How much does an AC fix cost?
Most common air-conditioning repairs cost roughly between a few hundred dollars and about a thousand, with major component failures potentially exceeding two thousand. The exact price depends on the diagnosis, parts required, labor rates in your area, and whether refrigerant work or after-hours service is involved.
What determines the price
Several factors drive the final bill, including the complexity of the issue, the type of system, local labor costs, and any additional services such as refrigerant handling, coil cleaning, or after-hours visits. Regional differences can also affect pricing, as can warranties and whether parts are new or rebuilt.
Here is a breakdown of typical cost components you’re likely to encounter.
- Diagnostic/service call fee: typically about $75–$125
- Labor: roughly $75–$150 per hour, with most jobs taking 1–4 hours
- Replacement parts: common items (capacitors, relays, contactors) cost tens to a few hundred dollars
- Refrigerant recharge: about $100–$350 if there isn’t a significant leak
- Leak repair and refrigerant recharge: $200–$1,000 or more, depending on location and accessibility
- Major component replacement (compressor, coil): $600–$2,500+
- Emergency/after-hours service: premium pricing, often 1.25x–2x the normal rate
Bottom line: most minor fixes stay in the low to mid hundreds, while more complex issues can push the bill into the higher hundreds or thousands, especially if a refrigerant leak or compressor replacement is involved.
Cost by scenario
Below are cost ranges tied to common repair scenarios to help with budgeting.
- Minor fix (capacitor or relay replacement, thermostat replacement): $150–$350
- Moderate repair (fan motor replacement, coil cleaning, refrigerant recharge with no significant leak): $350–$900
- Leak-related refrigerant work (recharge plus seal/coil repair): $350–$1,200
- Major repair (compressor replacement or condenser coil replacement): $1,000–$2,500
- Unit replacement (new system and installation): $3,000–$8,000+, depending on capacity and efficiency
Prices vary widely by region and system type, so use these ranges as a rough guide and seek multiple quotes for accuracy.
System types and regional factors
Central air conditioning vs. ductless mini-splits
Central air repairs generally involve larger equipment and can be more labor-intensive, pushing costs higher. Ductless mini-splits may have lower per-head repair costs, but multiple indoor units can increase the total if several zones need service.
Geography and access
Labor rates, permit requirements, and disposal fees vary by location. Urban or high-cost regions tend to have higher price tags, and after-hours or weekend service can add substantial premiums.
Summary
Key takeaways: expect a diagnostic fee, know the typical ranges for parts and labor, consider the potential cost of refrigerant work, and recognize that major component failures can be expensive. When possible, obtain multiple written quotes and ask for a detailed breakdown to compare apples-to-apples. If your system is under warranty or you have an annual maintenance plan, verify what costs are covered before proceeding.
