AC repair costs $100 to $650 per repair in 2026
AC repair costs $100 to $650 per repair in 2026 for most jobs. Fixr puts the national average at about $350, HomeGuide says $360, and Bob Vila says $369. Small fixes, like a capacitor or a drain line, cost less. Big parts cost more. Fixr lists a compressor at $800 to $2,800. The problem, the part, and the hourly labor rate decide your 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 |
|---|---|
| Fixr | Fixr lists a national average of about $350, a common range of $150 to $650, a capacitor at $100 to $400, and a compressor at $800 to $2,800. |
| HomeGuide | HomeGuide lists a national average of $360, a typical range of $150 to $650, a refrigerant leak repair at $200 to $1,500, and labor at $75 to $150 per hour. |
| Bob Vila | Bob Vila lists a national average of $369, a typical range of $100 to $610, a capacitor at $120 to $475, and a Freon recharge at $100 to $350. |
AC repair cost by type of repair
| Repair | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitor | $100 to $400 | Fixr |
| Refrigerant recharge | $100 to $600 | HomeGuide |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $200 to $1,500 | HomeGuide |
| Condenser fan motor | $200 to $700 | Fixr |
| Blower motor | $150 to $700 | Bob Vila |
| Evaporator coil | $600 to $2,000 | Fixr |
| Compressor | $800 to $2,800 | Fixr |
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 capacitor costs far less than a compressor or a coil. Fixr lists a capacitor at $100 to $400 and a compressor at $800 to $2,800. |
| Labor rate | Techs bill by the hour. HomeGuide lists $75 to $150 per hour for normal calls and $160 to $250 per hour for emergency calls. |
| Refrigerant leaks | Finding and sealing a leak takes time. HomeGuide lists a leak repair at $200 to $1,500, while a plain recharge runs $100 to $600. |
| Warranty | Bob Vila says a compressor costs $600 to $1,200 with a warranty and up to $2,500 without one, so check your papers first. |
| Part size | Bigger systems need bigger parts. Fixr says a compressor can top $3,000 on large systems, and a blower motor runs $450 to $2,000 installed. |
What the price includes
Most quotes cover the service call, the tech's labor, and the part you need. Fixr says techs charge $60 to $150 per hour. HomeGuide lists a service call or test at $75 to $200. New parts, refrigerant, and after hours visits cost extra. Ask if the test fee comes off the bill when you approve the repair. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
DIY or hire a pro
Some AC jobs are safe to do yourself. You can swap the filter, rinse the outdoor coil, and clear a clogged drain line. Fixr says a pro drain line clear costs $75 to $250, so doing it yourself can save money. A capacitor part costs under $100 per Bob Vila, but it can hold a strong charge and shock you. Handling refrigerant takes a federal license. Compressors, coils, and wiring should go to a pro. A wrong fix can void your warranty and cost more later.
How to tell you need it
Watch for warm air from the vents, a unit that will not turn on, or ice on the lines. Loud buzzing or clicking from the outdoor unit is another sign. A power bill that jumps with no change in use also points to a problem. Water near the indoor unit means a clogged drain. Call a pro soon, since small faults can grow into costly repairs.
How to judge your quote
- Ask for part cost and labor on separate lines.
- Check that the quote names the exact fault the tech found.
- Ask if the unit or the part is still under warranty.
- Compare the quote to the national average of about $350 before you say yes.
- Compare the total with the range above: $100 to $650 per repair for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Change your filter often and clear the drain line. Fixr lists a pro drain line clear at $75 to $250, so small care can avoid bigger bills.
- Check your warranty before you pay. Bob Vila says a compressor costs $600 to $1,200 with a warranty and up to $2,500 without one.
- Book on a weekday in normal hours. HomeGuide lists emergency labor at $160 to $250 per hour, well above the normal $75 to $150.
- Get two or three written quotes for any job over $500. Capacitor prices run from $100 at Fixr to $475 at Bob Vila, so quotes can differ.
- Ask if the service fee is waived when you approve the repair. HomeGuide lists a service call at $75 to $200, so this can save real money.
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. Labor is a big reason AC repair costs more in 2026, since Fixr says some HVAC techs now charge $200 or more per hour.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from Fixr, HomeGuide 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 on average?
Fixr says about $350, HomeGuide says $360, and Bob Vila says $369. Most jobs run $100 to $650.
How much does a capacitor cost to replace?
Fixr lists $100 to $400, with an average of $175. Bob Vila lists $120 to $475 and says the part alone costs under $100.
How much does a compressor cost to replace?
Fixr lists $800 to $2,800 and says large systems can top $3,000. Bob Vila lists $600 to $1,200 with a warranty.
What do HVAC techs charge per hour?
Fixr lists $60 to $150 per hour. HomeGuide lists $75 to $150, and $160 to $250 for emergency calls.
How much does a refrigerant recharge cost?
HomeGuide lists $100 to $600 and Bob Vila lists $100 to $350. Fixr lists a leak repair plus recharge at $200 to $1,600.