Factors such as labor and parts impact the final price of repairing a window AC unit. Learn all of the costs associated with window air conditioner repair.
How Much Does AC Drip Pan Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $200 - $1,000
AC drip pan replacement costs an average of $600, with costs commonly ranging from $200 to $1,000. The total is higher for larger AC units, central AC, or metal drip pans.
How we get this data
Photo: Edwin Tan / E+ / Getty Images
Photo: Edwin Tan / E+ / Getty Images
Cost Insights
It costs $600 on average to replace an AC drip pan, including parts and labor.
Replacing a drip pan could cost as low as $30 or as much as $2,600 for units that have attached evaporator coils.
Small drip pans cost $40, while large ones cost up to $150 for the part alone.
Your initial AC inspection will cost an extra $100 to $250.
Expect your AC repair pro to charge $100 to $250 per hour for their services.
Nothing will chill you more than the sight and sound of a leaking AC unit, but luckily, drain pans are an easy fix. An AC drip pan replacement costs $600 on average for the part and labor, although costs can range from $30 to replace a plastic pan on a small window AC unit yourself to more than $2,600 for a pro to replace a rusty metal pan on the central AC in a large home.
Use this guide to determine how much replacing your AC drip pan will cost based on the type and size of AC unit, the type of drip pan, labor costs per hour, and other key factors.
AC Drip Pan Replacement Cost by AC Type
One major factor that influences the cost to replace an AC drip pan is the type of cooling system you have. Replacing an AC drip pan for a window AC unit costs less, around $50 to $150, than replacing an AC drip plan in a central air system, which is $200 to $600.
| AC Type | Average Cost (Parts and Labor) |
|---|---|
| Window unit | $50–$150 |
| Central AC | $200–$600 |
AC Drip Pan Replacement Cost by Material
Drain pan costs also depend on the material of the pan. AC drip pans are designed to capture condensation from the evaporator coil and direct it to the drain line, so these pans are often made with either durable metal or rust-proof plastic.
| Drip Pan Material | Average Cost (Parts Only) |
|---|---|
| Plastic | $30–$100 |
| Metal | $50–$200 |
Size of AC Drip Pan
Like with any parts you buy for home improvement projects, the larger the size of your AC system, the more the AC drip pan replacement costs. Bigger AC units tend to have larger evaporator coils and drip trays, so you’ll spend more for a new drip pan on larger cooling systems.
Here are the average costs for common AC drip tray sizes:
| AC Drip Pan Size (Inches) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 16x40 | $40 |
| 23x36 | $40 |
| 26x26 | $50 |
| 27x48 | $60 |
| 30x60 | $100 |
| 32x36 | $120 |
| 32x60 | $150 |
HVAC Repair Pro Costs
HVAC repair costs are roughly 50% parts and 50% labor. For an average drip pan replacement, pros charge $200 to $600 for parts and labor, or around $100 to $250 per hour.
Air conditioning repairs are best handled by an HVAC professional, especially when it comes to working near the evaporator coil, which contains refrigerant. Homeowners often know to replace the AC drip pan when they notice a leak. However, there’s a chance that an AC leak could be refrigerant and not condensation. As such, it’s always safest to leave AC drip pan replacements and other cooling system repairs to a vetted AC installer near you.
Angi Tip
HVACs are one of the most complicated and essential systems in our homes. To avoid further damage or safety risks, always hire a certified HVAC specialist to repair or replace broken parts.
Additional Cost Factors
There are many additional factors that can impact the cost to replace an AC drip pan, including inspections, whether the AC unit is still under warranty, and how easy or complex it is to access the AC drip pan.
Prep
When it comes to replacing an AC drip pan, pros need extra time to inspect the unit and may even need to move larger AC units to better access the drip pan. The initial inspection may cost $100 to $250, although some pros will include the initial service call in the price of the replacement project total.
Some AC units have the drip pan connected to the evaporator coil, and you may need to replace both parts at the same time. Replacing an AC evaporator coil costs $600 to $2,000 on top of the AC drip pan replacement cost.
Warranties
Your AC unit may be under a five- or 10-year warranty (unless you paid the extra $100 to $500 for an extended warranty). If the drip pan fails prematurely and meets your warranty criteria for replacement, you could be reimbursed for the drip pan replacement. However, if your replacement part is covered by a warranty, you may still be responsible for paying for labor costs.
Accessibility
The more difficult it is to access the AC unit and its drip pan, the more money you’ll pay for labor. Replacing an AC drip pan on a larger AC unit or a unit that is in an attic or other hard-to-reach space could cost $900 to $1,200 total for parts and labor.
Photo: AndreyPopov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Why You Should Hire an AC Drip Pan Replacement Pro
While replacing an AC drip pan is a fairly straightforward task, we still recommend hiring an AC installer near you to help with this job. This is because an expert will take the opportunity to inspect the entire system, helping you proactively address issues like refrigerant leaks or system inefficiencies. Though these experts charge between $100 and $250 per hour, their expertise means they’re more than worth the investment.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an AC drip pan replacement pro
Working with an AC installer to complete this repair task has a few benefits, such as:
Ensuring you get the right part
Ensuring the part is properly installed
Getting an inspection of the rest of the air conditioner
Getting proactive help with issues like energy inefficiency or refrigerant leaks
Coverage from work guarantees or warranties
AC Drip Pan Replacement vs. Repair
If the AC pan is leaking from a minor crack, caulk or waterproof and rubberized tape can help patch up the problem until you have the budget for replacement. Caulk or waterproof tape costs $5 to $15 and should last several months to a few years.
For larger leaks or rusted drip pans, though, you should invest in a full drip pan replacement. This is a much more permanent fix, and a new drip tray could last for the full lifespan of your AC unit.
4 Ways to Save Money on AC Drip Pan Replacement
Replacing a leaky or rusted drip pan can be an unexpected expense on your household budget, so consider these tips for reducing the cost of replacing your AC drip pan.
Consider a short-term fix: If the AC drip pan has only a small crack, you can use caulk or waterproof tape while you save up for the replacement part.
Opt for plastic: Plastic drip trays cost less than metal, and modern AC drip trays made from plastic are made with thicker material for better durability.
Schedule off-season repairs: Hiring a pro? Schedule drip pan replacement in the colder months to score off-season deals from AC repair companies.
Does an AC Drip Pan Replacement Increase Home Value?
HVAC systems can increase home value by 5% to 7%, and they have a return on investment of up to 30%. While replacing the drip pan seems like a smaller repair on your cooling unit, maintaining your HVAC system by tackling these repairs as needed can give you the biggest return possible on your investment. That’s because regular HVAC maintenance extends the life of the system, so your HVAC can add more value to your home.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Make sure to budget for the type of AC (i.e., window-mounted or central AC) you have
Ask if your pro recommends a metal or plastic drip pan for your system, as this will influence costs
Consider combining drip pan replacement with other AC maintenance and repair tasks for lower rates
See if your pro offers warranties for their AC repair work
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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