How Much Does AC Repair Cost?
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The national average AC repair cost is $369. Several factors affect how much this repair costs, resulting in a range of $100 to $610.
- Typical Range: $100 to $610
- National Average: $369
Air conditioning circulates, filters, and cools a home’s air. If an AC unit begins to break down or stops working entirely, the effects are quickly noticed. When having an air conditioner repaired, homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $610, with an average repair cost of $369. Read on to gain a deeper understanding of what factors influence AC repair cost, signs that point to a potential repair, and when it’s time to call in a professional AC tech.
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Factors in Calculating AC Repair Cost
The average cost to repair an air conditioner ranges from $100 to $610, depending on repair type, the age of the unit, and even geographic location. When trying to determine where their air conditioner repair cost will fall within this range, homeowners should consider the following factors that strongly influence the final estimate.
Repair Type
Replacing an AC unit can be expensive, which is why repairs are almost always considered first. When it comes to estimating AC repair prices, the type of repair is a large determining factor. Some repairs can be completed in only a few hours, while others require several days and possibly more than one professional.
A bad thermostat can cause a unit to run continuously or shorten a unit’s cycle. A faulty thermostat repair costs on average between $60 and $440. A failing blower can’t push cool air into a system’s ductwork. Luckily, this repair can cost as little as $150, though it could range from $400 to $700. A deteriorating AC capacitor can be a more expensive issue to fix. This is the component responsible for providing additional energy to start the unit and keep it running during a cycle. AC capacitor repair generally costs between $120 and $475.
Another common AC repair type is a recharge, typically done after a leak is repaired. Having the Freon in an AC unit recharged or refilled can cost between $100 and $350. Other types of AC repairs include fan motor repair (ranging from $200 to $500), condenser repair (ranging from $275 to $600), and coil repair (ranging from $200 to $500).
Unit Type and Size
There are multiple types of air conditioning units. As one can imagine, they all have different average AC repair costs and ranges. For example, a window cooling unit costs between $50 and $125 to repair. A portable air conditioner has a similar repair cost range of $80 to $250. These types of cooling units are usually more affordable to repair because they are smaller and have low-cost components.
When it comes to central air units, homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for repairs. These units are typically more complicated to diagnose and repair, hence the higher repair cost. The same concept applies to other types of AC units, including ductless mini-split AC units (ranging from $750 to $900), swamp coolers ( ranging from $125 to $500), and HVAC package units (ranging from $300 to $500). Typically speaking, if a unit is larger, less common, or houses multiple components in comparison to other units, its repair cost is likely to be higher.
Unit Age and Condition
Units that are older or in poor condition will cost more to repair than a new unit in good condition, and there are several reasons for this. First, an older unit may be discontinued. This makes it more difficult to track down replacement parts. Newer techs may not be familiar with the model, making it more difficult (and possibly expensive) to find the best HVAC company with the right experience to repair an older unit.
Units in less-than-fair condition can cost more to repair for a couple of reasons. It’s more likely that a unit in poor condition wasn’t properly maintained. So if one component is starting to fail, additional components are also likely to break down soon, if they aren’t already on their way out. Also, units showing signs of deterioration may be better off being replaced. A replacement will always cost more than a simple repair.
Unit Brand
Just like cars or clothing, the brand behind an AC unit can have an effect on its initial cost and repair fees. There are value brands on the market, like Bryant and American Standard; there are also more expensive brands like SpacePak, York, and Armstrong.
For example, a Bryant AC repair can cost between $200 and $600, while a SpacePak repair is likely to cost between $500 and $2,000.
When it comes to less-expensive brands, homeowners can save a bit during repairs. This is because the parts are a lot less expensive. However, low-cost brands are more likely to break down. While the luxury brands cost more initially, homeowners are less likely to experience problems as severe or as quickly as they might with low-cost brands.
