Written by

Kristen Cramer

April 29, 2024

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

AC repair cost

AC repair costs $150 to $650 on 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 hour for labor alone to fix a central AC.

Air conditioner repair cost guide

AC freon leak repair

AC leak repair costs $200 to $1,500 to 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

An air conditioner recharge costs $100 to $320 on average for AC units with R410A refrigerant or $180 to $600 for older AC units using R22 Freon.

AC evaporator coil replacement cost

AC evaporator coil replacement costs $650 to $2,400 if not under warranty or $400 to $1,000 for labor and refrigerant if under warranty. The cost to replace an evaporator coil depends on the AC size, brand, and coil type.

AC capacitor replacement

AC capacitor replacement costs $100 to $250 for the part and labor, depending on the type and brand. Air conditioner capacitor prices are $10 to $50 on 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

The cost to replace an air handler is $1,500 to $3,400 on 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 $4,200 if not under warranty or $300 to $1,200 for 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 $5,000 or more.

AC condenser fan motor replacement

Replacing an AC condenser fan motor costs $200 to $700 on average if not under warranty or $100 to $300 when under warranty. Condenser fan motors typically require replacement instead of repair.

AC blower motor repair

AC blower motor replacement costs $300 to $900 on average if not under warranty or $200 to $400 for 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 $700 if not under warranty or $100 to $300 for labor if under warranty. AC control board prices are $50 to $400 for 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 $400 with installation or $10 to $60 for 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 $300 with professional installation or $10 to $30 for 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.

AC compressor repair cost

AC compressor replacement costs $600 to $1,200 when under warranty of $1,300 to $2,500 if 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 $270 with 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 $250 to 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.

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 hour for labor during regular business hours and $160 to $250 per hour for emergency repairs during the night, weekend, or a holiday.

Many companies charge $75 to $200 for a service call to diagnose the problem but apply this fee toward the repair costs.

An AC tune-up costs $70 to $200 and prolongs the system's lifespan. Annual or semi-annual tune-ups may prevent the need for costly AC repairs.

Central AC thermostat replacement

Central AC thermostat replacement costs $140 to $350 on 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 run or $25 to $55 per linear foot. Ductwork typically lasts 10 to 20 years before it needs replacing.

Air duct cleaning costs $200 to $1,000 for the whole home or $25 to $50 per vent. HVAC pros recommend cleaning ductwork every 3 to 7 years to 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:

• 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 as 1 hour or up to 8 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 lasts 12 to 15 years on 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.

Who fixes air conditioners?

A licensed HVAC technician fixes air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and ductwork.

Getting air conditioning repair quotes

Before hiring an AC 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?