HVAC repair costs range from $130 to $2,000 on average, but most people pay $350. The exact price depends on the type of repair you need and what kind of HVAC system you have, so call a pro for an accurate estimate.
The type of HVAC system affects cost the most, with central AC repairs totaling up to four times as much as mini-split repairs.
Compressor repairs are the most expensive type of HVAC repair due to high material costs and the lengthy replacement process.
Most HVAC systems last between 15 and 25 years, so consider replacing yours if it is approaching the end of its lifespan.
Avoid future repairs and breakdowns by scheduling routine maintenance with your HVAC professional.
HVAC repair costs $350 on average, though the price can range as low as $100 or as high as $3,000, depending on several factors. The type of HVAC unit that needs repair is the biggest factor in the overall cost, but other considerations like the type of repair necessary and labor fees all make up the final price. Consult a HVAC repair technician to get an accurate estimate.
HVAC Repair Cost Calculator
Calculations are based on the cost of replacing an AC transformer. Calculations rounded to the nearest whole number.
AC transformer part replacement
1 AC transformer
$200–$600
Initial HVAC service call cost
1 HVAC service call
$100–$250
HVAC labor
2 hours
$200–$500
Optional: HVAC inspection
1 HVAC inspection
$80–$450
Total
$500–$1,350
Total with options
$580–$1,800
From one homeowner to another
Manny was very trustworthy and professional. He gave me a very fair price. Within 24 hours he had done his inspection and given me an estimate. It's the first time I talked to an HVAC company that didn't make me feel like I was getting overcharged. One of the other companies I spoke to was trying to charge 6 times the cost. He took lots of pictures and video and explained step by step what was done wrong by the other contractors and what he would need to do to fix it. He was able to do the work the day after I accepted the estimate. He completed all the work in one day. I am confident and very relieved to say that my HVAC system is set up properly.
There are a few things that impact the total cost of your HVAC system repairs. Certain parts are more expensive than others. It typically costs more to replace individual parts than it does to repair them—but not always. Sometimes the opposite is true. Here are the most important cost factors.
Type of HVAC Unit
The standard HVAC system has two main components—an AC unit and a heater. The heater could be a furnace, boiler, or heat pump. Sometimes, it’s all wrapped into a single package unit (like you see with rooftop ACs or ductless mini-split systems). It just depends, but either way, the type of HVAC unit will impact the cost of repairs.
Type of Unit
Common Repairs
Average Cost
AC repair
Drain line clog, compressor failure
$450–$2,000
Furnace repair
Mineral buildup, clogged valves
$130–$1,200
Heat pump repair
Dirty coil, broken fan motor
$200–$2,000
Mini-split repair
Refrigerant leak, compressor issue
$300–$550
Split system repair
Compressor malfunction, motor issues
$200–$300
Packaged system repair
Electrical glitches, thermostat issues
$450–$550
Labor
Labor can account for as much as 50% of the project cost. Generally, an initial HVAC service call costs between $100 to $250—but that’s just for your contractor’s assessment. On the follow-up, the tech will either charge a flat fee for specific repairs (which includes the parts and labor) or $100 to $250 per hour on top of the cost of parts.
Different climates have different demands for HVAC systems. This influences the average cost of repairs because the most common repairs are different from place to place. You can also expect to pay more for labor in areas with a higher cost of living.
State
Average Cost
California
$575
Florida
$330
Idaho
$375
New Mexico
$480
New York
$500
North Dakota
$380
Pennsylvania
$430
Texas
$330
Washington
$425
Wisconsin
$360
HVAC Repair Cost Breakdown by Part
When individual components break down, it can cost $100 to $2,000 to fix, depending on the severity of your issue. You could pay up to $7,500 for a full-on AC replacement. Take a look at what you’ll pay for various HVAC repairs.
Repair
Average Cost
HVAC TXV
$100–$500
AC tune-up
$70–$200
Capacitor
$100–$250
Circuit board
$100–$600
Fan motor
$100–$700
Heat exchanger
$100–$1,500
Ignitor
$150–$300
Thermostat
$150–$350
Blower or fan motor
$200–$700
Duct cleaning
$250–$1,000
Duct repair
$500–$2,000
Compressor
$800–$3,000
Coil replacement
$600–$2,400
Drain line cleaning
$75–$200
Refrigerant leak
$250–$1,500
Refrigerant recharge
$100–$500
AC transformer cost
$200–$600
Additional Costs to Consider
Photo: BanksPhotos / E+ / Getty Images
Beyond standard HVAC repairs, homeowners may have to spend on other related costs. This can include things like system replacement, ductwork repair, warranties, maintenance, and emergency repairs. Here are some things you might want to consider adding to your HVAC budget.
Repair vs. Replace an HVAC System
Part
Average Cost to Repair
Average Cost to Replace
Air conditioning unit
$450–$1,000
$3,800–$7,500
Furnace
$130–$500
$2,600–$6,200
Generally, an HVAC system replacement costs more than repairs, but replacements can be more cost-effective in the long run. You’ll typically want to replace a system if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan (around 10 to 20 years) because ongoing repairs will add up. You should also consider replacing your system if the required repairs amount to more than 50% of the cost of a new AC unit. To get the best value, always weigh the cost of replacing an HVAC system against the cost of expected repairs.
