In this guide

AC Repair Cost by Type of Unit

There are several different types of AC units. Repairs range from simple to difficult, from cheap to expensive. When pricing repair costs, the goal is to evaluate whether you’ll save more money fixing the unit over replacing it. For instance, window air conditioning units are relatively inexpensive, may be more costly to fix, and offer very little return on investment. The following are common air conditioning types and the average professional cost to make repairs on them.

Window AC Repair Cost

The compressors for a window air conditioner unit sometimes malfunction, Repairs cost $50 to $125. Another fairly common issue with these systems is thermostat failure costing $55 to $85 to repair. Window units are similar to portable AC units but are mounted inside of a window. Window air conditioning units are fairly inexpensive and may be more cost-effective to replace. However, if you buy a high-efficiency unit with increased BTUs, the repair cost may be worth it.

Portable AC Repair Cost

The typical problem with portable AC units is a clogged drain. Costs range from $80 to $250 for the repair. A portable AC unit is normally mounted on the wall but can also be moved from one room to another. Portable air conditioning units are low-cost and normally an option for replacement instead of repair. You may have difficulty finding a technician that works on the unit. However, reach out to the manufacturer to discuss warranty options and determine if the unit can be sent out to them for repair.

Central Air Repair Cost

Repairs for central air include clogged drain lines, which cost $100 to $200 to repair, thermostat replacement at $150 to $500, or refrigerant leaks or charges at $200 to $500. Central air or HVAC repair costs may end up being more due to a more complicated system. Central air system repairs can be avoided with routine maintenance. An HVAC professional can schedule an annual visit to change filters, check the system, and clean ductwork.

Swamp Cooler Repair Cost

Repairs that contractors commonly see on swamp cooler units are replacing belts at $155 to $195, pads at $125 to $500, and the pump at $200 to $275. A swamp cooler unit is simpler than an HVAC unit and is not recommended for hot, humid areas. Specialized technicians need to be hired to work on this system. You may need to hire a professional from outside your immediate service area. Similar to central air, swamp coolers need routine maintenance to avoid costly repairs.

Geothermal AC Repair

The cost of geothermal air conditioning repair averages between $200 and $700. Geothermal air conditioning units are designed to work with subterranean temperatures to keep rooms naturally cool during the summer months. Despite the name, the designs of the units are relatively simple, with an electrically powered heat pump that transfers cool air from outdoors into a home. Geothermal systems may develop leaks, which requires repair work done by a professional. Leaking pipes must be handled promptly since part of the system is located outdoors and can cause issues if the refrigerant leaks into the ground. Otherwise, issues for geothermal air conditioning systems are minimal.

HVAC Package Unit Repair

For most issues with an HVAC package unit, the repair cost ranges from $300 to $500. An HVAC package unit includes both air conditioning and heating elements in a single configuration. The package unit may rely on electric or gas elements to provide heating and cooling to living spaces. These units can have issues such as ignition problems and thermostat malfunctions. However, in most cases, the fixes are relatively simple. Often, the unit just requires a filter change or other basic maintenance such as recharging.

Ductless Mini Split Repair Cost

The main problem with a ductless mini split is the air handler which can cost $750 to $900. These units are ductless, as the name implies. Ductless mini splits don’t require ductwork to cool a room, so repairs are normally simple and straightforward. Since the air handler can be an expensive fix, most mini split buyers consider extended warranty coverage to protect their system for five years or longer. Warranty coverage may cost under $100 to extend, depending on the overall system price and manufacturer.

AC Repair Prices by Type of Repair

Replacement costs can add up, so it is always a good idea to consider repairing the system rather than replacing parts. This is especially true if your AC unit isn’t that old. When you notice an issue with your air conditioning unit, contact an HVAC specialist. The professional will come out to your home to diagnose the issue and give you an estimate on the repair cost. Repairs may take only a couple of hours, while others could require several days of labor. You may need the following repairs. The estimated professional pricing is shown in the table below:

Fix Clogged Air Filter of Air Conditioner

Consumers can expect to pay $75 to $195 for a clogged air filter because the contractor will charge a minimum service charge to clean or change the air filter. A clogged air filter causes your system to overwork and even burn out. Clogged air filters reduce air flow through the vents. The air quality in the room may be compromised. You might notice increased utility bills during the summer months.

