AC Repair Cost: An Honest Home Guide

What Type of AC Unit Do You Have?

The bulk of your air conditioning repair cost is determined by what type of AC unit you have. AC repair costs vary based on labor and complexity of your unit.

Our research indicates central AC is the most cost-effective type of air conditioning system for regular AC repair and maintenance.

TABLE: Air Conditioner Repair Costs by Unit Type

Central AC systems experience the greatest variance in overall repair pricing. This is due to the wide disparity in size of residential central air systems. Your home’s total square footage will dictate the price range of your central AC repairs.

The DOE suggests your air conditioner should use 20 BTU for every foot of living space in your home. Use this number to gauge the accuracy of your HVAC contractor’s repair quote.

Common AC Maintenance Issues by Unit Type

Many homeowners report similar AC maintenance issues to their HVAC repair service. These are the most typical air conditioning service calls report to HVAC technicians:

Central AC

A central AC system uses a system of fans and ductwork to facilitate the flow of cool air throughout your home. Central air often uses a split system, where the evaporator coil and blower are located inside, and the fan and compressor blow hot air outside.

The 5 most common central air conditioning maintenance issues are:

1. Refrigerant leak
2. Failed AC capacitor
3. Dirty condenser coils
4. Frozen evaporator coils
5. AC thermostat malfunction

Ductless Mini-Split AC

A ductless mini-split AC is part of an overall ductless HVAC system. It uses single, wall-mounted blower vents to control the temperature in individual rooms and spaces. The units are connected by a refrigerant line instead of ductwork.

The 5 most common problems with a ductless mini split system are:

1. Drain clogs
2. Refrigerant leak
3. Loud rattling noises (usually a fan motor issue)
4. Circuit board repair
5. Refrigerant recharge

Geothermal Unit

A geothermal AC unit (also called a geothermal heat pump) uses a natural ground source and external closed loop system to heat and cool your home. A fluid mixture inside the loop acts as a heat exchanger, using the generally stable underground temperatures to regulate your home.

The 5 most common issues with geothermal AC units are:

1. Faulty heat pump
2. Gasket leaks
3. Ground loop leaks
4. Heat pump inconsistency (usually a capacitor or fan motor issue)
5. Clogged air filters

Window AC Unit

A window AC unit is a small air conditioner that fits within the frame of your window. Hot air is released outside your home from the back of the unit, while the fan blows cool air inside.

The 5 most common window AC repairs are:

1. Broken thermostat
2. Refrigerant leak
3. Compressor issues
4. Frozen coils
5. Dirty filters and coils

Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners! Need expert AC repair fast? Check out our updated Dallas AC company rankings and see our picks for multi-service and single operator HVAC companies.

Cost of Common Air Conditioning Repair Services

Here is the current average cost of the 12 most common AC repair services in America.

TABLE: Common Home Air Conditioner Repair Costs

If any of these repairs involve after-hours emergency service calls, expect to pay nearly double the usual rate for labor and diagnostics. 

Need emergency AC unit repair? Get a free quote 24/7 anywhere in America!

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Common AC Replacement Part Costs

Here is the current average cost of the 12 most common AC replacement parts in America.

TABLE: Common Home Air Conditioner Replacement Costs*

*- Total replacement cost, including parts and labor

The most expensive replacement parts to purchase and install are compressors, condensers and evaporator coils. 

Use regular AC tune ups to diagnose malfunctions and issues in these components. You’d rather spend $600 on compressor repair than $2,000 on a new compressor!

Home HVAC Service + Labor Costs per Hour

The average HVAC company charges $75-$125 for a general service call, and roughly double that rate for 24/7 emergency AC repair service.

Air conditioning and HVAC repair technicians charge between $70-$140 per hour for general labor. This price increases by 5-10% in urban areas and summer months in the southern U.S. 

4 Cost Drivers that Affect Home AC Service Estimates

The following 4 factors may add to the overall cost of your home air conditioning repair project:

1. Size of AC System. The larger your AC system, the larger your labor bill. It’s simply going to take more time for your contractor to find, diagnose and repair the issue.
2. Accessibility of AC Unit. An AC contractor may upcharge their labor by 5-8% if your unit or system is in a difficult-to-reach area. 
3. Existing Warranty Status. Check your manufacturer’s warranty before calling in an AC company — if your warranty is expired, you may want to replace your AC rather than repair it.
4. Emergency AC Repair Calls. Expect to pay 1.5-2 times the price of a general service call for emergency AC repair work. These service calls cost $150-250 per hour.

Save money on AC repair from the start — get a free quote from us!

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Average HVAC + AC Repair Salary by State

The national average wage for HVAC technicians is about $28.25 per hour. It’s interesting to note that some states with high HVAC service demand deliver low average wages to AC technicians.

Florida is one of the top 3 U.S. states in total AC repair volume, but statistically pays HVAC contractors less than any other state. By contrast, Washington offers the best hourly wage for HVAC service pros. (Housecall)

The following 7 states average over $30/hour for HVAC technicians:

• Washington
• New York
• Alaska
• Oregon
• Massachusetts
• North Dakota
• Minnesota

By contrast, these 7 states average under $24/hour for HVAC technicians:

• Florida
• Georgia
• West Virginia
• Arkansas
• Alabama
• Montana
• Michigan

That’s bad news for AC service pros. But if you live in one of those 7 states, you’ll pay less than the national average for your air conditioner repair work.

Can you handle that HVAC repair project yourself? Read our list of 18 simple HVAC troubleshooting tasks that are 100% DIY for any homeowner!

How to Save Money on Home AC Repair (Without DIY)

How many homeowners really know how to properly diagnose and repair their air conditioner system? AC repair cost guides that offer “money saving DIY air conditioning repairs” are thinking about their keyword search value, not your real-life needs.

