Cost Guide · Updated May 2026

How much does AC repair cost?

AC repair costs $100–$650 on average, with most jobs landing around $350. A run capacitor runs $120–$500, a refrigerant recharge $200–$1,500, and a new compressor $800–$2,800. A diagnostic visit is usually $75–$200 and often credited toward the repair.

Cost by repair

Repair	Typical cost
Service call / diagnostic	$75–$200
Capacitor replacement	$120–$500
Contactor replacement	$150–$400
Condenser fan motor	$300–$700
Thermostat replacement	$100–$350
Refrigerant recharge (R-410A)	$200–$1,500
Refrigerant leak repair	$200–$1,500
Evaporator coil replacement	$600–$2,000
Compressor replacement	$800–$2,800

Parts and labor combined. Older R-22 systems cost substantially more to recharge; brand, accessibility, and local labor rates also move the price.

Repair or replace?

Unit under ~10 years, minor part: repair.
Repair over ~⅓ the price of a new system and unit is 10–12+ years old: replace.
Failed compressor or evaporator coil on an aging unit: usually replace.
Uses discontinued R-22 refrigerant: lean toward replace.

What moves the price

Which part failed — capacitors are cheap, compressors are not
Refrigerant type and amount (R-410A vs. older R-22)
Emergency or after-hours service vs. a scheduled visit
Whether the part is under manufacturer warranty

How to save on AC repair

Book before the first heat wave — emergency rates spike in peak summer.
Check the parts warranty before paying out of pocket.
Ask whether the diagnostic fee is credited toward the repair.
Replace filters and get an annual tune-up to avoid the costly failures.

FAQ

How much does AC repair cost?

Most AC repairs run $100–$650, with the typical bill around $350. Small fixes like a capacitor are $120–$500, while major parts like a compressor reach $800–$2,800. A diagnostic visit is usually $75–$200 and often credited toward the repair.

Why is recharging refrigerant so expensive?

A recharge is priced by the pound, and a leak usually has to be found and sealed first. R-410A systems commonly run $200–$1,500 depending on how much refrigerant is needed and the leak repair involved. If the system uses older R-22, expect to pay much more — and consider replacement.

Is it worth repairing an old AC unit?

A common rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than about a third of a new system and the unit is over 10–12 years old, replacement is usually the better value — especially if the compressor or coil has failed.

What's the most common AC repair?

A failed run capacitor is the single most common (and cheapest) AC repair — typically $120–$500 — followed by contactors, fan motors, and refrigerant issues.

For HVAC techs

Diagnose, quote the repair, and get paid on the spot. JobStack drafts the estimate from your pricing, keeps each unit's history, and books the next tune-up for you.

See JobStack for HVAC

Cost ranges are national estimates compiled from cost-data sources including HomeAdvisor and industry HVAC cost guides (2025–2026). Actual prices vary by part, refrigerant, and region. This is a planning guide, not a quote. Related: the HVAC replacement guide and all cost guides.