Fix Clogged AC Drain Cost

The cost to fix a clogged AC drain is $100 to $150. Drain lines become obstructed by dirt, leaves, and other debris. Blockages result in mold and mildew, cause smells and humidity in your home. When you observe the unit, you may notice active drips or standing water around it. There could also be cycling issues related to the clog.

AC Recharge Cost

The cost to have freon recharged is $125 to $300. Refrigerant recharge is usually done after a leak is repaired as the levels are low. In most cases, you should not need a recharge if the unit is working properly. If you frequently need to have the freon recharged, this indicates an underlying problem and may require replacing the unit or system. However, a recharge is commonplace after a repaired leak.

AC Blower Repair Cost

Repair to an AC blower will most likely cost $150 to $200. This motor makes the fan blades move inside the unit, so the house stays cool. The AC blower is vital to the system because it decreases hot air and pushes cool air out. You may notice issues such as increased temperatures in the rooms of the home. Your system may also be constantly running without going through the right cycling. If the blower fails, the air conditioner may not turn on at all.

AC Thermostat Repair

A thermostat repair will cost between $150 and $500. Faulty thermostats can be blamed for many common issues involving an air conditioning unit. A bad thermostat may lead a system to run constantly or cause very short cycles. Thermostats fail over time due to poor maintenance and build up of dirt and grime. A professional can evaluate the thermostat to determine if it needs repair or replacement and make the proper recommendations.

AC Circuit Board Repair Cost

Repair costs for a circuit board run $200 to $250. The circuit board is the electronic system that runs your AC. You could say it is the brains of the operation since it makes decisions as to the correct voltage to be used in certain circumstances. A bad circuit board is likely to cause a significant malfunction that stops your system from running altogether. The issue may cause faulty thermostat readings.

AC Coil Repair Cost

The cost to fix air conditioning coils by a professional will be $200 to $475. Air conditioning coils can become problematic if they freeze There are two types of coils in most units, an evaporator coil and a condenser coil. The evaporator type is filled with a refrigerant. If airflow around these coils is not warm enough, they can freeze and stop working properly. Condenser coils may need to be fixed by a professional. If they are dirty, they can cause performance issues. Cleaning and maintenance resolve the issue.

AC Expansion Valve Repair Cost

The cost to repair an air conditioning expansion valve is $250 to $380. This part changes the liquid refrigerant into a vapor. Once the refrigerant is converted to vapor, the expansion valve pushes it into the evaporator. A sign of a bad expansion valve is when the unit isn’t cooling well or not at all. The air from the vents may feel cold, then suddenly hot. Air flow from vents could also be affected.

AC Capacitor Repair Cost

Repairing an air conditioning capacitor costs $300 to $400. The capacitor supplies the energy for your system to start. It sends a thrust of energy to start or keep a motor going. The capacitor works with the compressor, outside unit, and blower motor. Since the capacitor controls so many moving parts, the air conditioner isn’t likely to operate when it needs repair.

AC Freon Leak Repair Cost

Freon is the cooling refrigerant that runs your AC. If there is a leak, fixing it could cost from $400 to $1,500. The cost depends on the severity and location of the leak. Freon leaks may be considered an emergency because they cause both environmental and health issues. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, adverse health effects can occur when you sniff or swallow the refrigerant. Exposure can cause difficulty breathing and lead to fluid buildup in your lungs. Loss of consciousness may occur if the freon is inhaled for prolonged periods.

You may need to pay extra to a professional for an emergency service call to resolve the issue quickly. The air conditioning unit blowing warm air and low air flow are often signs of a freon leak.

Air Conditioner Coil Leak Repair Cost

The cost to repair a coil is about the same as replacement at $450 to $2,000. Depending on your system’s age, it may be a wiser decision to replace it. The evaporator coil on your AC is used to remove heat from the house and release it into the condenser to be cooled. Coil leaks can cause operational issues such as low airflow and poor temperature regulation.

AC Condenser Repair Cost

The cost to fix an air conditioning condenser will be $475 to $600. An air conditioning condenser needs repair when it shows signs of wear and tear. You may notice loud noises coming from the unit. Another sign that the condenser is having a problem is an active leak coming from the unit. If certain parts inside the condenser are bad, the professional may make a few minor repairs instead of replacing the entire condenser. Dirt or debris may need to be removed to improve performance. Possibly, there’s also a faulty switch that needs replacement in the condenser.

