How Much Does AC Repair Cost in 2026?

Most AC repairs cost $250 to $700, with an average of $375 (Fixr). Small fixes like a capacitor or a clogged drain line sit at the low end. A new compressor or coil can push the bill into the thousands. Your final price depends on the part that failed, your system's age and local labor rates.

As of 2026, these are national ranges from published cost guides, not quotes. Prices in your area can be higher or lower. Use them to check whether a quote is in the normal range, then ask the company to explain anything that looks off.

How much does AC repair cost on average?

Fixr puts the national average at $375, with most repairs between $250 and $700 (Fixr). A separate Fixr article updated in 2026 says most common repairs run $150 to $650, with a national average around $350 (Fixr). The two ranges overlap, which tells you the same thing: a typical repair costs a few hundred dollars.

The ceiling is much higher. Fixr notes that prices can climb as high as $3,000 if a major part like the compressor needs replacing (Fixr). That's the point where many homeowners start asking whether a new system makes more sense. The repair-or-replace section below covers that decision.

Repair costs also vary by the type of system you have. Fixr lists these ranges (Fixr):

• Window AC: $75 to $350 (Fixr)
• Portable AC: $80 to $350 (Fixr)
• Air-source heat pump: $150 to $750 (Fixr)
• Central AC: $150 to $2,000 (Fixr)
• Packaged AC: $300 to $550 (Fixr)
• Ductless mini-split: $300 to $1,000 (Fixr)

Central systems have the widest range because they have the most parts, including an indoor blower and long refrigerant lines. If you have a heat pump that heats and cools, see heat pump repair and replacement costs for figures specific to that system.

What does a diagnostic or service call cost?

Before any repair, a technician has to find the problem. Many companies charge a diagnostic fee for that visit, typically $75 to $250 (Fixr). Fixr says this fee is often applied toward the repair if you go ahead with the work.

A newer Fixr guide puts the typical service call or diagnostic fee at $75 to $200 (Fixr). It says the visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and the fee is often waived or credited if the same company does the repair.

A few things to know about the fee:

• It's usually charged even if the fix is simple. Fixr's main repair guide says you'll pay a minimum service fee of $75 in most cases (Fixr).
• It may or may not count toward the repair. Ask before the visit, not after.
• It's separate from hourly labor. If the repair takes longer, labor is billed on top.

It's fair to ask any company what its service-call fee is when you book. The questions at the end of this guide help you pin that down.

What do common AC repairs cost, part by part?

Here's what published guides list for the parts that fail most often. Each line is a national range, including parts and labor unless noted.

Capacitor

The capacitor gives the compressor and fan motors the jolt they need to start. When it fails, the outdoor unit often hums but the fan doesn't spin.

• Replacement: $100 to $400 (Fixr)
• National average: around $175 (Fixr)
• The part alone: usually $8 to $50 (Fixr)

Most of what you pay is the service call and labor, not the part. It's one of the least expensive repairs and one of the most common.

Contactor and small electrical parts

The contactor is a switch that sends power to the outdoor unit when the thermostat calls for cooling. A worn contactor can stop the outdoor unit from starting, or make it click or buzz.

• Faulty contactor: often $150 to $400 (Fixr)
• Fuse: $75 to $300 (Fixr)
• Relay switch: $75 to $300 (Fixr)
• Circuit board: $100 to $700 (Fixr)

Clogged condensate drain line

Your AC pulls water out of the air. That water runs down a drain line. When the line clogs, water can back up, leak or trip a safety switch that shuts the system off.

• Clearing the line: $75 to $250 (Fixr)
• Condensate pump replacement: $100 to $500 (Fixr)
• Drain pan replacement: $200 to $600 (Fixr)

If water is pooling near the indoor unit or dripping through a ceiling, turn the system off at the thermostat. Keep water away from outlets and wiring. If water has reached wiring or you see sparks, stay clear and call 911.

Refrigerant leak and recharge

An AC shouldn't use up refrigerant. Fixr notes that a system should never need a refill unless it has a leak, or a major repair opened the system (Fixr). So "low refrigerant" usually means there's a leak to find.

