How Much Does AC Repair Cost? (2023)

It’s the middle of the summer and you hear some funny noises come from your AC unit. You check the vents and only feel warm air come through. Clearly, something is wrong – and it’s time to call your local HVAC company to do some repairs.

On average, it costs between $150 and $650 to repair an air conditioner. But depending on which part is broken, that repair cost can be $4,200 or more, especially if you need a full replacement.

With this article, you’ll learn about what AC repairs cost and what to expect when the best HVAC contractor for your needs comes to your home. To get you the most accurate data possible, we use a construction materials database to gather costs and talk to real HVAC professionals.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair Your AC?

AC repair costs include the cost of parts and labor. We will highlight the average cost to repair certain AC parts — such as the condensing unit or fan motor — but you can always expect the cost of labor to be between $75 and $150 per hour.

How Do Costs Differ By Type of Air Conditioner?

The type of air conditioner you own can play a role in what the repair costs will be. For example, you’ll likely pay more to get central air conditioner parts fixed, often between $100 to $4,200, than to have your window air conditioner fixed.

Cost data includes the unit, labor, and demolition, if applicable. Data gathered from RS Means construction materials and labor database.

Central Air Conditioner

Central air conditioners are directly connected to a home ventilation system and contain two separate units. On average, central air conditioner repair costs between $100 and $4,200 — but this cost depends on which part needs repairs. The most common problems with central air conditioners include:

• Dirty evaporator coil
• Dirty outdoor unit
• Drain clog
• Refrigerant leak
• Refrigerant recharge
• Thermostat replacement

Ductless Mini-Split

Ductless mini-split systems do not require ventilation, which means they are a good option for those who do not have central HVAC. Mini-splits are typically cheaper to repair than central AC systems and can cost between $150 and $1,000 on average. If your ductless air conditioning isn’t working, one of these common issues could be the culprit:

• Circuit board malfunction
• Frozen compressor coil
• Refrigerant leak
• Thermostat malfunction

Heat Pump

When it comes to energy efficiency, few AC systems can beat the heat pump. These systems use either the air or the ground to cool your home and often rely on electricity to run. Depending on which part is broken, you can expect to pay between $200 and $3,500 to repair your heat pump. The most common issues with heat pumps are:

• Dirty outdoor unit
• Faulty valves
• Frozen compressor coil
• Heat pump malfunction
• Pipe leak
• Refrigerant leak

Window Air Conditioner

Window AC units sit in your windowsill and blow cool air directly into your home. Because window air conditioners are inexpensive to install, you may consider a complete replacement instead of repairs. The following problems are the most common and cost between $100 and $300 to repair:

• Compressor malfunction
• Frozen coil
• Thermostat replacement

How Does a Broken Part Affect AC Repair Pricing?

The defective part in your AC system has one of the biggest impacts on labor and material costs. Replacing some parts, such as the capacitor and relay switch, can cost between $100 and $350. However, other parts, such as the evaporator coil and compressor, can cost up to $2,500 in HVAC repairs.

In some cases, you might want to consider a full replacement over repairs because the cost may not be much different. If your air handler or condenser breaks, for example, the cost can be $3,500 or $4,200 or more, respectively.

Cost data includes the unit, labor, and demolition, if applicable. Data gathered from RS Means construction materials and labor database.

Which Factors Impact AC Repair Cost Estimates?

Although the type of repair has the most impact on cost, there are other factors that can make your AC repairs more expensive:

• Service call fee
• Time of year
• Warranty

Service Call Fee

Whenever you call an HVAC provider to come to your home for repairs, you’ll pay some sort of service call fee. These fees tend to be $75 to $200 depending on the HVAC company, reason for the call, troubleshooting, and diagnostics. Regardless of if you get your AC unit fixed or not, you’ll still pay this fee. If you need immediate assistance for an HVAC emergency, emergency HVAC service can be $300 or more.

Time of Year

The time of year can also impact the total cost of your AC repairs. In the warmer months—when you use your air conditioner the most—HVAC services may charge more simply because there is a higher demand for AC usage. But if you get your AC unit repaired in colder months when your system isn’t seeing as much use, you may save money.

Warranty

If your air conditioner is covered under warranty, you’ll pay a lot less to repair your system. In fact, you may not have to pay anything at all—it depends on what part is broken and the type of warranty you have.

• Home warranty: You can buy a separate home warranty for HVAC systems that covers the cost to repair or replace your air conditioner when it breaks down due to old age. If you have one of these home warranties, then all you’ll need to pay is the $75 to $125 service call fee.
• Manufacturer’s warranty: Your air conditioner may have broken down due to a faulty part. If that part is covered under warranty, then you will only have to pay the cost of labor ($75 to $150 per hour) to get your AC repaired.
• Workmanship warranty: When you have your AC installed by a professional HVAC technician, you often get a workmanship warranty that covers any problems with installation. If your AC breaks down due to poor installation, you may not have to pay much—if anything—to get it replaced.

DIY vs. Professional AC Repair

If only warm air is coming through your ductwork, it’s easy to tell that your air conditioner is broken. In order to properly diagnose AC unit problems, you need to know how each part of your system works—not to mention understand HVAC systems and electrical work. This kind of job is best left to the professionals.

Doing AC Repair Yourself

HVAC repairs are not easy, and because your AC unit is such an important part of your home, you want it to be repaired right the first time. Plus, when you work with a top professional HVAC company, you’ll get access to other benefits, such as:

• Access to professional diagnostic tests for Freon leaks and other problems
• Accurate diagnoses of HVAC unit problems
• Recommendations for correct unit size
• Workmanship warranty to ensure your home air conditioning system works as it should

Hiring a Professional for AC Repairs

We recommend you hire a professional to repair your air conditioning system so that you know it’s been done correctly. All you need to do to be connected with one of the best HVAC companies in your area is follow these easy steps:

1. Find local experts near you: Use the button below to get in contact with an HVAC professional who can take care of your central air conditioning problems.
2. Get a quote from a few options: If it isn’t an emergency, you should get at least two quotes before you commit to one. You may find that labor costs differ from one HVAC provider to another.
3. Consult them about their recommendations: Ask the HVAC technician about the repairs they plan on doing. You may find that certain techs recommend different repairs—or even a complete replacement if they intend to upsell.
4. Choose a quote: Choose a quote that works best for your budget and needs.
5. Repair your air conditioning unit: You may be able to get repairs done on the spot—but in many cases, you’ll have to set up a separate appointment for the repairs.

So, are AC Repairs Worth the Cost?

When your air conditioner breaks down, expect AC repair costs between $150 and $650 on average. However, this cost can range from $100 to $4,200 depending on which part is defective, the cost of labor, the time of year, and the extent of your warranty. If your air conditioner is more than ten years old and needs major repairs, you may also consider installing a new air conditioner, as the total cost of a complete AC replacement should not be much higher.