How much does AC repair cost?
AC repair costs $150 to $650 on average, with major repairs like compressor replacement costing $1,000 to $2,500.
Cost Breakdown
| Service | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic/service call | 75 | 150 | Often applied toward repair |
| Capacitor replacement | 150 | 400 | Most common repair |
| Refrigerant recharge | 200 | 500 | R-410A is standard now |
| Fan motor replacement | 300 | 600 | Indoor or outdoor |
| Compressor replacement | 1000 | 2500 | May warrant full replacement |
AC Repair Cost Guide
Most AC repairs cost $150-$650, with the average service call about $350.
Common Repairs
Capacitor: $150-$400. Refrigerant recharge: $200-$500. Fan motor: $300-$600. Compressor: $1,000-$2,500.
Service Fees
Diagnostic fees run $75-$150, often applied toward repair if you hire them. Emergency calls add $50-$150.
Repair vs. Replace
If repair costs exceed 50% of new and the unit is over 10 years old, replacement is better. Systems using R-22 refrigerant should be replaced soon.
Prevention
Annual tune-ups ($75-$200) prevent many breakdowns. Regular filter changes and keeping the outdoor unit clear help avoid emergencies.
Related Questions
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Common causes: low refrigerant, dirty filters, frozen evaporator coil, or faulty compressor. Check the filter first.
How long do repairs take?
Most common repairs take 1-3 hours. Complex repairs like compressor replacement may take 4-6 hours.
Repair or replace?
Repair if under 10 years and cost is less than 50% of replacement. Replace if over 15 years or uses R-22.