If the job is complex and labor-intensive enough, it can cost nearly as much as replacing the entire system. As a general rule, choose a replacement if a repair estimate exceeds 50% of the price of a new unit. Or, multiply the repair cost by the unit's age; if the result is $5,000+, replacement is more cost-effective.
In general, it is not worthwhile to repair an air conditioner if it is more than ten years old or if doing so will cost twice as much as replacing it. It is typically better to repair rather than replace an air conditioner if it is only a few years old and the repair costs are reasonable.
The $5,000 rule is a rule of thumb in the HVAC industry to help homeowners decide whether HVAC repair or HVAC replacement makes more sense in the long run. The $5,000 rule: Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacing your unit.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
Many HVAC companies charge an hourly rate of between $75 and $150. So the more complex the repair, the more it will cost. More information on the types of AC repairs and their costs is below.
Average New AC Unit Costs
The average cost of installing a new central air conditioner in 2024, including equipment and labor costs, is $5,750 for a 3-ton unit in a 2,000-square-foot home. On average, a new AC unit cost will fall between $3,300 and $7,800.
If your aircon is older than 10 years and plagued with ongoing issues, you might want to consider replacing your air conditioner. A benefit of replacing your aircon is that you will get a more energy efficient model which would ultimately save you a lot of money on power bills.
Usually, it is a quick fix, but sometimes the failure can be caused by a much bigger problem. The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor.
Repair: Older AC units typically have lower energy efficiency ratings (SEER), which means higher electricity costs. For instance, a 20-year-old unit may have a 10- or lower SEER.
Low refrigerant in the unit can be completed in just a couple hours. However, other issues can take much longer. For example, a broken compressor can take most of the day for a technician to fix. If there is broken ductwork, the project can actually take a few days to tackle.
Unlike furnaces, air conditioners are often outdoors and exposed to extreme temperatures throughout the year, which shortens their life expectancy. Modern air conditioners can last between 15-20 years, and older air conditioners last around 10-12 years.
In addition to a sudden stop, these signs of blown AC fuses require your attention: Strange sounds are coming from your air conditioning unit. Your circuit breaker keeps tripping. Your unit smells like it is burning or gives off the smell of exhaust.
Central air conditioning systems can last anywhere between 10 to 30 years, with most averaging around 10 to 15 years total (1). Keep in mind, the lifespan of your air conditioner depends on how much you use it, your local climate, what type of AC it is, and if your house is well insulated and air sealed.
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The AC repair cost is $320, and the average cost for an AC tune-up is $99. The average cost of an HVAC service call is about $100 to $250, depending on the problem. The total hourly rate for an HVAC technician ranges from $65 to $150+ per hour, with additional parts costing anywhere from $40 to over $1000.
Labor costs can vary by project based on how long your job takes. If it is hard to access the unit for air conditioning repairs, the labor cost may be higher. Additionally, some parts are in inconvenient locations inside your unit, so it requires more labor to take apart the AC to access the right part.
Unfortunately, it's impossible to know how much your specific AC repair will cost until a professional inspects and diagnoses your system. However, we can give you very broad estimates for repair prices in our area. For example, an AC repair in the California area typically costs anywhere from $300 to $800.