The average HVAC repair costs for basic fixes fall between $180 and $580 in total. The final price can depend on several factors, including the system’s type, local labor charges, and the severity of the required repair.
For instance, minor repairs, like a thermostat replacement, could end up around $100, while significant repairs, such as replacing your heat pump compressor, cost about $3,500 or more.
Labor charges are typically within $60 to $150 per hour range. Although, some companies choose to charge flat fees instead of hourly rates. Remember, the service call and the diagnostic fee are usually separate from the repair cost.
HVAC Repairs Cost by Location
The cost of HVAC repairs can vary greatly by location due to differences in living costs, labor rates, taxes, and regional weather conditions. For example, HVAC repairs in larger metropolitan areas like New York might cost more than in smaller cities like Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Similarly, climate differences, like Chicago’s icy winters versus Dothan’s mild temperatures, can influence the cost of HVAC repairs such as furnace fixes.
The table below provides rough estimates based on regional differences throughout the U.S:
| Northeast U.S. | Average Cost (Labor and Materials) |
| New York, NY | $420 to $630 |
| Pawtucket, RI | $350 to $450 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Atlanta, GA | $300 to $410 |
| Dothan, AL | $280 to $360 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Chicago, IL | $400 to $550 |
| South Bend, IN | $370 to $560 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Seattle, WA | $400 to $520 |
| Corvallis, OR | $350 to $400 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| San Diego, CA | $400 to $580 |
| Roswell, NM | $300 to $400 |
For an accurate price quote, consult local HVAC companies through Home Gnome.
HVAC Service Call Cost
When your HVAC system stops working and you contact a technician, you’ll first pay a service call fee of $80 to $250, which covers travel time and initial system inspection.
Once they do a visual inspection, technicians might charge extra for specific diagnostic tests. This fee can range between $60 to $100, depending on the company’s policies.
HVAC Repair Labor Cost
After diagnosis, HVAC companies charge for repairs in one of two ways:
- Hourly Rate: You pay $60 to $150 per hour for the actual repair time. For example, if a capacitor replacement takes two hours, you’d pay between $120 to $300 for labor alone, plus parts.
- Flat Rate: You pay one fixed price that covers both labor and parts, no matter how long the repair takes. For instance, a company will charge up to $350 total for an AC capacitor replacement, whether it takes one hour or three.
Repair Cost by Type of HVAC Unit
AC Repair Cost
For an air conditioning system (AC), you can typically expect the repair cost to lie between $150 and $620, including materials and labor.
However, this is just a baseline – actual costs depend heavily on your system type and the specific component needing repair.
Here are the most common types of AC types and their average repair costs (labor and necessary materials):
- Window Units: Usually costs around $80 to $250 for simple repairs in total. Major chores include cleaning, replacing seals, or fixing minor parts.
- Portable Air Conditioner: You’ll see repair costs for this type falling around $110 to $240. You can easily transport them for repair, reducing service costs.
- Central Air Conditioner: Repairs for such systems can go from $200 to more than $450.
- Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner: It averages about $600 but could reach up to $950 if complicated parts need to be replaced.
- Packaged HVAC Unit: These all-in-one units are more complex in structure, so repairs can range anywhere from $290 to $520.
When the HVAC tech checks your AC, they look for specific parts that might be causing problems. Each part has its own repair cost, and some fixes are more expensive than others.
In the following table, you’ll find average repair costs for common AC components, including labor and materials.
| AC Component | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) | Common Repairs Tasks |
| Thermostat | $100 to $330 | Diagnosis, calibration, replacement (if necessary) |
| Blower | $250 to $450 | Motor repair, belt replacement |
| Capacitor | $120 to $350 | Test it and replace it if it’s not working |
| Circuit Board | $140 to $350 | Check connections, test voltage, repair loose solder joints, replace if severely damaged |
| AC Coil Cleaning | $150 to $450 | Compressed air, vacuum, brush cleaning, chemical treatment |
| Refrigerant Recharge | $210 to $1,200 | Leak repair, recharge |
| Expansion Valve Replacement | $300 to $450 | Valve replacement, testing |
| Fan Motor | $150 to $400 | Test capacitor, check bearings, and replace if necessary |
| Condenser | $250 to $800 | Leak detection, pressure testing, component replacement if necessary |
| Air Duct | $300 to $1,400 | Inspection, cleaning, repair |
| Compressor Replacement | $600 to $1,200 | Recover refrigerant, replace filter drier, braze connections, vacuum test, recharge |
Furnace Repair Cost
Generally, repair parts for a furnace range from $140 to $520, including materials and labor. However, the cost can vary based on the type and model of your furnace. For example, electric furnaces are generally simpler and cheaper to repair compared to their oil or gas counterparts.
