Most central AC repairs cost between $150 and $650, and the most common fixes (a capacitor, a contactor, a clogged drain or a thermostat issue) usually land at the low end of that range. Major repairs like a compressor or evaporator coil replacement can run $1,500 to $3,500 or more, and at that point replacing the whole system is often worth considering.
Below is a price list for 20 common AC repairs, what drives the cost up or down, and how to tell if a quote is fair.
*Last updated: October 2026. Prices are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, compiled from published contractor price lists and industry cost guides. Your price depends on your region, equipment and contractor. Always get a written quote.*
AC repair price list
| Repair | Typical cost (parts and labor) | DIY possible? |
|---|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic fee | $75 to $200 | — |
| Air filter replacement | $10 to $40 (DIY) | Yes |
| Thermostat replacement (standard) | $150 to $350 | Sometimes |
| Smart thermostat installed | $250 to $500 | Sometimes |
| Clogged condensate drain clearing | $75 to $250 | Yes |
| Condensate pump replacement | $150 to $400 | No |
| Float (overflow) switch replacement | $100 to $250 | No |
| Capacitor replacement | $150 to $450 | No |
| Contactor replacement | $150 to $400 | No |
| Hard start kit installed | $200 to $500 | No |
| Condenser fan motor replacement | $300 to $700 | No |
| Blower motor replacement | $400 to $1,500 | No |
| Control board replacement | $300 to $800 | No |
| Refrigerant leak detection | $150 to $500 | No |
| Refrigerant leak repair (accessible) | $200 to $1,500 | No |
| Refrigerant recharge (R-410A or R-454B) | $200 to $800 | No |
| TXV / expansion valve replacement | $400 to $1,200 | No |
| Evaporator coil replacement | $1,000 to $3,000 | No |
| Condenser coil replacement | $1,000 to $3,000 | No |
| Compressor replacement | $1,500 to $3,500+ | No |
What affects AC repair cost
- Location. Labor rates in large metro areas and the Northeast and West Coast are typically higher than in rural areas and the South.
- Timing. Emergency, evening, weekend and holiday calls often add $100 to $300. In peak summer heat, scheduling also takes longer.
- Warranty status. Many systems carry a 10-year parts warranty if they were registered after installation. You’d still pay labor, but a covered compressor or coil can save thousands. Check your registration before approving a major repair.
- Brand and part type. OEM parts for premium or variable-speed systems cost more than universal parts.
- Refrigerant type. Systems using R-22, which is no longer produced in the U.S., are very expensive to recharge. Older R-410A systems are affected by the industry’s shift to newer refrigerants. See our R-410A phase-out guide.
- Access. Equipment in a tight attic or crawl space adds labor time.
Common repairs explained
Capacitor and contactor
These two inexpensive electrical parts cause a large share of summer breakdowns. A failed capacitor typically leaves the outdoor unit humming without the fan spinning. See bad AC capacitor symptoms and outdoor AC fan not spinning.
Refrigerant leaks
Low refrigerant always means a leak. Recharging without finding the leak means paying again next summer. Ask for leak detection and a repair quote, and ask which refrigerant your system uses. A frozen evaporator coil is a common symptom.
Drain problems
A clogged condensate line is one of the few repairs you can usually do yourself for under $10. See how to unclog an AC condensate line.
Compressor and coils
These are the big-ticket repairs. Before approving one, check the age of your system and its warranty status, and get a replacement quote to compare.
Repair or replace? The $5,000 rule
A common rule of thumb: multiply the age of your system in years by the repair cost. If the result is more than $5,000, replacement usually makes more financial sense.
Example: a 12-year-old system needing a $1,800 compressor: 12 × $1,800 = $21,600. Well over $5,000, so replacement is likely the better choice.
Also consider replacing if your system uses R-22, needs repeated repairs, or can’t keep your home comfortable. Our guide to the repair vs. replace decision and the central AC replacement cost guide cover this in depth.
How to make sure you’re getting a fair quote
- Ask for the diagnosis in writing, including which part failed and how it was tested.
- Ask for the part number and price separately from labor.
- Check warranty coverage with the manufacturer using your model and serial numbers.
- Get a second quote for any repair over about $1,000.
- Be wary of pressure tactics, like “you need a new system today” on a minor repair, or a refrigerant top-off without leak testing.
- Check license and insurance. Most states require HVAC contractors to be licensed. Refrigerant work requires EPA Section 608 certification.
How to avoid expensive AC repairs
- Change your filter every 1 to 3 months.
- Keep the outdoor coil clean. See how to clean AC condenser coils.
- Flush the condensate drain with vinegar during cooling season.
- Schedule an annual tune-up, which typically costs $75 to $200 and catches weak capacitors and small leaks before they cause a breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common AC repair?
Capacitor and contactor replacements are among the most common, along with clogged condensate drains and refrigerant leaks.
How much does an AC service call cost?
Usually $75 to $200 for the diagnostic visit. Many contractors credit that fee toward the repair if you hire them.
Is it worth repairing a 15-year-old AC?
Small repairs under a few hundred dollars can be worth it. For major repairs like a compressor or coil, replacement is usually the better investment at that age.
Does homeowners insurance cover AC repairs?
Generally not for wear and tear. It may cover damage from a covered event such as a fire or storm. A home warranty may cover some repairs; read the coverage limits carefully.
If your AC isn’t cooling and you haven’t diagnosed it yet, start with AC Not Cooling? 12 Causes and How to Fix Each One.
Disclaimer: cost ranges are estimates for general information only and are not quotes. Actual prices vary by location, equipment and contractor.