Air Duct Repair Cost

Air duct repairs range between $500 and $1,200. The homeowner will notice clear signs indicating the need for duct repair. Notably, the room will be warmer than any other spaces in the home. You may notice reduced air flow from vents or filters that are getting clogged quickly. A professional can make several repairs to fix the ducts in an HVAC system. For one, the ducts may need to be reinsulated. There could also be a leak that needs to be repaired to improve air flow. These issues could be caused by the age of the system or pests inside the ducts.

AC Fan Motor Repair Cost

Repair costs for an air conditioning fan motor range from $550 to $650. The fan motor is the part that cools the refrigerant to keep your unit from becoming too hot. It does this by cooling the heated refrigerant, which then travels through the AC coils. A motor failure isn’t a common issue, but the unit may not turn on when a repair is needed. Noisy operation may indicate that the fan isn’t operating properly.

AC Compressor Repair Cost

Because a compressor is so important to an air conditioning unit, repairs are often costly at $600 to $1,200. If your unit is old, it may be wise to consider replacing the compressor at the cost of $1,000 to $2,500. Your compressor is the pressure system that increases the temperature of the refrigerant. Located outside the house, it is often referred to as the “heart” of the system. Signs of a compressor issue are directly related to whether hot or cold air circulates through the system.

Average Cost to Repair AC by Type of Replacement

AC units are made up of many parts that work together to make the entire unit operate efficiently. Like human bodies, if one part isn’t working correctly, the system will break down or work harder to cool the home. Some common parts that need to be replaced are:

AC Thermostat Replacement Cost

AC thermostat replacement varies according to what bells and whistles it has, but the range is $150 to $480. To keep your home the temperature you want, the thermostat continuously monitors the temperature inside the house. With a bad thermostat, you won’t have proper control over the temperature inside the home. The air conditioning could run constantly and never turn off automatically. It may also not read air temperature properly and not know when to cycle on.

AC Circuit Board Replacement Cost

Replacement costs for a circuit board are $200 to $600. The circuit board runs the electrical system of your AC. Since it controls the electrical component, the air conditioning unit may not turn on if it requires replacement. You could also notice that certain parts of the unit are prone to overheating. If a circuit board isn’t working, the compressor won’t operate either.

Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost

The cost for replacement of an evaporator coil is $200 to $6,000. An evaporator coil’s purpose is to push all of the heat from inside the house into the condenser to be cooled. Signs of a bad evaporator coil are that the house isn’t cooling properly, and the air conditioning is running consistently. The unit may not turn on if the coil has to be replaced. Coil issues could eventually lead to leaks in the unit and require professional replacement. The following are the costs you can expect to pay to replace an evaporator coil based on tonnage for parts only:

AC Capacitor Replacement Cost

The cost to replace a capacitor for an air conditioner is $220 to $500. The capacitor reserves electrons to supply energy for the system to be able to start when needed. A heat pump capacitor is responsible for circulating cold air in the home. If it goes bad, you’ll notice warm air blowing out of the vents. Heat pump capacitor replacement cost includes professional service since it’s never a DIY job to work on your HVAC system.

AC Expansion Valve Replacement Cost

Replacing an expansion valve will cost $250 to $450. The expansion valve is used to decrease the pressure in the liquid refrigerant and change it into vapor. An underperforming air conditioner is a top indication that the expansion valve needs replacement. Utility bills during the summer months will likely be higher because of issues with the expansion valve. You may also notice frost buildup on vents.

AC Fan Motor Replacement Cost

Replacement for a fan motor will run you from $400 to $755. The fan motor prevents the unit from overheating by cooling the heated refrigerant. The most evident sign that you have a problem is the failure of the fan to turn on. When the fan is working properly, it will turn on periodically and run for set periods. Another sign is that the fan turns on but runs slowly. You could also hear noisy operation.

Condenser Coil Replacement Cost

The average cost for condenser coil replacement for your home air conditioning will be $550 to $1,100. Condenser coils that are not working cause your air conditioner not to turn on. If the unit is operating, the air coming from the vents will likely be warm. The system may turn on and off frequently until you replace the condenser coil. Condenser coils require replacement because of poor maintenance due to dirt and debris buildup.

