specific make and model)

Is My AC Repair Covered by the Manufacturer’s Warranty?

To do that, you’ll need to know and write down the:

Brand of your AC
Contact info for that brand’s local distributor
Model and serial number of your AC unit

Call the local branch of your AC brand (#3) and provide them with the model and serial number of your AC unit. They should be able to find your AC warranty details and let you know if the repair is under warranty or not.

What is a Labor Warranty?

A Labor Warranty is covered by the contractor who first installed the AC system. This warranty covers the cost of labor to fix any problem arising from a faulty installation.

Keep in mind that the labor warranty typically doesn’t cover the cost of any needed replacement parts, only the cost of labor.

This warranty typically provides coverage for anywhere from 1 to 3 years after installation, depending on the contractor.

Is My AC Repair Covered by the Labor Warranty?

To do that, contact the company/contractor who initially installed the system and provide them with your AC model and serial number. They should be able to look up your system to determine if your repair will be covered by the labor warranty.

Cost Factor #4: How Much is an Emergency AC Repair?

Have you ever tried to make a doctor’s appointment when you’re just a little sick or you just wanna get something checked out? I know that last time I tried, the next appointment available was a month out. That’s fine for a physical, but not so good if you’ve got the flu or accidentally cut your finger off…or both (it’s a strange world). That’s when you pack yourself and/or your finger in ice and head out to the emergency room.

TLC has our own version of that. We’re constantly out there doing inspections, hooking up new homes, and installing new air conditioning systems. But sometimes, especially with the weather in New Mexico, there are some issues that just won’t wait. If you’ve got an emergency and need one of our 24/7 techs out there, we will get you someone out ASAP. However, emergency labor can pull our techs away from other jobs, life events, and push them into overtime. Additionally, ordering emergency parts can mean more expensive overhead and larger shipping costs. The combination of these things means that emergency repair has to cost more.

Should I Repair My Existing AC or Replace it?

AC replacement can be a pretty tempting alternative this time of year. Once you walk into that neighbor’s house with their fresh multi-zone ductless mini split, you might find yourself less interested in fixing the old unit yet again and more interested in upgrading to a new system yourself. But what are the benefits and drawbacks?

Well, first of all, there’s a question of immediate cost. With very few exceptions for truly out-of-date units for which parts become rare and expensive, repair is going to be cheaper. The AC installation cost is going to be more, but how much more?

The average cost to repair an air conditioning unit is $300 – $3,000
The average cost to replace an air conditioning unit is $14,000 – 17,000

Obviously, it’s cheaper today to just repair it. But that’s not the only cost you have to think about. Will the new unit save you money on your monthly bill? Is your existing unit requiring repair or replacement parts more and more frequently? Or are you one of the hundreds of New Mexico residents who are finding yourself ready for a swamp cooler to AC conversion?

How Can I Save Money on Repairs?

We love hearing from our customers, we really do. However, we are realists and know you don’t want to NEED to call us for repairs. By the time we’re getting there, you’ll already have a broken AC.

So, from us to you, here are a few quick pro tips on how to save money on repairs:

TLC Maintenance Contract – Instead of waiting until your entire system melts down, you can schedule regular maintenance. We’ll make regular appointments to service air conditioners, especially around seasonal changes when your heating and cooling needs shift. That way, the cost stays low to keep everything pristine rather than waiting until an emergency and having to replace an expensive part or a whole air system.
Hire Certified Techs for Installs – TLC supports all of the work that our certified technicians do. Rather than a self-installation or an unlicensed contractor, having us on the job means everything should work the first time and if it doesn’t, we will be right back out to fix it at no additional charge.
Change your Filters Regularly – Clean filters mean clean air. Clean filters mean your system is only working a fraction as hard to keep your house cold, and that means that the system lasts longer.
Keep the Area Around Your HVAC Debris Free – HVAC units can suck dust, dirt, and other debris up into the system

Whatever your AC situation, now is a great time to talk to one of our techs. Whether you are replacing a system, repairing a system, or just thinking about swapping out your old swamp cooler for a brand new mini split, we can help!

Want to experience the TLC difference? Request a repair today!

Disclaimer- Many of these numbers are approximations and can vary depending on the circumstances of the repair or replacement.

How Much Does an AC Repair Cost in New Mexico?