• Leak repair and refill: $200 to $1,500, with an average of around $800 (Fixr)
• Recharge alone: $100 to $600 (Fixr)

The type of refrigerant changes the price a lot. Older systems that use R-22 cost the most to recharge. For the full breakdown, see refrigerant leak repair costs.

Outdoor fan motor

The condenser fan pulls air across the outdoor coil to shed heat. If it stops, the system can't cool well, and the compressor can overheat.

• Replacement: typically $200 to $700, with an average of $500 (Fixr)
• The part alone: $60 to $400 (Fixr)

A hum with no fan movement can also be the capacitor, which costs less. A good technician will test the capacitor before replacing the motor.

Blower motor

The blower is inside, usually in the furnace or air handler. It pushes cooled air through your ducts. Signs of trouble include no air from the vents, or grinding and squealing indoors.

• Blower motor repair: $200 to $900 (Fixr)
• Blower motor replacement: $300 to $2,000 (Fixr)

The range is wide because blower motors vary. Variable-speed motors cost more than basic single-speed ones.

Thermostat

Sometimes the "AC problem" is the thermostat. A dead battery, the wrong mode or a failed unit can all stop cooling.

• Replacement: $150 to $500 (Fixr)
• Basic versus smart: $100 to $500, depending on the model (Fixr)

Evaporator coil

The evaporator coil sits indoors, above the furnace or in the air handler. It absorbs heat from your home's air. Coils can leak, freeze or get dirty.

• Cleaning: typically $100 to $400 (Fixr)
• Replacement: $400 to $2,700 (Fixr)

Condenser coil

The condenser coil is the outdoor coil that releases heat. Dirt and debris reduce how well it works. A leak or physical damage can mean replacement.

• Coil cleaning: $100 to $350 (Fixr)
• Replacement: $600 to $2,400 (Fixr)

Expansion valve

The expansion valve meters refrigerant into the indoor coil. When it sticks, cooling suffers.

• Replacement: $300 to $500 (Fixr)

Compressor

The compressor is the heart of the system. It's also the most expensive part to replace.

• Replacement: $600 to $3,000 (Fixr)
• Another estimate: $800 to $2,800 including parts and labor, with an average of $1,550 (Fixr)
• If the compressor is under warranty: you might pay only $600 to $1,200 for labor and refrigerant (Fixr)

A compressor replacement on an older system is the classic repair-or-replace moment.

Ducts

Leaky or crushed ducts can make some rooms warm while others are fine.

• Air duct repair: $500 to $2,600 (Fixr)
• Air duct cleaning: $200 to $1,000 (Fixr)

ENERGY STAR says about 20 to 30 percent of the air moving through a typical duct system is lost to leaks, holes and poor connections (ENERGY STAR).

What might your symptom cost to fix?

You probably know what your AC is doing, not which part failed. Here's how common symptoms line up with likely repairs. These are possibilities to discuss with a technician, not a diagnosis.

Air blows, but it's warm

Common causes include a thermostat set wrong, a dirty filter, a dirty or blocked outdoor unit, low refrigerant from a leak, or a failed capacitor or fan motor at the outdoor unit. The cheapest fixes are a new filter or a coil cleaning, which runs $100 to $350 (Fixr). A refrigerant leak repair and refill costs more, at $200 to $1,500 (Fixr).

The outdoor unit hums, but the fan doesn't spin

This often points to the capacitor, and sometimes to the contactor or the fan motor. A capacitor is the cheapest of the three, at $100 to $400 (Fixr). A fan motor replacement typically costs $200 to $700 (Fixr).

Water around the indoor unit

A clogged drain line is the most common cause. Others include a cracked drain pan, a failed condensate pump or a frozen coil that's melting. Clearing the line costs $75 to $250 (Fixr). Turn the system off and keep water away from wiring until it's checked.

Weak airflow, or ice on the lines

A clogged filter is the first suspect. A frozen indoor coil can also come from low refrigerant or a blower problem. If the coil is iced over, turn cooling off and let it thaw while you wait for a technician. Running a frozen system can damage the compressor.

