How much does HVAC repair, service, and maintenance cost?
How much does HVAC repair, service, and maintenance cost?
Small HVAC repairs such as fuses, breakers, or thermostat replacement costs between $150 and $290 For larger repairs such as fixing a refrigerant leak or evaporator coil, expect to spend $200 to $1,500 Most AC repair jobs cost $150 to $450, while most furnace repair jobs run $125 to $355.
$75 – $150 cost per hour
$70 – $200 tune-up / service call / diagnostic fee
Small HVAC repairs such as fuses, breakers, or thermostat replacement costs between $150 and $290 For larger repairs such as fixing a refrigerant leak or evaporator coil, expect to spend $200 to $1,500 Most AC repair jobs cost $150 to $450, while most furnace repair jobs run $125 to $355.
HVAC repair costs
HVAC repairs cost between $150 and $450 on average, with most homeowners spending $319 on AC service and $268 on furnace service. HVAC contractors charge an hourly rate of $75 to $150 with a minimum service call fee of $75 to $200, which applies towards the first hour.
| National Average Cost | $293 |
| Minimum Cost | $75 |
| Maximum Cost | $2,900 |
| Average Range | $144 to $451 |
HVAC service costs
On average, HVAC service costs $150 to $450 for most AC and furnace repairs, with minimum service call rates of $75 to $200. An AC diagnostic costs $75 to $200 to locate the cause of the problem.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $75 – $150 |
| Service call | $75 – $200 |
| Tune-up | $85 – $110 |
| Diagnostic test | $75 – $200 |
| Emergency hourly rate | $140 – $250 |
HVAC hourly rate
HVAC repairs cost $75 to $150 per hour. The HVAC labor rates cover the technician's wages and travel time.
HVAC service call rates
Most HVAC companies charge a minimum service call fee of $75 to $200. Most companies deduct this fee from your bill or apply it to the first hour of labor.
Ask the HVAC company about minimum service fees before scheduling an appointment.
HVAC tune-up cost
An HVAC tune-up costs $70 to $200 on average. An HVAC technician will inspect your HVAC system, clean the filters, blow out the dust and dirt, and repair any worn-out parts.
Alternatively, an HVAC annual service costs $150 to $300 and includes one or two tune-ups. For an extra cost for parts, the technician will refill refrigerant if needed and swap out fan blades.
HVAC flat-rate charges
Many HVAC contractors charge a flat rate for common or small repair jobs. A flat rate estimate may save you money because you will only be charged the quoted price even if the repair takes longer than anticipated.
HVAC emergency service costs
HVAC emergency services typically cost double or triple the regular rate for a service call at $140 to $210 per hour on the low end and $400 to $600 on the high end. Some HVAC contractors only charge an extra $40 to $80 hourly for after-hours and weekend visits.
HVAC service price list
The two price lists below show average costs for common AC and furnace service jobs.
AC service costs
Home AC repair costs $150 to $650 on average, depending on the problem. Check out our air conditioner repair cost guide for detailed information on each job.
| AC Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Service Call | $75 – $200 |
| AC Diagnostic Cost | $75 – $200 |
| Tune-Up | $70 – $200 |
| Home AC Compressor Replacement | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| AC Freon Recharge Cost | $100 – $600 |
| Repair Refrigerant Leak Cost | $200 – $1,500 |
| Air handler replacement cost | $1,500 – $3,400 |
| AC Capacitor Replacement Cost | $100 – $250 |
| Evaporator Coil Replacement cost | $650 – $2,400 |
| Evaporator Coil Leak Repair | $200 – $1,500 |
| AC Fan Motor Replacement Cost | $200 – $700 |
| AC Condenser Replacement Costs | $1,200 – $4,200 |
| Condenser Coil Replacement Cost | $900 – $2,300 |
| Condensate Pump | $100 – $165 |
| Condensate Drain Tube | $100 – $195 |
| AC Contactor Replacement | $150 – $350 |
| AC Drain Pan Replacement | $150 – $350 |
| AC Circuit Board Replacement cost | $150 – $700 |
| Fuses, Circuit Breakers, or Relays | $75 – $290 |
| Thermostat Replacement cost | $75 – $575 |
| Flush Drain Line | $75 – $250 |
| AC Compressor Hard Start Kit | $100 – $270 |
| AC Lineset Replacement Cost | $200 – $650 |
| Home AC Filter Drier Replacement Cost | $208 – $296 |
| AC Duct Work Repair | $2 – $4 per foot to repair $35 – $55 per foot to replace |
| HVAC duct cleaning cost | $300 – $700 |
| AC coil cleaning cost | $100 – $400 |
| HVAC zoning system cost | $1,700 – $4,500 |
| Replace AC Unit cost | $2,500 – $7,500 |
Furnace service costs
Furnace repair costs $125 and $480 on average, depending on the problem and the furnace type. Diagnostic fees typically run $90 to $100.
