How Much Does AC Repair Cost?
Updated November 2026. Prices are national estimates from the sources below and change by location and over time.
When the air conditioner stops cooling, the price of the fix depends on which part failed, how old the system is and when you need the technician. These national figures help you know what to expect before you call AC technicians near you.
Typical total cost
One guide puts the national average AC repair at about $375, with most homeowners paying $250 – $700. Another reports that common fixes usually run $150 – $650. Small jobs can be close to $100, while a major part like the compressor can reach $3,000 or more.
Service call and labor
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic / service call fee | $75 – $150 (some companies apply it to the repair) |
| Hourly labor | $75 – $175 per hour |
| Nights, weekends, holidays | About 2 – 3 times the normal hourly rate, or $150 – $300 per hour |
Common repairs
| Repair | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Clogged condensate drain line | $75 – $250 |
| Capacitor replacement | $100 – $400 |
| Contactor (relay) repair | $100 – $450 |
| Thermostat replacement | $100 – $500 |
| Refrigerant recharge | $100 – $600 |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $200 – $1,500 |
| Blower motor repair | $200 – $900 |
| Fan motor | $300 – $800 |
| Evaporator coil replacement | $400 – $2,700 |
| Condenser coil replacement | $600 – $2,700 |
| Compressor replacement | $600 – $3,000+ |
Repair or replace?
One guide suggests a simple rule: multiply the age of the unit in years by the repair cost. If the result is more than $5,000, replacing the system may make more sense. Other signs: the repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, the system is more than about 12 years old, it uses old R-22 refrigerant, or it keeps breaking down.
Example: a $400 repair on a 15-year-old unit gives 15 × $400 = $6,000, which is over $5,000 — worth asking for a replacement quote too. Your real price depends on your system and your area — always get a written quote.
What to ask before you hire
- What is the service call fee, and is it applied to the repair?
- What exactly failed, and can you show me the part?
- Is the price in writing, with parts and labor separated?
- Is there an extra charge for nights or weekends?
- What warranty covers the part and the labor?
For big repairs like a compressor or coil, get more than one quote and compare the same items in each one.