But there’s no such thing as a fail-proof AC unit; all air conditioners will start to break down eventually. So while brand is an influencing factor, homeowners should also consider other features offered by a manufacturer beside price points, specifically warranties. A unit with a long warranty can save money over time, even if it has a higher initial price tag.
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Unit Accessibility
Not all AC units are easily accessible. A unit that requires a bit more flexibility to repair will cost more than an easily accessible one. For example, an outdoor AC unit placed against the side of a house in an open and flat area of the yard is easy to access. Newer models tend to be easier to repair as well, saving a technician time (and the homeowner labor costs).
If the unit in question services multiple areas, like a condo building, accessing the unit can be more difficult. The same can be said for older homes where the previous owner paid to install an AC unit decades after original construction. Units in tight or hard-to-reach spaces (including those that can only be reached by several staircases) take more time to diagnose and repair, leading to higher costs.
Labor
Besides repair type, labor is one of the biggest factors when trying to determine air condition repair cost. Most technicians charge a basic service call fee. This covers their time to travel and diagnose a failing AC unit. Then there’s the cost of replacement parts once the problem has been identified. Then the labor is tacked on. Basic service fees cost between $75 and $200 for the technician to come out and diagnose the issue. Parts can range from a few dollars to several thousand dollars. Labor fees also greatly vary, with some techs charging as low as $75 per hour or as high as $150 per hour. Some techs charge different hourly rates based on the scope of the job, making it difficult to estimate an AC repair cost based on the expected repair time alone.
Geographic Location
Geographic location can affect air conditioner repair costs. This is because average repair rates fluctuate throughout the country due to different temperature ranges, available technicians, and demand. A city with dozens of available repair companies that rarely sees heat waves (meaning demand for techs is low) is likely to have lower average repair costs compared to an area with only a few repair companies and scorching temperatures (which is likely to cause high demand).
For example, the average HVAC repair cost in New York is $500, while homeowners in New Mexico will pay an average repair price of $365. Florida and Texas come in even lower at $340 for both locations, while residents of Pennsylvania pay a bit more at $400.
The difference isn’t astronomical, but it helps homeowners to know that where they call home will have an effect on their AC repair cost.
Seasonality
Finally, the time of year will also have a direct impact on the expected cost to repair an AC unit. Just as location and demand can influence cost directly, so do the seasons, and the reason is the different temperatures.
When temperatures are low in late fall, winter, and early spring, homeowners are probably not using their air conditioners. Even if there is a problem lurking within the unit, it’s unlikely to be obvious. But once those same homeowners start cranking down the thermostat in the summer, issues are likely to come to a head. The sudden increase in repair calls can lead to higher repair costs, including emergency fees.
Additional Costs and Considerations
There are a few other additional costs and considerations homeowners should know about when trying to navigate the potential cost of AC repair. These include warranties, emergency fees, and the decision of whether to simply repair or fully replace a malfunctioning unit. Here’s how each consideration affects the total cost of AC repair.
Repair vs. Replacement
Replacing an air conditioning unit isn’t cheap. In fact, the cost to replace an AC is between $2,500 and $7,500. For those looking at replacing both the AC and furnace, a full HVAC system replacement costs around $7,000 on average. Sometimes ductwork needs to be replaced alongside an AC unit. This can run between $6,000 and $12,000.
With a potential replacement price tag approaching $20,000, it only makes sense that most homeowners would want to consider repairing their unit before shopping for a new unit. The good news is that in many cases, repair is an affordable option that can get a unit back up and running.
However, there are some scenarios that would warrant a homeowner considering AC replacement, even if the potential price is a concern. These include:
- A unit older than 10 years
- A unit using R-22 Freon
- A unit that’s already been repaired several times
Homeowners unsure of which option to choose should speak to their repair tech, getting several opinions if needed. But one rule of thumb to use is to replace a unit if the repair cost is 50 percent or more of the cost of a new AC unit. Additionally, homeowners can use the following equation to help them decide.
