How much does HVAC repair cost in 2026?

Common HVAC repairs and 2026 prices

Installed prices, parts plus labor, for a typical residential split system. Prices assume the part is out of manufacturer warranty.

• Capacitor: $150 to $400. The single most common AC failure, and a quick fix.
• Contactor or relay: $150 to $350.
• Thermostat: $150 to $500, more for a smart model with a new common wire.
• Condenser fan motor: $400 to $900. Blower motor: $500 to $1,500, with variable-speed ECM motors at the top.
• Refrigerant leak repair: $400 to $1,500 plus recharge. Recharge only: $250 to $800 for R-410A systems (see below).
• Evaporator coil: $1,200 to $2,800. Compressor: $1,800 to $3,500.
• Control board: $350 to $900.
• Furnace parts: flame sensor $100 to $250; ignitor $150 to $350; inducer motor $400 to $900; heat exchanger $1,500 to $3,500 (usually a replace-the-furnace situation).
• Clogged drain line: $100 to $300. Duct leak sealing: $300 to $1,000.

Why refrigerant costs more now

Federal rules are phasing down production of R-410A, the refrigerant in most systems installed between 2010 and 2024. Supply has tightened each year since 2024, and a pound that cost $50 to $80 installed a few years ago now commonly runs $90 to $150. A three-ton system holds six to ten pounds, so a full recharge alone can be $600 or more.

Systems built since 2025 use newer A2L refrigerants (R-454B or R-32). Those were in short supply through 2025, which raised coil replacement prices on new equipment too. If your system uses R-22 (most units from before 2010), recharging is rarely worth it; put the money toward replacement.

What drives the bill up or down

• After-hours and weekend calls: 1.5 to 2 times normal labor rates. A heat wave in July is the most expensive time to break down.
• Warranty status. Most equipment carries a 10-year parts warranty if it was registered within 60 to 90 days of install. Labor is usually not covered after the first year, so a warranty compressor still costs $800 to $1,500 in labor and refrigerant.
• Brand and parts availability. Proprietary boards and motors on premium brands cost more and can take days to arrive.
• Access. Attic and crawlspace air handlers add labor. Rooftop package units may need a lift.
• Maintenance plans. Many companies knock 10 to 20 percent off repairs and waive the diagnostic fee for plan members, which pays off if you have an older system.

Repair or replace?

Two rules cover most cases. First, the $5,000 rule: multiply the system's age by the repair cost. Under $5,000, repair it. Over $5,000, put the money toward a new system. Second, if the system is 12 to 15 years old, uses R-22, or has needed a major repair in each of the last two seasons, replacement usually wins on comfort and operating cost alone. A compressor or coil failure out of warranty on a system past year ten is the classic replace-it moment.

Questions to ask an HVAC repair pro

• What is the diagnostic fee, and is it credited toward the repair?
• Is this part covered by the manufacturer warranty, and have you checked the registration?
• If it is low on refrigerant, where is the leak? A top-off without finding the leak is money you will spend again.
• What refrigerant does my system use, and what is the price per pound?
• Can I get a written flat-rate quote before you start, and what is the warranty on this repair?
• Are you licensed and insured, and is the tech NATE or EPA 608 certified?
• Honestly, how much life is left in the rest of the system?