2026 HVAC Repair Price Guide • Updated October 17, 2026
HVAC Repair Cost Guide 2026: Prices for AC, Furnace & Heat Pump Repairs
AC blowing warm air? Furnace won’t ignite? Before the technician arrives, see what HVAC repairs really cost in 2026, from service call fees to compressors, so you know a fair price when you hear one.
How Much Does HVAC Repair Cost in 2026?
HVAC repair costs $150 to $650 for most jobs in 2026, with a national average of about $350. That usually covers the service call, diagnosis, labor, and the replacement part. The final price depends on which part failed, whether it’s covered by warranty, how hard the equipment is to reach, and whether you need help after hours.
| Repair Level | Typical Cost | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Service call / diagnosis only | $75 – $200 | Inspection, troubleshooting, reset, simple adjustment |
| Minor repair | $100 – $450 | Capacitor, contactor, fuse, flame sensor, drain line clog, thermostat |
| Moderate repair | $450 – $1,200 | Fan or inducer motor, control board, refrigerant leak repair, gas valve |
| Major repair | $1,000 – $3,500 | Compressor, evaporator or condenser coil, heat exchanger, reversing valve |
Key takeaways
- Most repair calls are minor or moderate fixes under $700; only a few parts (compressors, coils, heat exchangers) cost more.
- Expect a $75 to $200 service call fee. Many companies credit it toward the repair if you hire them.
- After-hours and emergency service typically costs 1.5 to 3 times the normal rate.
- If a repair costs more than half the price of a new system, or your system is 12 to 15+ years old, compare repair against replacement cost before you approve it.
HVAC Repair Cost by System Type
Repair prices vary by the type of equipment. Central air conditioners and heat pumps share many of the same parts, while furnaces have their own ignition and gas components.
| System | Typical Repair | Major Repair Range | Most Common Repairs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | $150 – $650 | Up to $3,500 | Capacitor, contactor, fan motor, refrigerant leak |
| Gas furnace | $150 – $600 | Up to $3,500 | Ignitor, flame sensor, inducer motor, control board |
| Electric furnace | $100 – $500 | Up to $1,500 | Heating element, sequencer, blower motor |
| Heat pump | $200 – $650 | Up to $3,500 | Reversing valve, defrost board, capacitor, compressor |
| Ductless mini-split | $300 – $1,000 | Up to $2,500 | Sensor, board, drain line, refrigerant leak |
| Boiler | $200 – $800 | Up to $3,000 | Circulator pump, pressure valve, ignition |
| Ductwork | $200 – $700 | Up to $2,700 | Disconnected or leaking runs, sealing, insulation |
| Thermostat | $150 – $500 | Up to $700 | Wiring, sensor, replacement with new unit |
AC Repair Costs by Part
The average central AC repair costs about $375, with most falling between $200 and $700. Capacitors and contactors are by far the most common failures, especially during the first heat wave of summer. If your AC runs but won’t cool, read what to check first before you call.
| AC Repair or Part | 2026 Cost (Parts + Labor) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitor (start/run) | $150 – $450 | #1 summer repair; unit hums but won’t start |
| Contactor | $150 – $400 | Outdoor unit won’t turn on or won’t shut off |
| Condenser fan motor | $300 – $700 | Outdoor fan not spinning |
| Blower motor (repair / replace) | $200 – $900 / $500 – $2,000 | Weak or no airflow from vents |
| Clogged condensate drain line | $75 – $250 | Water leaking near the indoor unit |
| Condensate pump | $150 – $500 | Basement and attic installs |
| Circuit / control board | $200 – $700 | Erratic operation or no power |
| Refrigerant recharge (R-410A) | $150 – $600 | Only needed after a leak is fixed |
| Refrigerant recharge (R-22) | $400 – $1,500+ | R-22 is no longer produced |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $250 – $1,500 | Price depends on leak location |
| Expansion valve (TXV) | $300 – $700 | Coil freezing or poor cooling |
| Evaporator coil | $800 – $2,700 | Often leaks in 10+ year old systems |
| Condenser coil | $900 – $2,800 | Outdoor coil damage or leaks |
| Compressor | $1,500 – $3,500 | Most expensive AC repair; compare to replacement |
Wondering about refrigerant? See our full breakdown of what it costs to recharge an AC unit. An AC should never need regular top-offs; if it’s low, it has a leak.
