AC repair costs $100 to $700 per job in 2026
AC repair costs $100 to $700 per job in 2026, and the average is about $375. Fixr lists an average of $375, with most homeowners paying $250 to $700. Bob Vila lists $369 on average and $100 to $610 as a typical range. HomeGuide lists $150 to $650. Big parts such as a compressor or evaporator coil cost much more. Labor and the service call fee also set the final bill.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| HomeGuide | HomeGuide lists AC repair at $150 to $650 on average, a compressor at $600 to $1,200 in warranty or $1,800 to $2,800 out of warranty, and an evaporator coil at $1,000 to $2,500 in warranty or $2,500 to $4,500 out of warranty. |
| Fixr | Fixr lists an average AC repair of $375, with most homeowners paying $250 to $700 and service call minimums from $75. |
| Bob Vila | Bob Vila lists a national average of $369 and a typical range of $100 to $610, with service call fees of $75 to $200. |
AC repair price by repair type
| Repair | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Drain line flush | $75 to $250 | HomeGuide |
| Capacitor | $100 to $250 | HomeGuide |
| Refrigerant recharge | $100 to $600 | Fixr |
| Fan motor | $200 to $500 | Bob Vila |
| Blower motor | $200 to $900 | Fixr |
| Compressor | $600 to $2,500 | HomeGuide |
| Air handler | $1,500 to $3,400 | HomeGuide |
| Evaporator coil | $1,000 to $4,500 | HomeGuide |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type of repair | A drain line flush costs $75 to $250 while a compressor costs $600 to $2,500, per HomeGuide. The part makes the biggest difference. |
| Labor rate | HomeGuide lists $75 to $150 per hour for technicians and $160 to $250 per hour for emergency calls. Fixr lists $75 to $175 per hour. |
| Service call fee | Bob Vila lists service call fees at $75 to $200. Fixr lists service call minimums starting at $75. |
| Unit age and warranty | Bob Vila says older units cost more to fix and a warranty can cut your costs a lot. |
| Season | Summer calls can cost more. Bob Vila lists emergency rates of $160 to $250 per hour in peak season. |
What the price includes
The price normally covers the technician's labor, the service call and the part for a common fix. Extra costs can include refrigerant, a new thermostat, duct work or a second visit. Emergency and weekend calls can cost 2 to 3 times more, per Fixr. Ask for a written quote that lists parts and labor. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
DIY or hire a pro
Some AC jobs are safe for a homeowner, such as changing a filter or clearing a clogged drain line. HomeGuide lists a pro drain line flush at $75 to $250. Electrical parts, refrigerant and sealed systems are not DIY jobs. HomeGuide says to hire licensed, EPA certified technicians for refrigerant work. A wrong repair can cause harm or void your warranty. Turn off power before you look at the unit, and call a pro for any repair you do not know.
How to tell you need it
Signs of a failing AC include warm air from the vents, weak airflow, strange noises, bad smells and a unit that turns on and off often. Water around the unit or high energy bills are also clues. If the AC does not cool, check the filter and the thermostat first. If the problem stays, call a pro before it gets worse.
How to judge your quote
- Ask for a written quote that lists parts, labor and the service call fee.
- Ask if the fee is waived when you approve the repair.
- Check if the part is under warranty.
- Ask what a new unit would cost if the repair is over half of that price.
- Compare the total with the range above: $100 to $700 per job for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Book repairs before the summer rush. Bob Vila lists summer emergency rates of $160 to $250 per hour, above the normal $75 to $150.
- Check your warranty before you pay. Bob Vila says warranty status can lower your out of pocket cost a lot.
- Get at least two quotes for any repair above $500. HomeGuide advises you to get several quotes for major repairs.
- Do simple upkeep. A clogged drain line costs $75 to $250 to flush, per HomeGuide, so keep filters and drains clean.
- Compare repair and replace costs. HomeGuide says to consider replacing if the repair is at least half the cost of a new AC.
Why this costs more in 2026
Trade labor now runs about $75 to $150 an hour in most of the US. Lumber, steel, copper, PVC and concrete all cost more than in 2024, and freight went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. AC repair costs more in 2026 because parts, refrigerant and technician labor all cost more than before.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from HomeGuide, Fixr and Bob Vila. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does AC repair cost?
It costs about $100 to $700 for most repairs in 2026. Fixr lists an average of $375. Bob Vila lists $369.
How much is a service call?
Bob Vila lists service call fees at $75 to $200. Fixr lists minimums starting at $75. Some companies apply the fee to the repair.
How much does an AC compressor repair cost?
HomeGuide lists $600 to $2,500. Bob Vila lists $600 to $1,200 under warranty and up to $2,500 without.
How much do technicians charge per hour?
HomeGuide lists $75 to $150 per hour and $160 to $250 for emergency work. Fixr lists $75 to $175 per hour.
When should I replace the AC instead?
HomeGuide says to think about replacing if the unit is over 10 years old or the repair costs at least 50% of a new AC.