Heating & Cooling · Costs, budgets and timelines · Updated November 2026
AC Repair Costs by Component
Air conditioner repairs average about $408, with most between $170 and $646, according to HomeAdvisor. The part that failed makes the biggest difference: a capacitor is a small repair, a compressor is a major one.
Service and diagnosis
- Diagnostic or service call: about $75–$180 (higher in peak summer).
- Labor: about $75–$150 per hour during business hours; $160–$250 per hour after hours or on holidays.
- Many companies credit the service fee toward the repair.
Cost by component
| Part | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Capacitor | $120–$475 |
| Thermostat replacement | $60–$440 |
| Condensate drain or pan | $200–$600 |
| Blower motor replacement | $250–$800 |
| Refrigerant recharge | $100–$600 |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $225–$1,600 |
| Evaporator coil | $600–$2,000 (about $1,000 average) |
| Compressor replacement | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Condenser (outdoor unit) replacement | $900–$4,000 |
From HomeAdvisor's AC repair cost guide.
Warranty questions
- Is the failed part still under the manufacturer's parts warranty? Labor may not be covered.
- Was the warranty registered? Some parts warranties are shorter if not.
- Does the repair company warranty its work, and for how long?
Repair or replace?
A compressor or coil failure on an older system, or a leak in a system using phased-out R-22 refrigerant, often tips the decision toward replacement. Line up the numbers with our repair or replace tool, and see AC repair vs. replacement.
Sources
- HomeAdvisor: AC repair cost, accessed November 2026
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed above and in our heating & cooling cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor. Calls connect you with an independent service provider in our network. FixFinch is not a contractor and does not perform the work.