AC repair cost: price list by problem
This Old House says most homeowners pay $150 to $650 for common AC repairs, with a typical flat diagnostic fee of $75–$150. Small electrical parts and drain cleaning sit at the low end. Sealed-system work such as a compressor or coil is the expensive end, and it is where you should stop and compare the repair bill with the price of a new unit.
Safety first. Switch the AC off at the thermostat if you see ice on the lines or hear grinding or buzzing from the outdoor unit. Do not open the electrical panel on the unit. Capacitors hold a charge even with the power off.
AC repair price list
These are national ranges for parts and labor published by This Old House. Your price depends on the unit, the part and local rates.
| Repair | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Drain line cleaning | $80–$250 | This Old House |
| Capacitor | $150–$400 | This Old House |
| Relay or contactor | $100–$450 | This Old House |
| Thermostat | $100–$500 | This Old House |
| Circuit board | $200–$800 | This Old House |
| Drain pan | $200–$800 | This Old House |
| Fan motor | $300–$800 | This Old House |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $200–$1,500+ | This Old House |
| Evaporator coil | $700–$2,500+ | This Old House |
| Condenser coil | $1,000–$2,700+ | This Old House |
| Compressor | $1,000–$3,000+ | This Old House |
Two of these have their own guides: AC capacitor replacement cost and AC compressor replacement cost.
What you are paying for
- The diagnostic visit. This Old House gives a typical flat diagnostic fee of $75–$150. Ask whether it is credited toward the repair if you go ahead.
- The part. Small electrical parts are cheap. Coils and compressors are expensive, and prices vary by brand and model.
- Labor. Many companies charge a flat price per repair. Others bill by the hour.
- Refrigerant. Any repair that opens the sealed system means recovering and recharging refrigerant, which adds cost. Older refrigerant types cost more per pound.
- Timing. Nights, weekends and holidays usually carry an extra charge.
What moves the price
Warranty status is the first thing to check. Many units carry a long parts warranty from the manufacturer, which can cover an expensive part and leave you paying labor and refrigerant. Have the model and serial number ready so the contractor can look it up.
Access matters too. A coil in a cramped attic air handler takes longer than a part on an outdoor unit at ground level. The size of the unit in tons and the type of refrigerant also affect part and recharge prices.
When to stop repairing
This Old House describes a rule of thumb: multiply the repair cost by the age of the unit in years. If the result is more than $5,000, replacement is often the better choice. A $400 repair on a 6-year-old unit passes easily. A $1,500 repair on a 12-year-old unit does not.
Treat the rule as a prompt to get a replacement quote, and look at the unit's repair history and your energy bills as well. If you are not sure what is wrong yet, the AC repair guide lists symptoms and the checks you can safely do yourself.
What a fair invoice looks like
Before work starts you should have a written price for the specific repair, the part name and number, the warranty on the part and on the labor, and a clear statement of any diagnostic or after-hours fee. For refrigerant work, ask how many pounds were added and the price per pound. Ask to see the failed part. A contractor who cannot explain what failed and how it was tested has not earned the job.
Common questions
How much does an AC service call cost?
This Old House gives a typical flat diagnostic fee of $75–$150. That covers the trip and the time to find the fault. The repair itself is priced separately, and many companies credit the fee toward the repair if you approve the work.
What is the most expensive AC repair?
The compressor. This Old House lists compressor replacement at $1,000–$3,000 or more and calls it the costliest repair. On an older unit out of warranty, that price is often the point at which replacing the whole AC makes more sense.
Is it worth repairing a 15-year-old air conditioner?
A small repair can be. A large one usually is not. Under the rule This Old House describes, repair cost times age above $5,000 points toward replacement, so at 15 years even a mid-priced repair crosses the line.
Does homeowners insurance cover AC repair?
Standard policies generally cover sudden damage from a covered event such as a storm or fire, and they exclude wear and tear. Coverage varies by policy, so read yours or ask your insurer before assuming a breakdown is covered.
Related guides
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