Pick the part that failed to see a typical installed-cost range — parts, labor, and diagnostic fee — plus how long the job usually takes and what to ask about. Estimates only; your contractor's quote is the real number.
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Installed ranges including parts and labor, before any diagnostic fee. Actual pricing varies by region, contractor, and system.
| Repair | Typical installed range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitor | $100 – $400 | Common, quick, inexpensive |
| Contactor | $110 – $400 | Often replaced with the capacitor |
| Condensate drain line | $75 – $250 | Clearing a clog |
| Thermostat | $100 – $450 | Higher for smart / communicating models |
| Condenser fan motor | $250 – $700 | Usually includes a new capacitor |
| Refrigerant leak & recharge | $300 – $1,500 | R-22 systems cost much more |
| Blower motor | $300 – $1,100 | ECM / variable-speed costs more |
| Electrical / control board | $150 – $900 | Control boards are the priciest |
| Evaporator coil | $650 – $2,200 | Major repair; weigh vs. replacement |
| Compressor | $800 – $2,800 | Often near the cost of a new unit |
Most common AC repairs fall between about $150 and $650 including parts, labor, and a diagnostic fee. Minor fixes like a capacitor or contactor are often under $250, while a compressor or evaporator coil can run $1,500 or more.
The compressor is the most expensive component in the outdoor unit, the job takes several hours, and it requires refrigerant recovery and recharging. Because the cost often approaches that of a new outdoor unit, compare it with a full replacement using our Repair or Replace calculator.
A parts warranty can cover the failed component itself, but you typically still pay for labor, refrigerant, and miscellaneous materials. Warranties usually require the system to be registered and professionally installed.
If the system is more than about 12 years old, uses R-22 refrigerant, or the repair costs more than half the price of a new system, replacement is often the better long-term value.
This calculator estimates typical repair costs using common industry pricing rules of thumb. It does not diagnose your system and is not a quote. Do not attempt electrical or refrigerant repairs yourself — those must be performed by a licensed, EPA-certified HVAC technician. Always get a written quote from a local contractor before authorizing work.