Furnace Repair Costs by Part
Most furnace repairs cost $150 to $600. Ignition problems, dirty flame sensors, and failed inducer motors cause the majority of no-heat calls. With heating season starting, this is the best time to schedule an inspection before the first cold snap.
| Furnace Repair or Part | 2026 Cost (Parts + Labor) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flame sensor (clean / replace) | $80 – $250 | Burners light, then shut off |
| Hot surface ignitor | $150 – $350 | No ignition; very common in winter |
| Thermocouple (older furnaces) | $125 – $250 | Pilot light won’t stay lit |
| Limit switch | $100 – $300 | Furnace overheats and cycles off |
| Pressure switch | $150 – $450 | Inducer runs but no ignition |
| Gas valve | $250 – $800 | No gas to burners |
| Draft inducer motor | $350 – $1,000 | Loud whine or no startup |
| Control board | $275 – $800 | Error codes, random shutdowns |
| Blower motor (repair / replace) | $150 – $450 / $500 – $2,000 | No air from vents |
| Electric heating element | $150 – $600 | Electric furnaces and air handlers |
| Heat exchanger | $1,000 – $3,500 | Cracks are a carbon monoxide risk; often means replacement |
Heat Pump Repair Costs
Heat pumps use most of the same parts as an air conditioner, plus a few heating-specific components. Typical repairs cost $200 to $650, and major repairs can reach $3,500.
| Heat Pump Repair | 2026 Cost (Parts + Labor) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Defrost control board | $200 – $600 | Outdoor unit stays iced over |
| Defrost sensor / thermostat | $100 – $350 | Ice buildup in winter |
| Reversing valve or solenoid | $500 – $2,000 | Stuck in heating or cooling mode |
| Auxiliary heat strips | $200 – $700 | Weak heat in very cold weather |
| Capacitor / contactor | $150 – $450 | Same as AC |
| Compressor | $1,500 – $3,500 | Compare to replacement on older units |
HVAC Repair Cost by Problem
Not sure what’s wrong? Here’s what the most common symptoms usually mean, and what they typically cost to fix.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Typical Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC blowing warm air | Capacitor, contactor, low refrigerant, dirty coil | $150 – $1,500 |
| Outdoor unit humming but not running | Failed capacitor or seized fan motor | $150 – $700 |
| Water leaking around indoor unit | Clogged condensate drain or failed pump | $75 – $500 |
| Ice on refrigerant lines or coil | Low refrigerant, dirty filter, blower issue | $100 – $1,500 |
| Furnace won’t ignite | Ignitor, flame sensor, pressure switch | $80 – $450 |
| Furnace blowing cold air | Ignition, gas valve, or limit switch | $100 – $800 |
| Weak airflow from vents | Blower motor, dirty filter, duct leak | $100 – $2,000 |
| Short cycling (on/off often) | Thermostat, oversized system, limit switch | $100 – $500 |
| Loud grinding or squealing | Motor bearings or belt | $200 – $1,000 |
| Burning or musty smell | Electrical issue, dust burn-off, mold | $100 – $700 |
| Hot and cold rooms | Duct leaks, dampers, zoning, sizing | $200 – $2,000 |
| System won’t turn on at all | Breaker, fuse, thermostat, board | $75 – $700 |
For more troubleshooting, see 10 common reasons an HVAC system isn’t cooling and how a tune-up can fix hot and cold spots.