AC Compressor Replacement Cost

Compressors cost about $1,000 to $2,500. The compressor creates pressure in the refrigerant to increase the temperature above what it is outdoors. Signs of a bad compressor are that the air won’t cool properly, and the hot air isn’t being released outdoors. You may hear loud noises coming from the unit. If the AC compressor clutch fails to turn on, it may not operate. AC compressor clutch replacement costs $600 to $750 to fix.

Other Common AC Replacements

In some cases, a less frequent issue could occur with your air conditioning unit. In these scenarios, an HVAC technician may be required to order a special part from the warehouse. This may increase the price of the job or lengthen the timeframe for completion. The following are other common AC part replacements you may need when your system is no longer operating properly and the cost of each.

AC Fuse Replacement Cost

The cost to replace fuses is $35 to $300. Fuses in an AC unit are just like fuses in a car. If they get overloaded, they blow. If a fuse is blown, there will be no power to the air conditioning unit, and it won’t operate. Fuses are normally quick fixes. The only issue is if there’s an accessibility issue and the technician has a problem getting to the fuse. For instance, you could be charged for each hour of labor it takes to access the blown fuses if the technician can’t simply switch out parts. If furniture or other objects need to be moved or the air conditioner needs to be taken apart to get to the broken piece, these scenarios increase your final bill.

AC Drain Pan Replacement Cost

An AC drip pan replacement cost will be between $50 and $100. Drain pans rarely need replacement. This part will usually hold up throughout the lifetime of the HVAC system. The only possible reason that a drain pan would need to be replaced is if cracks have developed due to blunt force. Leaks will be seen, and the dripping water can damage other parts of your system. Standing water is a typical sign of a damaged drain pan.

AC Belt Replacement Cost

A professional will charge you $75 to $120 to change the belt in your air conditioning unit. Belt replacements are relatively minor jobs. You can easily determine if a belt is no longer working in a unit by hearing a squealing noise when the system is operating. The unit may stop working altogether if the belt snaps completely. Prevent belt issues by checking it for wear and tear during routine maintenance appointments.

AC Relay Replacement Cost

Replacing a relay costs $80 to $300. Relays are used to send voltage to the different parts of the system to turn on and off. Since this part controls the system, it won’t power on if the relay switch is failing. Before a relay fails, you may notice poor cooling in the home. The compressor won’t turn on either without a properly functioning relay.

Condensate Pump Replacement Cost

A condensate pump costs $100 to $160. Condensation forms when the air is pushed through the evaporator coil. This condensation must be removed, so the system will not become too moist. The condensate pump removes the water. You may notice leaks or standing water if this issue occurs with the unit.

Cost to Replace AC Line Set

Line sets cost approximately $130 to $500 for replacement in a home. Replacing a line set is not commonly required. Even if you’re installing a new air conditioner, you can use the same line set. However, if the line set has become damaged or kinked, you would need a new one. Refrigerant leaks also require a new line set. Line sets confirm the efficiency of the HVAC system and must be sized for each particular air conditioner.

AC Blower Replacement Cost

The replacement cost for an AC blower is $150 to $600. This is a motor that turns the blades to push air through the system. The most obvious sign that you need a new blower is that you’ll have weak airflow through the vents. When the blower fails, there may be no air moving at all. Utility bills are normally affected by a bad AC blower.

AC Contactor Replacement Cost

The average cost to replace an AC contactor is $175 to $400. When you have a malfunctioning AC contactor, you’ll notice a distinct noise from the unit. Typically, there will be a humming sound. However, the humming sound continues without the unit powering on. There could also be a chattering sound before the contactor fails. Contactors often fail due to electrical shorts.

Air Handler Replacement Cost

To replace an air handler, you’ll pay $825 to $2,000. When the air handler in an air conditioner isn’t working properly, air flow is impacted. You may not feel any cool air through the vents or a very limited amount. You may also smell a foul odor if the air handler is not working properly. The odor is most likely from moisture building up in the system. Air handler issues are commonly seen in systems that are more than ten years old.