The real-world way to save money on air conditioner service (and HVAC system repairs in general) is to establish a AC tune up schedule the moment your new AC installation occurs. Schedule AC tune up maintenance twice a year.

What Should an AC Tune Up Include?

Every AC tune up must include a comprehensive visual checkup and cleaning process from a certified AC repair technician. Ask if your contractor is ACE-certified, and be sure to request proof of current license, bonding and insurance.

Your quality AC tune up should consist of the following 13 steps, at minimum:

1. Check all spaces surrounding the AC unit or system
2. Clean and/or replace your current air filter
3. Run startup cooling cycle
4. Inspect and adjust the thermostat
5. Lubricate all moving parts
6. Assess all safety controls for proper function
7. Secure all electrical connections
8. Check amperage levels and adjust accordingly
9. Measure freon and/or refrigerant levels
10. Clean all condenser coils 
11. Clean all evaporator coils
12. Create full chart of AC system airflow
13. Present any potential concerns or repairs to the homeowner

Our 24/7 home service concierge schedules your AC tune ups for you — message us!

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Is It Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner?

New central AC installation costs between $3,500 and $12,500. That's a large cost, so be sure it's truly time to invest in a new AC system. 

There are 5 times when AC replacement is more cost-effective than conducting repairs:

1. Repairs cost more than a new AC. If your repair bill is higher than the cost of a new, upgraded AC unit, opt for the replacement.
2. Age of your AC unit. If your air conditioner is over 15 years old, replace it with a new unit.
3. Lagging quality in summer. If your AC underperforms when you need it most, it's of little value to you. Save the cost of calling an AC service every summer and buy a new unit.
4. Outdated refrigerant. If your air conditioner uses R-22 Freon, consider an upgrade. The EPA banned R-22 Freon in 2010, citing its harmful effects on the ozone layer and overall air quality.
5. Carbon monoxide issues. If your HVAC technician detects carbon monoxide, get a new AC system immediately. The cost is well worth saving your indoor air quality — don't expose yourself and your loved ones to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Be sure to properly vet and evaluate your HVAC contractor before hiring them for new AC installation.

Wondering how to find a good contractor? Use our own internal 6-point contractor vetting process to find the best service providers — or ask us for a free recommendation 24/7!

7 Popular AC Repair and AC Maintenance Questions

Here are the answers to our readers’' 7 most frequently asked air conditioning questions:

1. How long does an air conditioner last?

A good air conditioner system should last 12-15 years. This lifespan applies to all new central air and split AC systems. Smaller window units are less reliable over time, especially if you make an off-brand purchase.

Compare your AC's expected lifespan to its standard manufacturer's warranty for reference.

2. Should I repair or replace my AC?

It depends — how old is your air conditioning system? If your air conditioner is under 12-15 years old, fix it unless the AC repair costs are greater than purchasing a new AC unit. 

If your air conditioner still falls under an active manufacturer's warranty, you should absolutely repair it instead of buying a replacement.

3. How often should I service my air conditioner?

Schedule AC tune up service twice a year. Make sure one of those service calls happens in the spring — you'll ensure your air conditioner blows cold air for the hot summer months.

Schedule your first AC tune up with HOMR and save money!

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4. What happens if you don't clean your AC?

If you don't clean your AC, you're at risk of 7 major problems:

1. Reduced cooling. Dirty air conditioners with clogged air filters reduce efficiency. If you notice poor cooling in hot months, clean your AC system before calling in a professional HVAC company.
2. Malfunction. Debris in your coils, filter, and vents obstructs regular air flow to your AC unit. This buildup causes multiple components of your AC to underperform and eventually malfunction.
3. Increased energy bills. The dirtier your AC, the more energy it takes to properly cool your home. A neglected air conditioner can cause spikes of 5% or more in your summer energy bills.
4. Poor indoor air quality. Like any HVAC system, dirty components leak dust and debris through your air vents and into your living space. Clean your AC (especially your air filter) regularly if someone in your household has respiratory issues.
5. Fire. Dirt in your air conditioner coils and vents can cause overheating and fire.
6. Frozen refrigerant lines. Clogged air filters and condenser coils can directly cause refrigerant lines to freeze.
7. System burnout. Over a long period of time, a neglected air conditioning system will burn out completely if not properly cleaned and maintained.

5. Can you clean your own air conditioner?

Yes, you can handle some simple air conditioner maintenance and cleaning tasks yourself. Here are 4 non-invasive DIY air conditioning chores you can handle:

1. Replace blown fuses. Be sure to switch off your power before attempting.
2. Replace a cracked or damaged drain pan.
3. Clean your AC condenser coils with a mixture of mild dish detergent and water. Apply the mixture with a gentle spray nozzle, then rinse with an ordinary garden hose on low pressure. Never use a pressure washer to clean condenser coils. Always switch off your power before cleaning.
4. Check your AC air filter every 2-3 weeks for dust and debris accumulation during the summer months. Clean the filter once every 4-6 weeks during off-peak months.

6. How much does it cost to add Freon to your air conditioner?

It depends how much refrigerant your AC unit needs. Expect to pay at least $225-250 for new freon in your AC — you could pay over $550 for a larger AC system, especially an older model that uses R22 Freon. 

If your AC system requires more current R410A refrigerant, you’ll usually save money on this service call. 

7. Is it cheaper to have AC units or central air?

Rule of thumb: if you have 4 or more window AC units in your home, upgrade to a central air system. While new central air costs $3,500 to $12,500 to fully install in your home, the payback period is only a few years. 

It's a far better value to have a reliable central AC system for 15 years than to repair and replace 5-6 window AC units every few years.