AC Repair Cost

Most AC breakdowns come down to one part. HomeGuide puts the average repair at $150 to $650, with a national average of $360. Large or complex out-of-warranty repairs run $650 to $2,500+. Angi's range for AC repair is $450 to $2,000.

Cost by repair

The low end of many ranges applies when the part is under warranty and you pay mostly labor.

Service call and labor

Many companies apply the diagnostic fee to the repair if you go ahead.

Common symptoms and likely causes

• Outdoor unit hums but the fan does not spin: often a failed capacitor or fan motor. See AC capacitor replacement cost.
• Air blows but is not cold: low refrigerant from a leak, a dirty coil or a compressor problem. See AC freon leak repair cost.
• Water around the indoor unit: a clogged condensate drain line, one of the cheapest fixes.
• Breaker keeps tripping: electrical faults, a failing compressor or a bad contactor.

Repair or replace?

HomeGuide's compressor guide suggests replacing the whole unit when the repair costs 50% or more of a new unit, the unit is over 10 years old, or it is out of warranty. Compressor and coil failures on old systems are the most common tipping points. Compare AC replacement cost.

Ways to save

• Book repairs during business hours when possible; emergency rates are much higher.
• Check whether the part is still under manufacturer warranty before paying for it.
• Schedule a yearly tune-up to catch weak capacitors and dirty coils early; see AC tune-up cost.

Common AC repairs

• Capacitor or contactor replacement when the outdoor unit will not start.
• Refrigerant leak repair when cooling is weak.
• Fan motor replacement indoors or outdoors.
• Thermostat problems.
• Clogged condensate drain causing water leaks or a shut-off.
• Frozen coil from airflow problems or low refrigerant.
• Compressor failure, the most expensive repair.

Before you call

1. Check that the thermostat is set to cool and the temperature is below room temperature.
2. Replace a dirty air filter.
3. Check the breaker for the outdoor unit and the furnace or air handler.
4. Make sure the outdoor unit is not blocked by debris or plants.

What affects the price

The part that failed, refrigerant needed, the age and brand of the system, time of day, and whether the system is under warranty or a maintenance plan all change the cost. Peak-season and after-hours calls often cost more.

More on repair or replace

A common rule of thumb is to weigh the repair cost against the age of the system and the cost of a new one. Frequent repairs, phased-out refrigerant and rising energy bills are signs that replacement may be the better value.

Questions to ask

1. What failed, and is the part under warranty?
2. Is there a diagnostic fee, and does it apply to the repair?
3. Is the price flat-rate or hourly?

In Texas

AC repair demand in Texas peaks during summer heat, and wait times can be long during heat waves. A spring tune-up catches many small problems, such as weak capacitors and clogged drains, before the busy season.

How a technician diagnoses an AC problem

A good diagnostic visit follows a logical order. The technician checks the thermostat settings and power, then the breaker and the outdoor disconnect. At the outdoor unit, they look at the contactor, the capacitor and the fan motor, and listen to the compressor. Indoors, they check the air filter, the blower, the evaporator coil and the condensate drain. Refrigerant pressures and temperatures are measured to see whether the system is charged correctly and moving heat as it should.

This order matters because many AC problems have simple causes. Skipping to an expensive diagnosis without checking the basics can lead to unnecessary repairs.

The condensate drain and float switch

Air conditioners remove moisture from the air, which drains away through a condensate line. If the line clogs with algae or debris, water backs up. Many systems have a float switch that shuts the AC off to prevent a flood. A clogged drain is one of the most common reasons an AC stops cooling, and clearing it is usually a quick, inexpensive repair. Pouring a small amount of vinegar into the drain line access during the cooling season can help keep it clear.

Frozen coils

Ice on the indoor coil or the refrigerant lines usually means the coil is not getting enough warm air or the system is low on refrigerant. A dirty filter, blocked vents or a failing blower can restrict airflow. If you see ice, turn the AC off and set the fan to "on" to help it thaw, then change the filter. If the problem comes back, call for service.

Repair priorities in the middle of summer

During heat waves, HVAC companies get many calls, and wait times grow. If your AC is struggling but still running, scheduling a service call before it fails completely can save you from waiting during the hottest days. Keeping the system maintained before summer starts is the best way to avoid emergency calls.

What to tell the company when you call

Describe what the system is doing: no air, warm air, noises, water leaks, ice or a tripped breaker. Mention the age of the system if you know it. This helps the technician bring the right parts and can shorten the visit.

Filters

Change filters on schedule.

Keeping records

Keep each repair invoice. A history of repairs helps decide when replacement makes more sense.

Sources

1. HomeGuide: How Much Does AC Repair Cost? (Aug 22, 2025)
2. Angi: How Much Do HVAC Repairs Cost? (updated Aug 4, 2026)
3. HomeGuide: How Much Does an AC Compressor Cost? (Aug 4, 2025)