Written by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
AC repair cost
AC repair costs$150 to $650on average, depending on the issue and the AC unit's warranty status. Large or complex air conditioner repairs cost$650 to $2,500+to fix if the unit is out of warranty. AC technicians charge$75 to $150 per hourfor labor alone to fix a central AC.
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National average cost | $360 |
Minimum cost | $75 |
Maximum cost | $4,200 |
Average cost range | $150 to $650 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
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Air conditioner repair cost guide
Repair | Average cost to fix* |
---|---|
AC service call / diagnostic troubleshooting | $75 – $200 |
AC tune-up | $70 – $200 |
AC freon or refrigerant leak repair | $200 – $1,500 |
AC refrigerant recharge | $100 – $600 |
AC air handler replacement | $1,500 – $3,400 |
AC blower motor repair | $300 – $900 |
AC capacitor replacement | $100 – $250 |
AC circuit board replacement | $150 – $700 |
AC coil cleaning | $100 – $400 |
AC compressor replacement | $600 – $2,500 |
AC compressor repair hard start kit | $100 – $270 |
AC condensate pump replacement | $100 – $450 |
AC condenser replacement | $300 – $4,200 |
AC condenser fan motor replacement | $200 – $700 |
AC contactor replacement | $150 – $400 |
AC disconnect box replacement | $150 – $500 |
AC drain pan replacement | $200 – $600 |
AC drain line flush cost | $75 – $250 |
AC evaporator coil replacement | $400 – $2,400 |
AC expansion valve replacement | $300 – $500 |
AC filter drier replacement cost | $200 – $300 |
AC fuse or breaker replacement | $75 – $300 |
AC line set replacement | $200 – $650 |
AC relay switch replacement | $100 – $300 |
Thermostat replacement | $140 – $350 |
*Including parts and labor.
AC freon leak repair
AC leak repair costs$200 to $1,500to find and fix the leak and refill the Freon. Refrigerant leak repair costs depend on the severity, leak test method, replacement parts needed, refrigerant prices, and the HVAC's location. An AC leak detection test costs$100 to $330.
Home air conditioner recharge
Anair conditioner recharge costs$100 to $320on average for AC units with R410A refrigerant or$180 to $600for older AC units using R22 Freon.
AC units never need more refrigerant unless there is a leak or the refill is part of a repair.
AC evaporator coil replacement cost
AC evaporator coil replacement costs$650 to $2,400if not under warranty or$400 to $1,000for labor and refrigerant if under warranty. The cost to replace an evaporator coil depends on the AC size, brand, and coil type.
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AC capacitor replacement
AC capacitor replacement costs$100 to $250for the part and labor, depending on the type and brand. Air conditioner capacitor prices are$10 to $50on average for the part alone. An AC unit's compressor motor and fans use start capacitors and single-run or dual-run capacitors.
Air handler replacement cost
Thecost to replace an air handleris$1,500 to $3,400on average for the part with installation. The air handler is the indoor component in a split-system central AC that circulates conditioned air throughout the home via the ductwork.
AC condenser replacement
AC condenser replacement costs$1,200 to $4,200if not under warranty or$300 to $1,200for labor when under warranty. Prices depend on the AC unit's ton size, SEER rating, and brand. Large condensers with the highest SEER ratings cost$3,000 to $5,000or more.
AC condenser fan motor replacement
Replacing an AC condenser fan motor costs$200 to $700on average if not under warranty or$100 to $300when under warranty. Condenser fan motors typically require replacement instead of repair.
Replace a faulty condenser fan motor immediately as the compressor may fail, resulting in more costly repairs.
AC blower motor repair
AC blower motor replacement costs$300 to $900on average if not under warranty or$200 to $400for labor if under warranty. The blower motor is located in the indoor air handler and pushes cool air through the ductwork to distribute it throughout the home.
AC circuit board replacement cost
AC circuit board replacement costs$150 to $700if not under warranty or$100 to $300for labor if under warranty. AC control board prices are$50 to $400for the part alone, depending on the type and brand. Replacing the circuit board is cheaper than repairing it.