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Repair Blower Motor | $150 – $700 |
| Repair Flame Sensor | $80 |
| Repair Circuit Board / Pressure Sensor | $50 |
| Replace Blower Motor cost | $300 – $900 |
| Replace Damper Motor | $85 – $325 |
| Replace Thermostat | $150 |
| Furnace ignitor replacement cost | $100 – $250 |
| Replace Flame Sensor | $250 |
| Replace Heat Exchanger cost | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Furnace control board replacement cost | $300 – $650 |
| Furnace gas valve replacement cost | $200 – $800 |
| Replace Smart Valve | $750 |
| Furnace inducer motor replacement cost | $400 – $1,100 |
| Furnace Replacement cost | $2,000 – $5,400 |
| Boiler Replacement cost | $3,200 – $9,000 |
HVAC duct repair cost
Repairing HVAC ductwork costs $200 to $700 on average for minor jobs. Air duct replacement costs $25 to $55 per linear foot or $1,400 to $5,600 on average. Most homes contain 30 to 90 feet of ducting.
HVAC inspection cost
An HVAC inspection costs $150 to $500. The inspection is crucial to confirm the new system was installed or repaired correctly and will operate efficiently. Inspectors also ensure the system meets the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) testing and verification requirements.
HVAC cleaning cost
Cleaning your HVAC system increases its energy-efficiency and keeps your energy bills down.
AC coil cleaning costs $100 to $400 on average. AC evaporator coils should be cleaned at least once per year.
HVAC duct cleaning costs $450 to $1,000 on average or $25 to $50 per vent. HVAC professionals recommend cleaning your air ducts every 3 to 7 years.
HVAC permit cost
An HVAC permit costs about $220 on average. Permits are necessary anytime you open walls or install an HVAC system. A reputable, state-licensed contractor will know local permit requirements before starting work on your home.
HVAC maintenance cost
HVAC maintenance costs are $10 to $25 per month or $150 to $300 per year and include twice annual tune-ups, cleaning, and heating and AC adjustment. Most HVAC maintenance contracts and service plans offer priority scheduling and discounts on service repairs.
Letting any problems linger can raise your utility bills, or even worse, release dangerous VOC's into your home.
HVAC maintenance tips
Perform these basic tasks to keep your HVAC unit well maintained:
Replace the filter – Change the filter every 90 days. Consider purchasing new, high-efficiency, pleated filters. They carry an electrostatic charge that grabs the smallest particles before they can enter your system.
Maintain a 2-foot clearance around the unit and clear any debris – Ensure proper airflow by keeping the area around the outdoor unit free of sticks, leaves, and grass.
Inspect and clean the condenser fan blades – Carefully wipe off the blades to ensure they're free of accumulated dust and dirt. Keeping them clean keeps the air in your home cleaner.
Lubricate the condenser fan motor – Look for oil ports and give each one a few drops of SAE 20 to keep things lubricated. Don’t add oil to any place that does not have a port or indication that oil is needed.
Shade the compressor unit / Form-fitting cover for winter – Protect the unit from extreme weather with a cover.
Clean the indoor evaporator coil, drain pipe, and evaporator trap – Use solvent solution and fin cleaning brushes to gently clean the evaporator coil. Use a pipe cleaner to unblock the drain hole leading to the drip pan.
Seal any leaks in the ductwork and consider insulating it all to prevent or reduce condensation.
Ensure your thermostat is working correctly, and change the temp according to the season.
Electrical repair components
Learning about all the electrical components in your HVAC system such as a heat pump, fuses, or compressor will help you navigate who to hire and how much the job should be.
Capacitors – A capacitor collects and stores energy to start the HVAC system's motors and keep them running smoothly. Capacitors last 10 to 20 years but may require replacement more often in areas that experience extreme temperatures or power surges.