AC Duct Replacement Cost

Replacing ductwork costs an average of $1,700 to $3,000, depending on the extent of the project. Air conditioning duct replacements can be a significant job if there is a severe issue. Signs that you need to update some of your ductwork include noisy AC operation and poor energy efficiency. The home is likely to experience uneven heating and cooling. You may notice a pest problem related to the air conditioning ducts. Common pests in ductwork include roaches, spiders, mice, and even snakes.

AC Repair Cost per Hour

An AC unit is a highly technical appliance with high- and low-voltage circuits, which can be deadly if improperly handled. Most HVAC technicians charge a basic service call fee which pays for diagnostics followed by additional fees for labor and parts. The fee quoted for parts usually includes the labor required to install the parts and the price of the parts. The fee for a basic service call averages $75 to $200. If an hourly wage is charged, you can expect to pay $65 to $150 an hour. Once a diagnostic assessment is made, then the fee for parts and labor starts. Often, when an older unit starts to break down, the damage and cost of increasingly labor-intensive repairs come close to the cost of a full replacement.

Home AC Repair Cost by Brand

The brand of air conditioner that you own could factor into the overall repair. More expensive units will require more expensive parts. Also, if the brand is not commonly worked on by a professional with parts not readily available, the project price may be higher. Older brands of air conditioners may be more costly to repair. The following are top brands of home air conditioners and the average price of repairs for each.

Bryant Air Conditioner Repair

The average price you’ll pay to fix a Bryant air conditioner is between $250 and $600. Bryant air conditioners may experience motor failure, especially if the unit has been installed for some time. Another issue seen in some is frozen evaporator coils. There have also been reports of malfunctioning circuit boards. Bryant air conditioners offer a ten-year warranty option if the system is registered within the first 90 days. Otherwise, the warranty is good for five years and covers most system parts.

American Standard AC Repair

To fix an American Standard air conditioner, you will pay $300 to $900. If an American Standard air conditioner isn’t cooling a home, there could be a few common causes. The models can malfunction due to a faulty capacitor or contractor. Compressor problems have also been reported in American Standard AC systems. An American Standard warranty usually covers an air conditioner compressor for up to ten years and all other parts for five years. An extended option may be added for an additional fee.

Lennox Air Conditioner Repair

You will spend between $400 and $1,000 to fix a broken Lennox air conditioner. Lennox air conditioners are very reliable with few reported issues as long as maintenance schedules are followed. However, the fan motor may need repair or replacement, especially in older models. The compressors can prove problematic after ten years. Lennox has different warranties for their air conditioner models, with most ranging from five to ten years.

Goodman AC Repair

The cost to repair a Goodman air conditioner will be between $450 and $1,000. Goodman air conditioners tend to have compressor and condenser issues. However, the models also experience coil issues that require HVAC repair. Many of these issues are due to normal wear and tear, with most customers not requiring repairs within the first ten years of ownership. Goodman offers a five-year standard warranty on all air conditioners with an extended warranty option available.

Payne Air Conditioner Repair

You can expect to pay $500 to $800 to fix a Payne air conditioner. Payne air conditioners have a good reputation for providing long-lasting cool air. Some issues that Payne air conditioners experience involve the fans. The fan motor wears down over time and stops working. The fan could become dislodged and stop spinning properly. The contactor may cause a Payne air conditioner to stop cooling. The majority of Payne air conditioners include a ten-year limited warranty. High-end models have extended coverage options to cover parts such as pumps and exchangers.

Carrier AC Repair

The Carrier air conditioner will be $580 to $1,100 to repair. Evaporator coils in a Carrier air conditioner can become frosted over due to issues with poor filter maintenance. The heat pump in the air conditioner could also be faulty in a Carrier air conditioner. A damaged heat pump affects both the home’s heating and cooling capabilities. For most air conditioners, Carrier provides a ten-year parts warranty. You can purchase an extended warranty within the first 90 days.

SpacePak Repair

Most homeowners will pay $600 to $2,000 for SpacePak air conditioning repair jobs. SpacePak air conditioners have experienced a few key issues of which customers should be aware. Leaks have occurred in select models requiring fixes to the coils. Condenser problems have caused air conditioners not to circulate the cool air properly. SpackPak has a limited warranty on some models with only one year of coverage after the purchase date. The customer will have the option to extend the warranty up to five years.