Nothing happens at all

Start with the thermostat batteries and the system's power switch. If those are fine, a pro will check power to both units, the contactor and the control board. A circuit board replacement costs $100 to $700 (Fixr).

Loud grinding, squealing or banging

Grinding or squealing indoors often points to the blower motor. Banging at the outdoor unit can mean a loose part or a compressor problem. Turn the system off if the noise is new and loud, so a small problem doesn't turn into a big one.

What changes the price of an AC repair?

The part that failed matters most. But two homes with the same broken part can get different bills. Here's why.

Labor rates and your location

Labor is a big share of most repair bills. Fixr says most HVAC professionals charge $75 to $175 per hour, and the rate can climb up to $250 if more than one person is needed on site (Fixr). Rates are usually higher in big cities and high-cost states.

Emergency, weekend and holiday service

A breakdown on a hot Saturday costs more than a Tuesday morning visit. Fixr says to expect 2 to 3 times the normal hourly rate for a rapid response, or $150 to $300 per hour (Fixr). Another Fixr guide says after-hours surcharges can add $50 to $200 or more to your bill (Fixr).

If the house is safe and no one is at risk from the heat, waiting for regular hours can save money. If someone in the home is elderly, very young or has a health condition, don't wait to get help.

Warranty status

Many AC systems carry a manufacturer's parts warranty. Fixr says coverage often lasts 5 to 10 years for basic parts, or up to 15 years for extended warranties (Fixr). If parts and labor are both covered, the repair could cost much less. Parts warranties often don't cover labor, so ask.

Look for the model and serial number on the outdoor unit's label. The manufacturer's website can usually tell you whether the system is still covered.

Age of the system

Older systems need bigger repairs more often. Fixr notes that compressors and blower motors are the parts that tend to fail as a system ages, which pushes those repairs into the $2,000 to $3,000 range (Fixr). Older parts can also be harder to find.

Refrigerant type

Systems that use R-22 cost more to service because no new R-22 has been made or imported in the U.S. since January 1, 2020 (EPA). Fixr lists R-22 at $50 to $150 per pound (Fixr). You can usually find the refrigerant type on the outdoor unit's nameplate.

Access

An outdoor condenser is easy to reach. An air handler in a cramped attic is not. Fixr says hard-to-reach indoor units can drive up labor costs (Fixr).

What can you safely check before you call?

Some "repairs" turn out to be settings or a dirty filter. Carrier and Trane both list these among the first things to check. None of them require tools or opening the unit.

1. Thermostat. Make sure it's set to cool and the set temperature is below the room temperature. Replace the batteries if the screen is blank.
2. Air filter. A clogged filter chokes airflow and can cause weak cooling or a frozen coil. Replace it if it looks gray or dusty.
3. Power. Make sure the switch near the indoor unit is on. If the system is completely dead, a tripped breaker is another common cause. If a breaker trips again after one reset, leave it off and call a pro.
4. Outdoor unit. Clear away leaves, grass and plants crowding the unit. Don't open the cabinet.
5. Vents. Make sure supply vents and return grilles aren't blocked by furniture or rugs.

If you notice a burning smell, smoke or sparks, turn the system off at the thermostat. If you see smoke or flames, leave the house and call 911.

If none of the simple checks help, it's time for a technician. If you'd like a head start, Check my heating & AC asks a few questions and shows the likely causes and typical costs before you talk to anyone.

Should you repair or replace your AC?

Repair usually makes sense if your system is under 10 years old and the problem is a single part. Replacement starts to make sense when the system is older, the repair is a big one, or you're calling for service every year.

The 50 percent rule

Fixr's guidance: if a repair will cost more than 50% of a new system, replacement is probably the better choice in the long run (Fixr). Fixr adds that some experts lower that to 30 to 40 percent when a unit has had several recent repairs (Fixr).

The age-times-cost rule

This is a quick rule of thumb. Multiply the repair estimate by the age of your system in years. If the result is higher than $5,000, replacing the AC probably makes more financial sense (Fixr).

