Summers and winters can be unbearable at times, so it’s important that you keep your HVAC in optimum condition. One of its components that you need to keep an eye on is the TXV, which is responsible for regulating the flow of refrigerant in your HVAC.
It can malfunction due to extreme temperature, excessive usage, high pressure, and the passage of time. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of a bad TXV and the cost of replacing one to maintain a comfortable home.
In this guide, you’ll learn how much it costs to replace a TXV, the factors that affect the cost, and signs that you need a new TXV. Read on to ensure your home remains cozy throughout the seasons!
How much does it cost to replace the TXV valve?
The average cost of replacing TXV valves is $400, but it can go as high as $700 and as little as $100 depending on the type and model of the valve, size of the HVAC, labor, and other factors.
What factors affect the cost of replacing the main water shut-off valve?
Type and Model
A replacement unit for an HVAC system’s thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) can cost anywhere between $100 and $300. The price will vary greatly depending on the type and model your system uses.
Different brands and manufacturers charge different prices for their products, as they use different materials and the quality level for each model is different. Some may also come with longer warranties, so they’ll most likely cost more.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) TXVs will also most likely cost more than aftermarket ones, as they directly match the unit’s specifications.
Labor
Labor costs can vary depending on the expertise of the contractor, their reputation, the complexity of the system, and the time required to replace the TXV.
Most contractors typically charge anywhere between $100 and $150 per hour. If there are no further repairs needed, the job will most likely take 2 to 3 hours, so you can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $450 for the job.
Location
Where you live can also significantly affect the replacement cost of your TXV. Price of parts and labor costs can differ between states, cities, and countries.
Expect to pay more for labor if you live in cities and other urban areas. This is because the cost of living, taxes, and fees in those areas are typically higher.
HVAC Size
The size of your HVAC system can also impact the price of TXV replacement. Larger HVAC systems usually require larger and more expensive TXVs, so expect to pay more for the replacement unit.
It may also be harder to find TXV parts that are larger than what average homes use, so they’ll be more expensive. Industrial-sized TXVs can cost over $1,000.
Moreover, larger HVAC systems are usually harder to navigate and require a much more experienced HVAC contractor, so the labor cost will naturally rise.
Accessibility of the HVAC system
HVAC systems located in hard-to-reach areas are harder to repair, so technicians will naturally need more time to work. If they charge per hour, you can expect to pay more.
However, if the system can be easily accessed, the job can be finished faster, which also means the cost will likely drop,
Season and Time
During summers and winters, HVAC systems are heavily used, so there’s a higher chance of them malfunctioning. Because of this, technicians are usually busier around these seasons and may charge higher rates due to the demand.
On the other hand, you may find much cheaper deals during spring and fall, as technicians tend to offer discounts during these seasons.
Time of service also affects the cost of labor. If you ask for a replacement during the technician’s out-of-office hours, they’ll charge a higher rate.
Some HVAC technicians may charge double the price of their regular rate for emergency services.
Additional Repairs
A defective TXV may cause additional damage to other parts of the HVAC system if it’s not detected immediately. The more damage there is, the more work needs to be done, and the higher the cost will be.
Once the compressor gets damaged, you’ll have to pay a significantly larger amount, as it’s typically expensive to replace. Compressor replacement can go up to $1,900, which you’ll add on top of your TXV replacement cost.
Warranties
Your HVAC system’s warranties can significantly lower the cost of replacing your TXV, so always keep a copy of your warranty documents.
Some warranties cover part replacement, so if the TXV valve fails during the warranty period, you can get a replacement unit for free. As such, you’ll only have to pay for labor and other associated fees.
Some stores also offer extended warranty options, which you can purchase for an additional price. These types of warranties typically cover both the replacement unit and labor cost, so you won’t have to worry about the replacement cost.
What are the signs of a defective TXV?
Insufficient Cooling
The TXV of an HVAC is responsible for regulating and controlling the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil. If it’s not functioning properly, the flow of refrigerant going into the coil may be restricted.
When there’s not enough refrigerant, the system will struggle to absorb heat in the room and won’t be able to reach the desired temperature. This is why you’ll notice that the room isn’t cooling enough when the TXV is damaged.
Temperature Fluctuations
A damaged TXV can also cause inconsistency in your room’s temperature.
Since the TXV is unable to properly regulate the flow of refrigerant in the HVAC, the system receives an irregular refrigerant supply. This also makes the unit’s heat-absorbing abilities irregular.
Hence, people with defective TXV may experience an unexpected increase or decrease in temperature.
Frost Buildup
Another indicator of a bad TXV is frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coil.
When the TXV is defective, it may not open or close properly, resulting in an irregular flow of refrigerant. The refrigerant may accumulate and make the coils colder than they should be, causing ice to build up.
It’s important to note, though, that frost buildup is not solely caused by damaged TXV. It may also be caused by dirty coils, dirty filters, and refrigerant leaks.
Continuous Operation
If you’re noticing that your HVAC unit is continuously running, then your TXV is probably malfunctioning. When the TXV doesn’t close properly, the refrigerant will consistently be supplied to the compressor, causing it to run without pausing.
This may cause further damage to your compressor and add to your TXV valve replacement cost, so it’s best to immediately address it.
Short and Excessive Compressor Cycling
Instead of continuously running, the compressor may also have short and excessive cycling.
Since malfunctioning TXV often causes temperature fluctuations and insufficient cooling, the HVAC will sense that the room’s temperature isn’t consistently meeting the set temperature and trigger the compressor to open.
The constant fluctuations in the temperature will cause the compressor to turn on and off within short intervals.
Hissing, Gurgling, and Banging Noises
If the TXV isn’t properly functioning, it may result in refrigerant flow turbulence in the HVAC unit. When this happens, you’ll most likely hear gurgling, hissing, and banging noises from your HVAC.
You shouldn’t ignore these noises, or you might have to pay a higher repair cost.
Warm Air from HVAC
Another potential indicator that your TXV is defective is warm air coming out of the HVAC when you want it to cool your room.
When the TXV malfunctions, it can result in improper refrigerant flow and inadequate superheat. These can disrupt the cooling process of the HVAC and cause it to release air that’s not cooled yet.
Increased Energy Consumption
Since a defective TXV causes continuous running of AC and short, excessive compressor cycling, energy consumption is also likely to increase.
It can be hard to form a conclusion based on this alone, as the increase may also be caused by other factors. It’s best to check other signs mentioned here to be sure that the TXV is the problem.
How much does it cost to replace a TXV valve by yourself?
Replacing the TXV of your HVAC system by yourself can cost anywhere between $100 and $300, as you will only have to pay for the replacement unit.
However, it’s not recommended to replace a TXV valve by yourself if you don’t have the experience, as HVAC systems can be complicated. Replacing an HVAC part requires knowledge, skills, experience, and specialized tools, so it’s best to call a professional.
Insisting on replacing a TXV valve on your own may pose safety hazards to you and your family and may cause more damage to the unit. Mishandling refrigerant can result in injury, and improper electric work may lead to fire or electrocution.
Most providers also have a list of professionals that you can hire to claim warranties, so doing it yourself will void not just your warranty claims on the TXV valve but the entire HVAC unit.
