The cost of repairing an air conditioner (AC) can vary significantly depending on the type of malfunction. For minor issues such as clogged drain lines or damaged capacitors, you can usually expect to pay around $100– $300. However, major repairs involving key components like the compressor or refrigerant coils can exceed $1,000. If your system is still under warranty, you can often get part replacements for free, and may only have to pay for labor costs.
In this guide, we review the typical price ranges you can expect to pay for common air conditioner repairs. We also discuss when it makes financial sense to upgrade your cooling unit rather than continue spending on repairs.
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What Factors Affect Air Conditioner Repair Cost?
Like with any mechanical system, several factors that can influence the cost of air conditioner repairs, including:
- The damaged or malfunctioning components
- Your unit’s model and age
- Local labor costs
- Whether the unit is still under warranty
If your air conditioner is showing issues such as inefficient cooling or excessive noise, we recommend scheduling an inspection with a qualified HVAC technician. With an accurate diagnosis of the issue, you can know exactly which repairs your system needs—and the cost.
Cost by Unit Type
The cost of air conditioner repairs depends largely on the type of unit you’re using. Simpler systems such as portable and window ACs tend to have lower repair costs. On the other hand, you can expect higher repair bills for complex systems such as central air conditioning units or geothermal heat pumps.
In the table below, we compare typical repair costs for various types of air conditioners. These price ranges represent the most common issues rather than less frequent, high-cost repairs such as compressor replacements.
| AC Unit Type | Common Issues | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | Frozen coils, drain clogs, thermostat issues, capacitor failure, or low refrigerant | $150–$650 |
| Ductless mini-split | Drain clogs, circuit board issues, or sensor-related issues | $250–$900 |
| Window air conditioner | Thermostat failure, air leaks, or fan malfunctions | $100–$400 |
| Portable air conditioner | Electrical power issues, clogged filters, or a clogged drain line | $80–$300 |
| Packaged AC unit | Ignition problems, thermostat malfunction, duct connection leakage, or a blower malfunction | $300–$900 |
| Dual-fuel or hybrid system | Electronic component issues or gas burner malfunction | $300–$1,200+ |
| Evaporative cooler (swamp cooler) | Water pump issues, mineral build-up, or motor belt issues | $100–$500 |
| Geothermal heat pump | Water loop leakage, water pump issues, or heat pump electronic issues | $400–$1,500+ |
Cost by Repair Type
The cost of air conditioner repairs depends not only on the type of system, but also on the specific part that needs a repair or replacement. For example, replacing a burnt capacitor or unclogging a drain is usually a quick and affordable fix. In contrast, repairing a refrigerant or freon leak or replacing a compressor is typically far more expensive. We’ve listed five of the most common AC repairs and their typical costs below:
| Type of Repair | Importance | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitor repair | Required to start the unit’s compressor and fan motors | $150–$400 |
| Thermostat repair | Can malfunction due to electronic or wiring issues | $100–$500 |
| Drain line cleaning | Clogged lines can cause water leaks or system shutdowns | $80–$250 |
| Refrigerant leak repair | Causes a loss of cooling power and energy waste | $200–$1,500+ |
| Relay or contactor repair | Required to control compressor and fan motors | $100–$450 |
Cost by Replacement Part
While you can sometimes get air conditioner components repaired, you may end up needing a full part replacement. Costs can vary widely depending on the part—while new capacitors often cost less than $200, replacing an evaporator coil or a compressor can exceed $2,000 for larger systems.
Compare typical replacement costs for key AC system components, including parts and labor, below:
| Replacement Part | Function | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitor | Starts the compressor or fan motors | $150–$400 |
| Thermostat | Controls indoor temperature settings | $100–$500 |
| Relay or contactor | Switches power for compressor or fan motors | $100–$450 |
| Fan motor | Circulates air across evaporator or condenser coils | $300–$800 |
| Compressor | Pressurizes and circulates refrigerant | $1,000–$3,000+ |
| Evaporator coil | Absorbs heat from indoor air | $700–$2,500+ |
| Condenser coil | Releases the absorbed heat outdoors | $1,000–$2,700+ |
| Circuit board | Controls key air conditioner functions | $200–$800 |
| Refrigerant line set | Carries refrigerant between indoor and outdoor units | $200–$700 |
| Drain pan | Collects and drains condensate water | $200–$800 |
Additional Cost Factors for Air Conditioner Repair
The three main factors that determine the cost of AC repairs include the type of system, the type of malfunction, and the specific parts. However, several additional factors can also influence your final repair bill:
- System age: Repairing older units is often more expensive due to discontinued parts or outdated refrigerants.
- Labor rates: The cost of labor is largely determined by where you live, with HVAC services usually costing more in remote areas or during high-demand summer months.
- System accessibility: Repair costs may increase if your AC unit is located in a hard-to-reach place, such as a rooftop or a tight attic.
- Warranty coverage: Manufacturer warranties often cover key system parts, meaning you may only need to pay for labor if you still have coverage. You may also have air conditioning coverage if you have a home warranty plan.