Repair cost multiplied by the age of unit = X
If X is more than $5,000, a replacement is likely the best option.
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Warranties
Warranties can help lower the cost of AC repair or replacement. For example, an AC condenser replacement costs up to $4,000 if not under warranty. If the unit is under warranty, though, homeowners can pay as little as $300 for the same repair. Replacing an AC condenser fan can cost $200 to $700 if out of the warranty period, or as low as $100 if covered.
There are two types of warranties that may help cover AC repair cost: a manufacturer’s warranty and a home warranty. When making a claim on a manufacturer’s warranty, homeowners should have the make and model of their AC unit available, along with their warranty information. An experienced tech may be able to assist with basic warranty questions, but it’s up to the homeowner to reach out to the manufacturer for details on how to take advantage of an applicable warranty.
A home warranty is ideal for homeowners who bought a home with an AC unit installed under the ownership of the previous owner. In this case, any applicable warranty the AC unit was covered under during installation does not transfer to the new homeowners. A home warranty policy from one of the best home warranty companies (like American Home Shield or AFC Home Club) can help homeowners handle repair costs if necessary; homeowners will typically only need to pay a service call-out fee, and the repair cost will likely be covered by the home warranty, but check to see if there are any conditions that need to be met in order for the warranty to apply, such as annual maintenance.
Emergency Fees
It’s not uncommon for an AC technician to receive an influx of calls during a heat wave. When there are more repair jobs than available techs, tacking on emergency fees is one way the pros make sure they’re taking on the top-priority jobs first. Emergency fees can apply to middle-of-the-night calls, weekend calls, or calls during a busy season. Homeowners who can’t wait for their AC unit to be repaired (either due to personal preference or because of young children, elderly family members, or pets living in the home) can expect to pay between $160 to $250 per hour in emergency call-out fees. These fees also apply to more serious emergencies, such as a leaking AC unit. This is in addition to the cost of any required parts and labor.
Types of AC Repair
Between unit types, brands, and designs, there is a seemingly endless list of possible AC unit repair jobs that technicians complete. Homeowners experiencing issues with their air conditioning can expect the type of repair needed to greatly influence the total repair cost. Listed below are some of the most common types of AC repair jobs to give homeowners an idea of what to expect when it comes to the signs of a failing unit, possible repairs needed, and what the job may cost.
Compressor Replacement
A compressor is known as the “heart” of an air conditioner. It is the power unit of the system, putting the refrigerant under high pressure so it can cool down before entering the condenser. It’s a vital component, which often comes with an expensive repair cost. Signs of a failing compressor include loud noises coming from the unit and air flowing through a home at a warm temperature.
When determining the cost of AC compressor replacement, the first factor to consider is whether it’s under warranty or not. A compressor under warranty costs between $600 and $1,200 to replace, while replacing one out of warranty can run as high as $2,500.
Homeowners should also know that not all compressors need to be replaced right away. Some can have their life extended with a compressor hard start kit. These kits provide an extra boost on startup, helping a failing compressor still get the job done. A kit won’t help a compressor last forever, but at a cost of $100 to $270, this can be a great option for homeowners who can’t foot the bill of a full replacement just yet.
Freon Leak
Freon is a noncombustible gas that is used as a refrigerant in air conditioning applications. It continuously goes through an evaporation process to help an AC unit produce cool air. Freon doesn’t burn up or get “used up” by a unit. Instead, it tends to escape a unit through small leaks that develop from poor maintenance or simple wear and tear.
Freon can be added to a unit once any obvious leaks are repaired. To have a leak repaired and a unit refilled with Freon, homeowners can expect to pay between $200 and $1,500. This is a wide range, and the final cost depends on how severe the leak is, how difficult it is to reach and repair, what replacement parts are needed, and how much Freon is needed. Freon is charged per pound, with a range of $125 to $150 per pound. Larger units will likely cost more to refill, and units with leaks that went undetected for an extended period will likely cost more to refill.