AC contactor replacement prices
AC contactor replacement costs$150 to $400with installation or$10 to $60for the part alone. Most home air conditioners use a 2-pole contactor with a 24v coil. A bad contactor causes the AC to stutter as it tries and fails to engage the system.
Cost to replace AC relay switch
Replacing an AC relay switch costs$100 to $300with professional installation or$10 to $30for the relay alone. The relay turns on the AC's outdoor condenser unit.
AC drain pan replacement cost
Replacing an AC drain pan costs$200 to $600, depending on the type and material. The condensate drain pan catches excess moisture dripping from the evaporator coil and funnels it into the drain line to prevent water leaks. Drain pans are prone to cracking due to temperature changes.
Check the condensate drain line for clogs before replacing the drain pan. A clogged line causes the pan to overflow and leak.
AC compressor repair cost
AC compressor replacement costs$600 to $1,200when under warranty of$1,300 to $2,500if out of warranty. AC compressor costs depend on the size, type, and brand. AC compressors cannot be repaired on-site and require replacing instead.
An AC compressor hard start kit costs$100 to $270with installation and gives the compressor an extra boost on startup. A hard start kit may rescue a failing compressor or extend its lifespan.
AC fuse / breaker replacement cost
Replacing an AC fuse or circuit breaker costs$75 to $300, depending on the type and location. The fuse protects the AC unit from electrical damage by stopping the flow of electricity whenever an overload occurs. When a fuse blows, the outdoor AC unit will turn off.
Home AC flush cost to unclog the drain line
A home AC flush costs$75 to $250to unclog the condensate drain line. Mold, mildew, dirt, and debris cause clogs in the drain line. If the drain line is not flushed regularly to prevent clogs, water collected in the drain pan overflows, causing water damage.
To prevent clogs, pour 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar in the drain line every month. Wait 30 minutes, then flush the line with hot water.
AC expansion valve replacement cost
Replacing the expansion valve on an AC unit costs$300 to $500, including parts and labor. The thermostatic expansion valve—also called the TEV, TXV, or service valve—controls the amount of coolant that enters the AC's evaporator.
AC line set replacement cost
The cost to replace an AC line set is$200 to $650, depending on the length and location. The line set carries refrigerant from the outdoor condenser to the indoor evaporator coil through the wall or foundation. A line set typically requires replacement if a weld doesn't stop the leak.
When replacing an AC unit, ask the HVAC installers to replace the line set at the same time.
AC disconnect box cost
An AC disconnect box costs$150 to $500 with installation.The National Electric Code (NEC) requires the installation of a disconnect box within sight of the outdoor condenser unit. While servicing the AC, the technician flips the disconnect switch to cut electricity to the AC system for safety.
Cost factors to fix an AC unit
The following factors affect the cost of AC repairs:
AC unit size – Replacement parts for larger AC units cost more.
Brand vs. generic – Generic replacement parts cost less than brand-name parts but may void the manufacturer's warranty.
Location / accessibility – Labor costs increase for AC components that are difficult to access, such as an air handler in a tight attic space.
Refrigerant – Some AC repairs require adding more refrigerant. R410A refrigerant costs $50 to $80 per pound installed, while R22 Freon prices are $90 to $150 per pound.
Warranty – The manufacturer's warranty may cover the cost of replacement parts. Most warranties do not cover labor.
Home warranty plan – Most home warranties cover the HVAC system, though the homeowner may be responsible for the service call fee.
Season – AC repairs are often cheaper in the spring or fall.
DIY vs. professional – Experienced homeowners can handle minor repairs like unclogging the drain line or replacing a fuse. Call a licensed HVAC technician for any repairs involving refrigerant, which is toxic and may cause severe illness or death if mishandled.
Additional HVAC repairs cost $150 to $450 on average, depending on the part and location.
Labor cost for air conditioning repair
AC technicians charge$75 to $150 per hourfor labor during regular business hours and$160 to $250 per hourfor emergency repairs during the night, weekend, or a holiday.
