A broken air conditioner is something you want to fix quickly, especially in the middle of summer. As with any home repair, though, you do not want a bill to take you by surprise. Doing your research beforehand to know what constitutes a fair price is crucial. So, how much does an AC service cost?
How Much Should You Pay for AC Service?
In general, you can expect to pay between $160 and $650 to repair an AC system, with average expenses hovering around $250 to $350. Some services may cost less than $100, and some can range in the thousands of dollars, although these extreme highs and lows are less common.
You may find other figures while researching AC service costs, and there are a few reasons for those discrepancies. Like many forms of maintenance, AC repair prices stem from multiple factors. Two service calls can look entirely different in terms of the time and parts required, leading to dramatically different costs. Rates vary widely between states and cities, too.
While anything between $160 and $650 may be normal, some jobs may fall within that range and still not be fair. Alternatively, some work may cost more but is still a good deal, depending on the local market and the extent of the repair. Given such variation, you must pay attention to where AC service costs come from to know if you are getting a good deal.
What Impacts AC Service Costs?
How much an AC service costs depends on the type of job, the AC system, the time of year, the location and a few other factors. Here is a closer look at each of these to help you know what to expect.
Type of Repair
The biggest determinant of an AC service’s price is the kind of service in question. A regular inspection and tuneup, which experts recommend you perform annually, may cost as little as $70. However, replacing an air handler will likely require at least $1,500, even on the low end.
Three primary factors affect the cost of varying repair types — the equipment necessary, the time it takes and your AC system’s brand. A diagnostic visit, flushing lines and performing relatively simple fixes will be cheaper because they require less time and fewer parts. Replacing any part of your system will cost more because of the materials — the greater the replacement necessary, the higher the cost.
AC brands that make a lot of equipment at low upfront prices generally cost less to repair. By contrast, high-end brands have more expensive parts, so repairing them typically costs more. You can always use generic replacement components for a lower price, but these may void your AC’s warranty.
Type of AC System
Generally, the more complex your AC solution is, the more it will cost to maintain. However, some advanced options carry lower repair expenses because their design creates fewer areas where something can go wrong.
Window AC units and conventional central air systems have relatively low service rates. These benefit from being so common, as replacement parts are widely available and they do not require special training to fix. By contrast, split systems and packaged heating and air, which are more complex and less popular, often cost more to repair.
Heat pumps are not as common, but they have some of the lowest service expenses, thanks to their low-maintenance design. They can also reduce your electricity consumption by 50%, so upgrading to one is a good, long-term cost-saving measure.
Time and Location
AC service costs also vary depending on the time of year. Peak seasons often mean higher rates, as contractors are busier and can justify raising prices because of the demand. Consequently, AC repairs are typically most expensive in the summer, just as furnace maintenance will cost more during the winter.
Where you live also impacts what you can expect to pay. Hidden home ownership costs, which include maintenance, are highest in Hawaii, while West Virginia has the lowest. Unsurprisingly, these variations tend to be in line with each state’s cost of living.
Hawaii has high prices because it must import many parts and materials. States like California and New Jersey have relatively high rates because of their property values and taxes. By the same token, many Southern states with lower taxes and property values can get cheaper AC repairs. These trends apply to differences between cities, too.
Other Considerations
A few smaller or less common factors can impact AC service rates as well. Living in an area with multiple HVAC contractors to choose from may mean you can find lower prices. Fewer options, by contrast, mean less competition, so there may not be as much motivation for businesses to lower their prices.
Maintenance contracts are another thing to consider. Many service providers offer ongoing contracts where you pay an annual fee in return for free or reduced-price repairs. These typically do not cover all jobs, but they can be a good deal if you need service often enough, but do not expect to require substantial fixes.
Insurance and warranties affect costs, too. Your home insurance likely does not cover all HVAC services, but it may pay for some repairs. Similarly, a home warranty may help reduce your maintenance spending. Check with your insurance and warranty companies before scheduling a repair to understand what is available.
Best AC Service Companies
Now that you know how various factors influence AC service costs, you can compare providers more effectively. Your options will vary depending on your location, but here are some of the best AC service companies across the nation.
1. Strada Services
For those in the South, Strada Services is among the leading AC maintenance providers to consider. The business operates across 11 Southern states and has over 20 years of experience.
Strada provides all types of AC services, including full replacements, repairs and regular inspections. It also offers multiple ongoing maintenance subscriptions if you want to maximize your AC system’s life and have more predictable ongoing care costs. You can also find an extensive library of resources on the company’s blog for help on performing basic fixes yourself or knowing when to call a professional.
The contractors at Strada have experience in all AC setups, too, including heat pumps and ductless systems. Online scheduling, multiple contact methods, free quotes and extended warranties add to the trust and convenience you can expect.
2. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
Where Strada is not available, you could look to One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning for your repair and maintenance needs. As its name suggests, One Hour specializes in quick service, especially for emergency repairs, making it an ideal choice for unexpected breakdowns.
One Hour will discuss options and pricing with you before beginning work so you can make an informed choice before getting the bill. It also promises on-time arrival and guarantees satisfaction with its work and materials for up to two years. Such assurance assuages many cost and value concerns.
All One Hour locations across the country are independently owned, which means you can expect local expertise. In addition to repairs and ongoing care, the business offers a range of air quality services to help you get the most out of your AC system.
3. Horizon Services
Another reliable AC service provider is Horizon Services, which operates in multiple states, but mainly in the Northeast. Like One Hour, Horizon guarantees its AC services for two years and offers free estimates with upfront pricing breakdowns.
All Horizon employees are licensed and background-checked, which is important when improper equipment usage can lead to expensive repairs. The company also promises same-day service for emergencies and next-day scheduling for AC system installations. Full refunds on its regular tuneups add another layer of trust.
Horizon’s AC repair services cover multiple systems and types of jobs. You can also set up a maintenance membership to get discounts on repairs, scheduling priority and a $500 credit toward installing a new AC system. Not everyone may need these benefits, but they are worth considering if you want regular care or plan on upgrading your AC.
4. HomeServe
A less conventional option comes from HomeServe, which is primarily a home warranty company, but it also offers its own HVAC repair services. You can either sign up for a HomeServe plan to cover ongoing home maintenance costs or turn to the organization for emergency AC repairs or replacements.
HomeServe’s maintenance operations are Better Business Bureau-accredited, and you can contact them at any time for emergencies. The company has experience across all kinds of homes and AC systems, too, so you can trust its expertise regardless of your setup.
Like others on this list, HomeServe will refund your payment for a limited time if its service does not perform to your expectations. It is also one of the few AC service providers available in all 50 states.
5. Hiller
For a smaller, family-run operation, consider Hiller for your next AC service. The team only serves a few states across the South, but its transparency and level of quality make it a worthwhile option for those within its area.
Any Hiller repair, replacement or service that fails during the first two years after installation is eligible for replacement at no cost. Hiller adds to its service guarantee by embracing a transparent pricing policy. You can look up exactly what each of its offerings costs on its website to avoid unexpected bills.
Hiller’s price breakdowns also list industry averages next to its fees, helping you understand where its value lies. There is a lot of value to consider, too, as most of the firm’s work costs less than $359, according to its website.
What to Consider When Choosing an AC Service Provider
Regardless of what is available where you live, you should consider multiple factors when choosing an HVAC contractor. Their AC service costs are the most obvious point of comparison, but prices alone do not tell the whole story.
A higher level of quality and guarantees, like a warranty, may justify spending more on AC maintenance. A cheaper but less reliable service may lead to more concerns down the line, ultimately costing more to resolve. By contrast, a higher-end provider may offer more assurance that its services will produce tangible, lasting results.
Relatedly, you should consider a company’s experience with your type of AC system, especially if you have an uncommon setup like a split or heat pump. Your current energy spending is also worth referencing. Some services can reduce energy consumption by up to 60%, which may offset the upfront cost of the tuneup or repair.
An AC service provider offering faster responses, shorter turnaround times and ongoing care plans may be worth more, too, depending on what matters most to you. Contractors with transparent pricing structures and multiple brands or options to choose from are also generally more valuable.
Should You Hire an AC Service or Repair It Yourself?
In some cases, it may be tempting to attempt your own repairs to avoid high AC service costs. While you can perform basic fixes and maintenance yourself, some jobs are worth paying a professional to manage.
Changing filters, cleaning ducts, flushing your AC system, and inspecting your thermostat or AC unit for signs of wear are usually worth doing yourself. You may be able to thaw a frozen unit or patch a small leak without a professional, too. However, anything larger than that is best left to a certified technician to avoid making the issue worse.
As intimidating as AC service costs can be, accepting them earlier instead of waiting until a problem worsens or performing a subpar fix is more cost-effective. While 92% of homeowners have outstanding repairs on their to-do list, 67% have also paid more because they waited too long to perform them.
The best AC services can consult you on whether you need professional help. Referring to their guides and getting free estimates can help you make a better decision.
Find the Most Cost-Effective AC Service for Your Needs
How much an AC service costs can vary widely, but knowing where these prices come from and how to get more for your money will help you get a fairer deal. Finding a cost-effective contractor or knowing when to perform a repair yourself starts with learning what to expect. Review these steps and AC companies before scheduling your next maintenance appointment.