Armstrong AC Repair

The average price you can expect to spend when fixing an Armstrong air conditioner is $620 to $1,500. An Armstrong air conditioner lasts for many years without any significant problems. However, if the models stop cooling the home and basic troubleshooting doesn’t fix the issue, the compressor may be to blame. The air conditioners have also been known to leak refrigerant and require a recharge. At a minimum, an Armstrong air conditioner should be covered under a five-year warranty with the option to protect the system for up to ten years.

York AC Repair

The estimated cost to fix a York air conditioner will be between $725 and $1,350. In a York air conditioner, it’s not uncommon to see performance issues related to the condenser coils. The condenser coils will require repair due to age or if they have become dirty. Faulty compressors have been reported in some York models. York air conditioner warranties include one-year coverage for labor costs and five years for parts.

How to Tell if Your AC is Broken

In most cases, homeowners notice the air conditioner isn’t working when a room or multiple rooms don’t cool. However, there are other signs, including complete power loss. The air conditioner may constantly be running or going through very short cycles. Due to the erratic running of the unit, you’ll likely see an increase in your utility bills.

Make it a point to routinely inspect your air conditioner to check for other issues that may be less evident. You may see water around the unit or some frost buildup on the lines or vents. There could be a musty or foul odor coming from the vents or around the air conditioning unit. When you pass your hand in front of each vent, you may not feel any airflow, or the air may be warm. Listen for any strange noises alerting you to a possible issue. Any squealing or grinding noise could indicate a broken part inside the unit.

Don’t ignore any early warning signs that your unit might be experiencing trouble. Even if the problem seems minor, if you delay the repair, then the problem could worsen. You could end up paying higher energy bills, replacing even more parts, ending up with a fully broken system for a while before you can get an appointment, and/or ultimately having to replace your whole system instead of making a small repair.

Emergency AC Repair Cost

One of the most frustrating parts of living in an area that is hot and/or humid is the fear of the AC going out during those hot months. Most AC repair companies do emergency AC repairs. However, you will most likely pay more for a night, weekend, or holiday visit. If your compressor goes out and it is 90 degrees outside, you will pay whatever it costs for an emergency visit. Emergency AC repair costs can run around $300 or more, depending on the repairs needed.

AC Repair vs Replace

Often the fee to repair a unit is far cheaper than to replace the system. Most AC units last at least ten years with regular maintenance. During that time frame, it may require minor repairs and parts replacements. New AC models come with a ten-year warranty for parts, but the warranties do not cover labor.

The cost of major or big repairs often exceeds the cost of purchasing a new unit. Repairs can range from $75 to $2,500, particularly if your unit is older. In such a situation, it is usually in the homeowner’s best interest to purchase a new unit that comes with a complete warranty instead of nursing along an older, inefficient unit that continues to suffer from broken or malfunctioning parts. Installing a new unit ranges from $500 to $15,000. Cost factors of a new AC system include the size of the unit your home requires, the brand and type of air conditioning system you buy, and any add-ons such as extended warranties, upgraded ductwork, and a high SEER rating.

New AC models are highly energy efficient. Newer models feature what is known as a ‘SEER’ rating. The term SEER stands for ‘Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.’ To figure out an AC unit’s SEER rating, a ratio of cooling in British thermal units (BTU) is figured with the energy consumed in watt-hours. AC units older than 15 years usually have a SEER rating of 6 or less, but the new AC models boast SEER ratings of at least 14. Some even have 18 or higher. A new unit provides considerable energy savings compared to an older model.

AC Maintenance Cost

An AC unit requires either annual or biannual maintenance. In many cases, maintenance must be performed by a licensed AC company to maintain the unit’s warranty. The average cost of this regular AC maintenance is $100-$150. During a maintenance call, an HVAC technician will inspect and clean the inside and outdoor units, change or clean the filter, and clean out the unit’s drains. The HVAC technician will also check the system’s coolant levels to make sure the unit is functioning properly.

A homeowner can take several steps to maintain their AC unit:

First, regularly check the air filter for any dirt and debris. Most professionals recommend changing filters every three months for HVAC systems.

The exterior components of the system need to be maintained too. Turn off the power to the air conditioner while cleaning around the unit. Remove any overgrowth and brush from the base. Then, discard any accumulated debris you can access from inside the unit.