Many companies charge$75 to $200for a service call to diagnose the problem but apply this fee toward the repair costs.
Factor | Average cost |
---|---|
Service call-out fee | $75 – $200 |
Standard hourly rate | $75 – $150 |
Emergency hourly rate | $160 – $250 |
AnAC tune-up costs$70 to $200and prolongs the system's lifespan. Annual or semi-annual tune-ups may prevent the need for costly AC repairs.
Central AC thermostat replacement
Central ACthermostat replacement costs$140 to $350on average for the unit and installation. Total costs depend on the type, brand, features, and wiring required.
Replacing a basic programmable thermostat costs $100 to $340 for the unit and labor.
A smart thermostat with installation costs $200 to $450.
Central air duct replacement cost
Replacing ductwork costs$1,400 to $5,600, depending on the home size, age, duct type, and number of vents. Duct replacement costs$270 to $500 per duct runor$25 to $55 per linear foot. Ductwork typically lasts10 to 20 yearsbefore it needs replacing.
Air duct cleaning costs$200 to $1,000for the whole home or$25 to $50 per vent. HVAC pros recommend cleaning ductwork every3 to 7 yearsto improve air quality and AC efficiency.
Cost to repair vs. replace central air conditioner
AC replacement costs$2,500 to $7,500, depending on the unit size (tons), SEER efficiency rating, and brand. Installing central air with new ductwork costs$6,000 to $12,000.
Consider replacing instead of repairing a central air conditioner if:
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The AC is more than 10 years old.
The AC uses R-22 Freon.
The AC requires frequent repairs.
The repair cost is at least 50% of the cost of a new AC.
The repair cost multiplied by the system's age in years exceeds $5,000.
How to tell if your AC is broken
Look for these signs your AC is malfunctioning and needs repairs:
Warm air from the vents
Weak or limited airflow
Excessive humidity in the home
Stale or musty odors
Knocking, clicking, or gurgling noises
AC runs often but doesn't cool the home
System cycles on and off frequently, also called short-cycling
Sudden increase in utility bills
AC repair FAQs
Do you tip an AC repair technician?
You don't need to tip an AC repair technician unless they exceed your expectations. Consider tipping if the technician works in extreme heat or cold. AC repair techs appreciate it when homeowners offer drinks or allow the use of a bathroom in the home.
How long does it take to repair an AC?
Repairing an AC takes as little as1 houror up to8 hours, depending on which part requires fixing or replacing. Flushing the drain line or replacing a fuse typically takes less than one hour, while complex repairs like evaporator coil or compressor replacement may take a full day.
How long does an air conditioner last?
An air conditioner lasts12 to 15 yearson average if properly maintained. The AC unit's lifespan depends on the quality, environment, and usage. Improperly sized air conditioners or units located in areas with extreme heat typically have a shorter lifespan.
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Who fixes air conditioners?
A licensed HVAC technician fixes air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and ductwork.
Getting air conditioning repair quotes
Before hiring anAC repair service near you, be sure to:
Get quotes from at least three HVAC companies to compare.
Look for NATE-certified or ACCA-accredited technicians with experience installing and repairing air conditioners.
Confirm the technician is EPA Section 608 certified to handle refrigerants.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+years.
Avoid companies that give over-the-phone repair estimates without visiting the home to diagnose the problem first.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.
Be cautious of cheap AC repairs as they are often a sign of low-quality parts, unnecessary part replacements, or inexperienced HVAC technicians.
Questions to ask AC repair services
How long have you been repairing air conditioners?
Are you NATE certified or ACCA accredited?
Are you EPA Section 608 certified to handle refrigerants?
Do you charge a diagnostic or service call fee? If yes, do you apply that fee to the repair cost?
Is the replacement part cost covered under warranty?
Are you certified to perform warranty repairs for my AC brand?
Should I repair my AC or replace it instead, and why?
How long will the repair take?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
What does your warranty policy include?
What is your payment schedule?
Do you offer financing for larger repairs?