HVAC Service Call Fees & Labor Rates
Besides the part itself, most of what you pay for an HVAC repair is labor and the trip to your home.
| Charge | Typical 2026 Cost | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Service call / trip fee | $75 – $200 | Often credited toward the repair if you hire the company |
| Diagnostic fee | $80 – $200 | Sometimes bundled with the service call |
| Hourly labor rate | $100 – $175 per hour | Many companies use flat-rate pricing instead |
| After-hours / weekend | 1.5× – 2× normal rate | Evenings, weekends, and holidays |
| Emergency service | $150 – $300 per hour | Same-day calls during heat waves or freezes |
| Minimum charge | $100 – $250 | Applies even to very short visits |
HVAC Maintenance & Tune-Up Costs
Annual maintenance is the cheapest way to avoid big repair bills. A tune-up catches weak capacitors, dirty flame sensors, and small refrigerant leaks before they leave you without heat or air.
| Service | Typical Cost | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| AC tune-up | $100 – $250 | Every spring |
| Furnace tune-up | $100 – $250 | Every fall |
| Heat pump tune-up | $100 – $250 per visit | Twice a year |
| Full system (AC + furnace) tune-up | $150 – $400 | Once or twice a year |
| Maintenance plan / service agreement | $150 – $500 per year | Usually includes 2 visits + repair discounts |
| Air duct cleaning | $300 – $700 | Every 3–5 years, or after renovations |
| Duct sealing | $400 – $2,700 | When ducts leak or rooms are uneven |
Insulation and duct sealing can also lower the load on your system. Learn how to cut HVAC costs with insulation.
HVAC Repair Cost by Brand
Most residential HVAC brands use similar parts, so repair prices are usually within 10 to 25% of each other. Premium brands with proprietary communicating controls and variable-speed motors cost more to fix. For a deeper comparison, see HVAC repair costs by brand.
| Brand | Evaporator Coil | Blower Motor | Repair Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman / Amana | $800 – $2,000 | $450 – $1,500 | Lower — parts widely available |
| Rheem / Ruud | $900 – $2,200 | $450 – $1,800 | Moderate |
| Carrier / Bryant | $1,000 – $2,500 | $500 – $1,800 | Moderate to higher |
| Trane / American Standard | $1,100 – $2,700 | $500 – $1,900 | Higher — proprietary parts on top models |
| Lennox | $1,000 – $2,700 | $500 – $2,000 | Higher — parts sold through Lennox dealers |
| York / Daikin | $900 – $2,300 | $450 – $1,800 | Moderate |
What Affects the Cost of HVAC Repair?
Should You Repair or Replace Your HVAC System?
A $300 repair on a 6-year-old system is an easy yes. A $2,500 compressor on a 15-year-old system usually isn’t. Use these rules, then compare against our HVAC replacement cost guide:
| Situation | Usually Repair | Usually Replace |
|---|---|---|
| System age | Under 10 years | 15+ years |
| Repair cost | Under $1,000 | Over 50% of a new system |
| Breakdowns | First repair in years | 2+ repairs in two years |
| Refrigerant | R-410A or newer | R-22 |
| Warranty | Parts still covered | Expired |
| Energy bills | Steady | Rising every year |
Replacing a full system costs $7,500 to $15,000 for most homes in 2026. See the full breakdown by system type and home size in our HVAC replacement cost guide, and our guide to HVAC financing programs if a new system is the better call.
5 Free Checks Before You Call for HVAC Repair
These quick checks fix a surprising number of “broken” systems and can save you a service call fee.
- Check the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to Heat or Cool, the setpoint is right, and the batteries are fresh.
- Replace the air filter. A clogged filter can freeze an AC coil or trip a furnace’s limit switch.
- Check breakers and switches. Reset a tripped breaker once, and make sure the furnace service switch is on.
- Clear the outdoor unit. Remove leaves, grass, and debris from at least 2 feet around the condenser.
- Check the condensate drain. A full drain pan or tripped float switch will shut the system off.
If the breaker trips again, you smell gas or burning, or you see ice on the lines, turn the system off and call a professional. Refrigerant and gas work require a licensed technician.
How to Save Money on HVAC Repairs
- 1Compare at least two or three quotes on big repairs.On anything over $500, a second opinion can save hundreds or reveal that a cheaper fix will work.
- 2Check your warranty first.Find the model and serial number and look it up on the manufacturer’s site. Parts may be free.
- 3Avoid emergency rates when you can.If it’s safe to wait until normal hours, you can avoid after-hours premiums of 50% or more.
- 4Schedule annual tune-ups.Maintenance plans often include repair discounts and priority scheduling.
- 5Ask for a flat-rate price in writing.Know the total, including the service call, before any work starts.
