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.
- The cost to repair your AC depends heavily on what’s broken.
- For most common problems, you can expect to pay between $150 and $650.
- If your AC unit needs major repairs, you might consider replacing it completely.
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.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
| $50 | $150 – $650 | $4,200 |
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.
| Type of Air Conditioner | Common Issues | Average Repair Cost |
| Central AC unit | Refrigerant leak, drain clog, thermostat replacement, dirty outdoor condenser, dirty indoor evaporator coil | $100 — $4,200 |
| Ductless mini-split | Refrigerant leak, circuit board malfunction, thermostat malfunction, frozen compressor coil | $150 — $1,000 |
| Heat pump | Pipe leak, heat pump malfunction, frozen compressor coil, dirty outdoor unit, faulty valves, refrigerant leak | $200 — $3,500 |
| Window AC unit | Thermostat replacement, compressor malfunction, frozen coil | $100 — $300 |
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. The cost of AC capacitors, relay switches, or other parts, can be 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.
| AC Part | Low Cost | High Cost |
| Air handler | $1,500 | $3,500 |
| Blower motor | $300 | $1,000 |
| Capacitor | $100 | $250 |
| Circuit breaker | $150 | $750 |
| Compressor | $600 | $2,500 |
| Condenser | $300 | $4,200 |
| Drain pan | $200 | $600 |
| Evaporator coil | $400 | $2,500 |
| Filter replacement | $200 | $400 |
| Refrigerant leak | $250 | $1,500 |
| Relay switch | $100 | $350 |
| Thermostat | $100 | $350 |
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.
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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. For identifying and fixing common AC issues, 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Choose a quote: Choose a quote that works best for your budget and needs.
- 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.
FAQs About AC Repair Cost
Is it worth fixing an AC?
If your AC system is under warranty, less than 10 years old, or just needs minor repairs, then it’s worth fixing. Repairs can increase the lifespan of your AC unit. Plus, if your AC unit is old and not working properly, you may spend more on your energy bills. With some new parts or a good tune-up, the $150 to $650 you spend on repairs is worth the extra years you get out of it.
Why is AC repair so expensive?
AC repair can be expensive depending on what you need repaired. The average labor cost is $75 to $150 per hour, and you likely have to pay a $75 to $200 service charge on top of labor. These costs don’t include the cost of materials, so your repairs can easily exceed $500 or more.
What are the best ways to keep your AC running?
The best way to keep your air conditioner in top condition is to pay for regular HVAC maintenance, annual AC tune-ups, and keep it clean. It’s also best practice to avoid constant temperature adjustments, turn it off completely while you are away, and install a smart thermostat for a more accurate temperature.
How much does it cost to replace a Freon in an AC unit?
On average, it costs between $300 and $1,500 to replace the Freon in your AC unit. This cost covers the leak detection tests, replacement parts, and refrigerant refill needed to get your unit up and running again.
How much does it cost to replace an AC compressor?
It costs between $600 and $1,500 to replace or repair an AC compressor. The compressor is in charge of refrigerant circulation, so it’s important to get this part fixed as soon as you notice a problem.