Pro Tip
Do not ignore unusual odors, strange loud noises, or performance issues with your heating system. These can be indicative of serious problems. If you ever experience these, turn off your system and call a professional immediately.
Yashar Mosaferi
President of Klondike AC
— British Columbia, Canada
Ductwork Repair
Sometimes your HVAC issue isn’t because of your furnace or air conditioner. It’s actually an issue with your ductwork. In that case, expect to spend somewhere between $500 to $2,000 on ductwork repairs.
HVAC Maintenance Contract
To properly maintain your HVAC unit, you should get an annual tune-up. This HVAC maintenance cost generally falls between $75 to $200, depending on what your contractor needs to do. You could spend as little as $10 to $50 replacing the air filter or as much as $750 to tune up a large AC in a spacious home.
Keep in mind that some manufacturers do require a service contract to maintain your system’s warranty. For most homeowners, HVAC service contracts cost between $150 and $500 per year.
Warranties
Most HVAC systems come with a warranty. You can also purchase a home warranty. The typical home warranty system plan costs between $230 and $1,900 per year in addition to service call fees. This type of plan will generally cover your HVAC system, your plumbing, your home’s electricity, and your water heater.
Emergency Repair Fees
Emergency repairs—which are made after typical business hours—generally cost more than scheduled repairs. The exact price depends on the problem, but an HVAC tech may charge an additional $40 to $80 per hour for this type of work.
Permits or Inspection Costs
Your annual tune-up typically includes a standard HVAC inspection. If something looks concerning, your contractor may request a ventilation inspection, which checks the electrical system and airflow. Expect to spend $80 to $450 on this type of inspection.
If you need to replace your HVAC system or install new ductwork, you might have to obtain an HVAC permit. This will add $250 to $400 to the cost of your project.
The Importance of Quarterly Filter Changes
Why You Should Hire an HVAC Repair Pro
HVAC jobs are better off in the hands of a professional HVAC company near you, even if labor costs approach $100 to $250 per hour. The reason it still makes sense to hire a pro is because they bring the necessary expertise, specialized tools, and overall safety guarantees that a DIY job cannot.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an HVAC pro
HVAC pros know what they’re doing. Some of the benefits of hiring them are:
These pros are familiar with all aspects of the project. This includes safety considerations like air quality testing, electrical work, and other details.
Proper pros will have spent years as an apprentice, ensuring high-quality work.
These businesses are heavily regulated— you can expect them to have up-to-date licensing and powerful insurance.
HVAC pros aren’t afraid to work in uncomfortable spaces regardless of temperature.
Hiring a pro preserves your HVAC system’s warranty.
Long-term, you know the job has been done right. Since you breathe the air from your system every second you are home, this is an important factor.
If you want to DIY an HVAC repair
We don’t recommend this. Homeowners should leave this work to the pros. However, you could:
Make sure your system is easy to access.
Give the pro plenty of space to work. They may need to check the air in each room.
Plan for the system to be down for a while. This might mean it’s time to break out some space heaters.
As a homeowner, saving a buck here or there is high on your list of priorities. Unfortunately, HVAC repairs can hinder those savings and have you wondering if your money is part of a disappearing act.
Yes, some HVAC repairs can be more expensive than others, but there are ways to save money on those costs, such as:
Buying an HVAC maintenance service contract.
Changing your filters regularly.
Keeping the area around your HVAC unit debris-free.
Replacing unrepairable parts when necessary.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Before you call a pro, try to find the manual for your HVAC system. Even just knowing the model number can help them a great deal. If you don’t know, snap a photo of any numbers you can find.
Depending on the problem, it may be focused more in some rooms than others. Pay attention to this, it can really help the pros.
Know that HVAC work is expensive. It’s a good idea for pricey projects to always get multiple quotes.
Let them know of any changes to your electricity bills. This can help diagnose the problem early, saving you money.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a new HVAC system is roughly $7,500 but will vary by the type of HVAC unit and the size of your home. If you only need to replace your AC, it can cost between $2,200 and $5,500; replacing your furnace costs $3,200 to $6,000.
Your HVAC manufacturer will give you instructions on how often you should service your system. Have your unit professionally serviced at least once a year when in doubt.
Heat pump systems are different because they provide heating and cooling solutions for your home. In this case, you should have it serviced at least twice a year.
The average cost of replacing the ductwork in your HVAC system is around $1,200, with higher prices rounding out to about $4,500. Ideally, you’ll pay between $450 and $2,000, but it depends on factors such as how many ducts need replacement, the size of your home, and your location.
If you need minor repairs like fixing a leak, adding insulation, or replacing a vent, look to pay roughly $200 to $700.
Your HVAC system should last between 15 and 25 years when properly maintained. To extend your HVAC system’s life span, it would be best to follow an annual maintenance schedule to catch any problems as they arise. Technicians will diagnose any issues and clean parts of your HVAC prone to gathering dirt and debris.
Mitchell loves to share his passion for hands-on work at home. His current writing can be found on Investopedia, Citigroup, LendingTree, and more where he provides financial tips on saving, buying, and investing in homes.
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