- Diagnostic fees: Many HVAC companies charge a flat diagnostic fee, which can range from around $75–$150. However, some companies may apply this fee toward the total repair bill if you proceed with the service.
- Emergency service: Scheduling AC repairs in advance is usually more affordable than requesting emergency service on nights, weekends or holidays.
Air Conditioner Repair vs. Replacement
The best residential cooling systems usually last 12–15 years, depending on how heavily you use them. Replacing an air conditioner costs between $2,500 and $15,000 for a central unit, including installation. However, air conditioners are much less expensive to repair than to replace.
You may need to replace your system if you multiply its age in years by the estimated repair costs and the result is more than $5,000. Here are some other signs that it may be time for a new air conditioner.
- The repair is more than 50% of the unit’s purchase price.
- The unit breaks down frequently.
- The unit is more than 12 years old.
- The unit still uses R-22 freon, an environmentally harmful chemical banned in 2020.
- Your energy bills are increasing, and you want a more efficient system.
DIY vs. Professional Air Conditioner Repair
Some homeowners may want to fix their air conditioner themselves to save money, but we recommend leaving repairs to a licensed HVAC professional. Air conditioning systems involve high voltages, pressurized refrigerant, and complex mechanical components, so working with these systems requires specialized training and tools. Unless you’re a qualified HVAC technician, attempting do-it-yourself (DIY) repairs can become dangerous and may void your equipment warranty.
However, there are some basic air conditioner maintenance tasks that homeowners can safely handle on their own. These include replacing air filters, removing debris from around outdoor units, and cleaning accessible drain lines. However, for more complex maintenance tasks or repairs, it’s best to hire an HVAC technician and ensure the work is done correctly and safely.
What Are The Signs That Your AC Is Broken?
The best indicator that your air conditioner is broken is if it isn’t blowing cool air. However, there are more subtle signs that it’s time for a repair.
- Your air conditioner runs constantly instead of switching on and off.
- Your unit runs very short cooling cycles.
- You can hear the motor running, but there’s weak or no airflow.
- The unit is making unusual or excessive noises.
- The air coming from the vents smells musty or foul.
- You see drips or leaks around the unit.
- Ice is accumulating on the unit.
- Your utility bills are increasing even though your AC usage is about the same.
How To Save on Air Conditioner Repair Costs
Air conditioner parts wear out over time, and you’ll eventually have to replace them. However, there are some ways to keep repair costs down, particularly if you think long-term and budget wisely.
- Change your air filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Get quotes from at least three different licensed technicians for big-ticket repairs.
- Get your annual AC tune-up during the off-season.
- Know which parts the manufacturer’s warranty covers and how long it lasts.
Perform regular air conditioner maintenance to prevent problems and catch others before they become catastrophic. This maintenance may be necessary to retain your HVAC home warranty coverage.
How To Hire a Professional HVAC Technician
Here are some tips for evaluating HVAC repair services.
- Ask about guarantees or warranties on parts and labor.
- Ask when the company’s off-season is and how prices compare to the busy season.
- Check the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) page and customer reviews on Yelp, TrustPilot, and Google Reviews.
- Ensure the technician is bonded, licensed, and insured.
- Most HVAC technicians offer annual maintenance plans, often for a discount or priority schedule, so ask about your options.
Read more: What To Know Before Calling an HVAC Pro
Are Air Conditioner Repairs Worth the Cost?
In most cases, repairing your air conditioner is worth the cost. This is especially true when dealing with minor issues that keep your air conditioner operating, such as failed capacitors, clogged drain lines, or thermostat malfunctions. Repairs can help ensure your system runs properly and extend its service life. If your AC system is still under warranty or less than 10 years old, repairs are usually the most cost-effective solution.
However, if your air conditioner is old and experiencing frequent breakdowns, you might start to consider a new cooling unit—particularly if the compressor or other expensive parts start failing. By upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner, you can save on both repairs and electricity bills, especially during higher use summer months.
When in doubt, you can contact a qualified HVAC technician to evaluate your air conditioning system and compare the cost of repairs against a full replacement.
FAQs About Air Conditioner Repair Costs
How much will it cost to fix an air conditioner that is not cooling?
Fixing an air conditioner that’s not cooling costs $100–$650 for most issues. However, the price depends on the part that needs repairing. Problems with the compressor, evaporator coil, or condenser coil can cost more than $1,000.
How often should you replace an air conditioner?
Air conditioners last 12–15 years. As your AC unit reaches the end of its lifespan, consider whether it’s more expensive to repair or replace major components or buy a new unit.
Why is my air conditioner running but not cooling?
Inefficient cooling is often caused by low refrigerant levels, clogged air filters, dirty evaporator coils, or thermostat malfunctions. Generally, these are simple issues you can get fixed for a relatively low cost. However, a lack of cooling could also indicate problems with the outdoor condenser unit, requiring more expensive repairs. We recommend contacting a qualified HVAC technician to determine the exact cause.
Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on contractor estimates from Angi, the Home Depot, and other market research into project pricing.