For example, the arithmetic for a 4-year-old system and a 12-year-old system gives very different answers for the same repair. A younger system is usually worth fixing. An older one may not be. Fixr calls this a rule of thumb, so confirm with a technician.

How old is too old?

ENERGY STAR suggests considering replacement when a heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old (ENERGY STAR). Fixr says air conditioners last an average of 10 to 20 years, depending on the type (Fixr).

Age alone isn't a reason to replace a system that works well. But age plus a major repair often is.

What does replacement cost?

For comparison, Fixr says a new AC system costs between $5,000 and $12,000 for most homeowners, with an average of $6,000 (Fixr). For the full breakdown, see AC replacement costs.

Other signs it may be time to replace

• Frequent repairs. If you're calling for service more often than you used to, the system may be wearing out.
• Rising energy bills. ENERGY STAR lists equipment that needs frequent repairs alongside rising energy bills as a reason to consider replacement (ENERGY STAR).
• An R-22 system with a leak. Fixr says an older R-22 system with a leak is a strong signal that replacement is the more economical option (Fixr).
• Uneven comfort. Some rooms too hot or too cold can point to equipment, duct or insulation problems.

If your furnace is also old, it can make sense to price both together. See furnace repair costs for what heating repairs tend to run.

How can you keep AC repair costs down?

You can't prevent every breakdown, but a few habits help.

• Change the filter. ENERGY STAR suggests inspecting, cleaning or changing air filters once a month, and says a dirty filter can raise energy costs and damage your equipment (ENERGY STAR).
• Get a yearly tune-up. ENERGY STAR recommends a pre-season check of the cooling system in the spring (ENERGY STAR). Fixr puts central AC maintenance at $70 to $200 (Fixr).
• Keep the outdoor unit clear. Trim back plants and keep debris away so it can move air.
• Fix leaks rather than topping off. The EPA asks homeowners to have technicians find and repair leaks rather than just adding refrigerant (EPA).
• Check your warranty first. A covered part can lower the bill a lot.
• Get more than one estimate for big repairs. For a compressor or coil, a second opinion is reasonable.
• Weigh a maintenance plan. Fixr says an HVAC service contract costs $150 to $500 per year and often includes discounts on service calls and emergency fees (Fixr). It can pay off for an older system that needs regular attention. Read what's covered before you sign.

What questions should you ask for a fair repair quote?

A clear quote protects you. ENERGY STAR advises getting written, itemized estimates and signing a written proposal before work starts (ENERGY STAR). Here are questions worth asking:

1. What's your service-call fee, and does it go toward the repair?
2. What do you think is wrong, and how did you confirm it? For example, was the capacitor tested with a meter?
3. Can I get the price in writing before you start? Ask for parts and labor listed separately.
4. Is this part covered by the manufacturer's warranty? If so, what will I pay for labor?
5. Is the repair guaranteed, and for how long?
6. If it's a refrigerant issue, where is the leak, and will you fix it or just add refrigerant?
7. What refrigerant does my system use? This affects both the repair cost and the repair-or-replace decision.
8. At this age, would you repair it or replace it, and what's the cost difference?
9. Are you licensed and insured where I live? ENERGY STAR suggests checking your state's license and insurance requirements for contractors (ENERGY STAR).
10. For refrigerant work, does the technician hold EPA Section 608 certification? The EPA says this is required to service equipment containing R-22 (EPA).

Watch for a few red flags. A quote that recommends a full replacement without explaining what's wrong with the current system is worth questioning. So is pressure to decide on the spot. A fair company will tell you what it found and let you think it over.

The bottom line

Most AC repairs cost a few hundred dollars. Capacitors, contactors and clogged drain lines are common and fairly cheap. Compressors, coils and blower motors cost more and are often the point where replacement is worth pricing.

Before you call, check the thermostat, filter and power. When you do call, ask for the service-call fee, the diagnosis and the price in writing. If you want to understand the likely cause first, Check my heating & AC is free and can connect you with a local company when you're ready.