The table below outlines the average costs for fixing common furnace problems, with materials and labor included.
| Furnace Component | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) | Common Repairs Tasks |
| Filter (Electric, Gas, and Oil Furnaces) | $70 to $160 | Replacement due to clogging |
| Transformer(Electric, Gas, and Oil Furnaces) | $100 to 200 | Voltage test, replacement if burnt out |
| Thermocouple (Gas and Oil Furnaces) | $120 to $250 | Cleaning, adjustment, replacement if faulty |
| Thermostat (Electric, Gas and Oil Furnaces) | $130 to $450 | Calibration, wiring repair, full replacement if necessary |
| Pressure Switch (Gas and Oil Furnaces) | $130 to $350 | Testing, cleaning, replacement if stuck |
| Capacitor (Electric, Gas and Oil Furnaces) | $140 to $400 | Testing, replacement if not holding charge |
| Combustion Chamber (Gas and Oil Furnaces) | $200 to $750 | Cleaning, crack repair, full replacement |
| Gas Valve (Gas Furnace) | $200 to $800 | Testing, cleaning, replacement if leaking |
| Ignitor (Gas and Oil Furnaces) | $250 to $400 | Cleaning, adjustment, replacement if broken |
| Circuit Board (Electric, Gas, and Oil Furnaces) | $250 to $750 | Testing connections, resoldering, replacement |
| Flue Pipe (Gas and Oil Furnaces) | $350 – $750 | Cleaning, sealing leaks, replacement if necessary |
| Blower Motor (Electric, Gas, and Oil Furnaces) | $400 to $1,500 | Lubrication, belt replacement, full motor replacement if necessary |
| Motor (Electric, Gas, and Oil Furnaces) | $350 to $1,400 | Bearing replacement, rewiring, full replacement if necessary |
| Draft Inducer Motor (Gas and Oil Furnaces) | $400 to $1,100 | Cleaning, bearing replacement, full replacement if necessary |
| Heat Exchanger (Gas and Oil Furnaces) | $750 to $2,000 | Crack repair, cleaning, full replacement if necessary |
| Coil (Electric Furnace) | $700 to $2,200 | Cleaning, leak repair, replacement if necessary |
Some of the most common furnace issues are no heating, pilot light outages, and unusual cycling.
Heat Pump Repair
Heat pumps, known for their energy efficiency, tend to need pricier repairs due to their complexity. As these systems do both heating and cooling tasks, they have extra components needing more care than other HVAC systems.
With an average repair cost between $230 and $1,000, some of the steepest expenses come from replacing parts like compressors and specific valves.
| Heat Pump Component | Average Cost | Common Repairs Tasks |
| Fan Breaker | $90 to $200 | Testing, cleaning contacts, replacement if necessary |
| Pressure Switch | $50 to $150 | Testing, calibration, replacement if necessary |
| Capacitor | $160 to $350 | Testing charge, replacement if failed |
| Contactor | $140 to $320 | Cleaning contacts, testing, replacement if necessary |
| Reversing Valve | $290 to $650 | Testing operation, leak repair, replacement |
| Fan Motor | $250 to $650 | Lubrication, bearing replacement, rewiring |
| Blower Motor | $250 to $850 | Belt replacement, bearing repair, full replacement |
| Evaporator Coil | $450 to $1,000 | Cleaning, leak repair, full replacement |
| Condenser Coil | $650 to $1,500 | Cleaning, fin straightening, leak repair |
| Compressor | $1,500 to $3,500 | Pressure testing, electrical repair, replacement |
Ductwork Repair And Cleaning Cost
Clogged ducts could cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, raising your utility bill. Cleaning your ductwork can often improve airflow and efficiency. This service might cost anywhere from $300 to $700, based on the size of your system.
If parts of the ductwork need repair or replacement due to damage or wear, expect an additional expense of about $1,400 or more, including labor.
HVAC Permit Cost
If you are repairing or replacing significant parts of your HVAC system, you’ll need a permit from your local authority. Your licensed HVAC contractor is typically responsible for obtaining these permits.
Costs for an HVAC permit vary by location and project scope, usually ranging from $300 to $700 for basic installations, though they can go higher for complex projects. When getting quotes from contractors, ensure they include permit fees in their total price estimates.
Emergency HVAC Repairs Cost
Emergency situations with your HVAC system might happen when you least expect them. This is why many companies offer round-the-clock assistance. However, these urgent service calls come at higher prices, often ranging from $160 to $250 per hour.
Pro Tip: Regular HVAC checks help spot minor issues before they escalate to major, costly repairs. Plus, timely maintenance boosts your unit’s lifespan, saving you money over time.
HVAC Services Agreement Cost
Agreeing to a service contract can lead to yearly savings. HVAC maintenance services within these contracts, costing between $160 to $300 per year, typically include biannual check-ups and handy repairs discounts of 10% to 15%.
It’s a good way to keep your system in check regularly, not letting small troubles become big problems. Plus, maintaining your HVAC system properly also keeps warranties valid.
HVAC Home Warranty Plan Cost
Purchasing a home warranty can help cover repair or replacement costs for many common HVAC problems. Most plans cost between $450 and $650 per year and require a service flat fee of around $90 to $120 per incident.
Coverage varies by provider and plan level but often includes central heating, air conditioning, and ductwork repairs.
Pro Tip: This is a great investment, especially for older homes with aging HVAC systems that aren’t covered by their original manufacturer’s warranty anymore. Before signing up for a home warranty, understand the coverage and limitations to ensure it will meet your needs.
FAQ About HVAC Repairs Cost
If one of your current units is beyond repair, you may need to replace it with a new one. The cost of a new HVAC unit runs from $5,000 to $9,000 in total, depending on the size, type, and features.
Depending on the system’s size and the inspection’s complexity, the HVAC inspection cost ranges from $250 to $450 per visit.
Remember, a service call usually includes a basic visual check. However, for a more in-depth investigation of your system’s performance and efficiency, you might need a more comprehensive HVAC inspection.
Pro Tip: Plan for regular HVAC inspections – think of them as a small investment for extending your system’s lifespan and saving on long-term costs.
Find an HVAC Technician Near You
HVAC repair costs can be high, but regular maintenance and inspections can help you save money in the long run. It is important to have an expert technician check for wear, signs of damage, and other potential problems.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Image Credit: Phyxter Home Services / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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