Compressor – The AC compressor costs $1,300 to $2,500 to replace. The AC compressor is located in the outdoor unit and is responsible for circulating refrigerant through the system. The compressor changes the refrigerant to a liquid or gas as needed to propel it through the evaporator coil and condenser unit, removing hot air and sending cold air into the home.
Contact/Relay – The contact/relay is the switch that turns on the compressor. Over time, the contacts can pit and then and stop working correctly.
Furnace Circuit Board – The circuit board is the brains behind the whole operation. If your furnace is stopping and starting continually, the problem could be in the circuit board.
Fuses – Fuses are designed to keep the electrical current at a safe level. If the current exceeds a safe level, the fuse breaks the current and trips the circuit breaker. If your furnace or AC regularly trips the breaker, check the fuses.
Gas Valves – Valves control the flow of gas in a furnace or liquid gas refrigerant in an AC. Valves can get dirty and become stuck in an open or closed position.
Indoor Fan Motor – The indoor blower fan motor keeps the air flowing through the vents and into your rooms.
Outdoor Fan Motor – This motor powers the fan that keeps the outdoor unit cool as it runs. Keeping the compressor cool prolongs its life and keeps your home cool. If the motor overheats, it may stop working, which endangers the compressor. If the outdoor unit is warm to the touch, turn off the unit and call an HVAC company.
Pipe repair areas
Drain Lines – Drain lines need to be cleaned regularly to remove dust and dirt. Pour 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar into the condensate drain every month to prevent mold and bacteria. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Indoor Coil – The indoor coil works at absorbing the heat from the air in your home. It can become dirty and clogged, but it can be hard to access. The indoor coil may need cleaning if you notice warm air coming from your vents or the system doesn’t work as well as it has been.
Outdoor Coil – Also known as the condenser coil, it's located in the outdoor part of your system. As the heated refrigerant arrives, the condenser coil removes the heat to the air blowing over the top of it, and the refrigerant cools again, turning into a liquid, and heads back into the indoor coil to start the process all over again.
Refrigerant Metering Device – This part is responsible for sending the correct amount of refrigerant to the evaporator coil. If the metering device malfunctions, the amount of refrigerant used will not be correct and the system will not function properly.
Restriction Reversing Valve – These valves typically don't malfunction but may occasionally get stuck or leak. Both scenarios require repair by a qualified HVAC technician.
HVAC repair FAQs
Is It Necessary to Service an AC Every Year?
Yes, for the HVAC system to run efficiently, the AC needs to be cleaned and the filter replaced every year.
How often should you have HVAC serviced?
Have your HVAC serviced at least once per year. An annual visual inspection allows the HVAC technical to spot potential issues before they become pricey problems.
Consider having the AC serviced in the spring and the furnace serviced in the fall.
How long do HVAC units last?
A properly installed HVAC unit lasts 15 to 25 years if it’s well maintained.
Consider installing a new HVAC system if your units are older than 10 years old and the repair bill would be more than 30% of the cost of a new system. HVAC replacement costs $5,000 and $11,000 depending on the size of your home and if you need to replace the ductwork.
Do HVAC technicians give free estimates or quotes?
Most reputable HVAC technicians offer free estimates with an in-person service call. However, beware of companies that give you a free quote over the phone, as it may not accurately reflect what they will discover once they check out the system.
Companies that charge for an estimate typically apply that amount toward your balance due if you hire them to perform the repairs.
Are HVAC service plans worth it?
HVAC service contracts are only worth it if you can purchase one for a reasonable price .Service plans often include priority booking, and many HVAC contractors offer discounts for routine maintenance for customers with an annual plan.
However, you do not need a service plan if you have a new HVAC system that's still under warranty.
Hiring an HVAC repair contractor
HVAC systems are quite complicated, and all the separate parts need to work together seamlessly to be energy efficient. There are a few things you should look for when hiring an HVAC repair service, either for repair or for replacing your system.
Confirm they are licensed by the state you live in, and make sure the license is current.
They should be bonded and insured for at least $500,000.
Look up online reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a company that has been repairing HVACs for at least five years.
They should inspect your system to give an honest, accurate estimate.
Be sure you’re comfortable with the brand they intend to install.
Choose one with a good warranty on labor costs.
Ask if this company does background checks on the technicians who will be in your home.
Questions to ask
What are their emergency/after-hour rates?
Are estimates free, and if not, is the amount you pay for the estimate applied to your balance if you hire them?
Do they have a maintenance plan, and how much does it cost?
Are they available to answer questions before you buy?