Price guide
AC repair and replacement costs: typical planning ranges
Rough figures for common heating and cooling jobs, and the things that push a price up or down. They are not quotes, local averages or price guarantees: your price comes from the contractor after the system has been seen.
What changes the price
Six things that move the figure
Timing
Evenings, weekends and the first heat wave of the year are busy. Some contractors charge more outside normal hours.
Refrigerant
Systems on R-22 cost much more to recharge, because it is no longer produced.
Size and efficiency
Larger and higher-efficiency equipment costs more to buy and can cost less to run.
Access
Attic air handlers, raised stands and tight crawl spaces take longer to work on.
Ductwork
A new system on leaking ducts may need duct work to perform.
Permits and electrical
Replacements can need a permit, a new disconnect or a breaker change.
Full list
Every range on this site, job by job
| Work | Typical planning range | Depends on |
|---|---|---|
| AC Repair: Diagnostic visit | $90 – $200 | Evening or weekend calls, travel |
| AC Repair: Capacitor or contactor | $150 – $400 | Part rating, one or both replaced |
| AC Repair: Outdoor fan or indoor blower motor | $350 – $950 | Standard or variable-speed motor |
| AC Repair: Refrigerant leak search | $200 – $600 | Method used, access to the coil and lines |
| AC Installation & Replacement: Split-system AC with matched indoor coil | $6,500 – $13,000+ | Size, efficiency, line set, electrical, stand |
| AC Installation & Replacement: Heat pump system (outdoor unit and air handler) | $7,500 – $15,000+ | Size, efficiency, heat strips, duct changes |
| AC Installation & Replacement: Single-zone ductless mini-split | $3,000 – $6,500 | Capacity, line length, wall location |
| AC Installation & Replacement: Raised condenser stand with a new install | $300 – $900 | Height, material, fastening |
| Heat Pump Repair & Replacement: Diagnostic visit | $90 – $200 | Time of day, travel |
| Heat Pump Repair & Replacement: Defrost board or sensor | $250 – $700 | Part, brand, access |
| Heat Pump Repair & Replacement: Heat strip element or sequencer | $200 – $600 | Kilowatt rating, air handler model |
| Heat Pump Repair & Replacement: Reversing valve replacement | $1,000 – $2,500 | Labour, refrigerant recovery and recharge |
| Humidity & Moisture Problems: Airflow and humidity check during a service visit | $90 – $250 | What is measured and adjusted |
| Humidity & Moisture Problems: Thermostat with humidity control, installed | $250 – $600 | Model, wiring changes |
| Humidity & Moisture Problems: Whole-home ducted dehumidifier, installed | $1,800 – $3,500 | Capacity, duct connection, drain |
| Humidity & Moisture Problems: Return duct sealing | $300 – $1,200 | Access, extent of leaks |
| Attic Ductwork Repair: Duct inspection with airflow check | $100 – $300 | Size of the home, attic access |
| Attic Ductwork Repair: Repair or reseal several duct sections | $300 – $1,500 | Number of runs, access |
| Attic Ductwork Repair: Add or enlarge a return | $400 – $1,200 | Location, ceiling and duct work |
| Attic Ductwork Repair: Replace ductwork, single-storey home | $4,000 – $9,000 | Square footage, number of runs, materials |
| Storm & Hurricane AC Checks: Post-storm inspection of the system | $100 – $250 | Indoor and outdoor checks, travel |
| Storm & Hurricane AC Checks: Replace surge-damaged control parts | $200 – $800 | Board or parts affected |
| Storm & Hurricane AC Checks: Reset and secure the outdoor unit on its stand | $150 – $450 | Line set or electrical repair needed |
| Storm & Hurricane AC Checks: Outdoor unit replacement where a matched swap works | $3,500 – $7,500 | Size, refrigerant, matching the indoor coil |
| AC Maintenance & Drain Lines: AC or heat pump maintenance visit | $90 – $200 | System type, what is included |
| AC Maintenance & Drain Lines: Clear a clogged condensate line | $100 – $250 | Access, how far the clog runs |
| AC Maintenance & Drain Lines: Add a float safety switch | $150 – $350 | Location, wiring |
| AC Maintenance & Drain Lines: Replace a rusted secondary drain pan | $250 – $800 | Attic access, air handler size |
Use these figures to plan, not to budget to the dollar. They are typical planning ranges, not quotes, local averages or price guarantees. Only the contractor can price your job, after looking at the equipment: size, refrigerant, access, parts and anything found on the visit all shift the number.
Big repairs
Weighing a big repair
Age, repair cost and reliability are the main factors. A capacitor on a ten-year-old system is usually worth fixing. A compressor, coil or repeat refrigerant leak on an older system, particularly one on R-22, is the time to put a repair price next to a replacement price.
Ask the contractor to write both options down, with what each includes. Ask your electric utility whether any program currently applies to new equipment.
Quote checklist
Make sure quotes cover the same job
- The same capacity and efficiency rating, or a clear reason for the difference.
- Whether the indoor coil or air handler is replaced with the outdoor unit.
- Line set, stand or pad, electrical, drain and thermostat.
- Permit, removal of old equipment and refrigerant recovery.
- Labour and equipment warranty terms, in writing.
Phone line
Get the system looked at
Lake Charles, Sulphur and Westlake homeowners can use this number to reach an independent heating and cooling company. Mention the age of the system and anything you noticed before it stopped; it helps the technician.