- 6Don’t keep paying for refrigerant.If your AC needs refrigerant every year, fixing the leak is cheaper over time.
How to Choose an HVAC Repair Company
- Licensed and insured in your state, with EPA Section 608 certified technicians for refrigerant work.
- Strong recent reviews on Google and other review sites, especially for repair jobs.
- Upfront pricing — a written flat-rate quote before work starts.
- Labor warranty on the repair (90 days to 1 year is common).
- Emergency availability if you live where summers or winters are extreme.
- Experience with your brand and system type, especially heat pumps and variable-speed equipment.
Get Free HVAC Repair Quotes in 3 Easy Steps
HVAC Repair Cost FAQs
How much does HVAC repair cost in 2026?
The average HVAC repair costs about $350 in 2026, and most homeowners pay between $150 and $650. Minor repairs like a capacitor or contactor cost $100 to $450, while major repairs such as a compressor, coil, or heat exchanger cost $1,000 to $3,500.
How much is an HVAC service call?
Most HVAC companies charge a service call or diagnostic fee of $75 to $200. Many credit that fee toward the repair if you hire them, and emergency or after-hours calls usually cost more.
What is the most expensive HVAC repair?
Replacing a compressor is usually the most expensive HVAC repair at $1,500 to $3,500, followed by evaporator or condenser coils at $800 to $2,800 and furnace heat exchangers at $1,000 to $3,500. On older systems, these repairs often make replacement the better choice.
How much does it cost to replace an AC capacitor?
Replacing an AC capacitor costs about $150 to $450 including the service call and labor. It is the most common air conditioner repair, especially during the first hot weeks of summer.
How much does it cost to fix a furnace that won't ignite?
Most no-ignition problems cost $80 to $450 to fix. Cleaning or replacing a flame sensor runs $80 to $250, a new hot surface ignitor costs $150 to $350, and a pressure switch costs $150 to $450.
How much does it cost to fix a refrigerant leak?
Refrigerant leak repair costs $250 to $1,500 depending on where the leak is, plus $150 to $600 to recharge an R-410A system. Leaks in the evaporator coil often mean replacing the coil, which costs $800 to $2,700.
How much do HVAC technicians charge per hour?
HVAC technicians typically charge $100 to $175 per hour in 2026. Emergency and after-hours rates run $150 to $300 per hour, and many companies quote flat-rate prices instead of hourly labor.
Is it worth repairing a 15-year-old HVAC system?
Usually only for small repairs. Use the $5,000 rule: multiply the system's age by the repair cost, and if the result is over $5,000, replacement is generally the better investment. A 15-year-old system needing a $400 repair scores $6,000.
Does a home warranty cover HVAC repair?
Most home warranties cover HVAC repairs caused by normal wear and tear, but you pay a service fee of about $75 to $150 per visit, and coverage limits and exclusions apply. Manufacturer warranties typically cover parts only, not labor.
Does homeowners insurance cover HVAC repair?
Homeowners insurance usually does not cover HVAC repairs caused by age, wear, or lack of maintenance. It may cover damage from a sudden covered event such as fire, lightning, a falling tree, or a storm.
How much does HVAC maintenance cost?
A single AC or furnace tune-up costs $100 to $250, and a maintenance plan covering both seasons costs $150 to $500 per year. Regular maintenance helps prevent the most common and costly repairs.
Why is HVAC repair so expensive?
HVAC repair costs reflect licensed labor, specialized parts, refrigerant handling that requires EPA certification, trip and diagnostic time, and insurance. Prices are highest during heat waves and cold snaps when demand peaks.
How can I tell if my HVAC repair quote is fair?
Compare the quote to typical price ranges for that repair, ask for a written flat-rate price that includes parts and labor, check whether the part is under warranty, and get a second quote on any repair over $500.
Related HVAC Cost Guides
How Much Does It Cost to Recharge an AC Unit?
HVAC Repair Costs by Brand
Why Is Your AC Running But Not Cooling?
Why Is My HVAC System Not Cooling? 10 Causes
Fixing Hot and Cold Spots With a Tune-Up
Financing Programs for a New HVAC System
Buying a Home? What to Check in the HVAC System