See a real price range for your system type and problem severity, built from national HVAC repair pricing data — not a single generic average.
Last reviewed September 2026 · How we calculate estimates
HVAC repair costs swing enormously depending on which system needs work and how serious the problem is. A minor AC capacitor fix and a compressor replacement are both "AC repair," but they're 10x apart in price. Pick your system and severity below to see a realistic range, then use the table further down to compare all the options side by side.
| Service type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic / service call | $100 – $250 |
| AC repair | $450 – $2,000 |
| Furnace repair | $130 – $1,200 |
| Overall national average | ~$350 (range $100 – $3,000) |
Source: Angi, 2026 pricing data.
Air conditioner repairs tend to cost more than furnace repairs because AC systems rely on a sealed refrigerant loop and a compressor — both expensive to service or replace, and refrigerant work requires EPA-certified technicians and specialized equipment. Furnace problems more often trace back to simpler parts like igniters, thermostats, or flame sensors, which are quicker and cheaper to swap. When a furnace repair does climb toward the high end, it's usually a heat exchanger — the most expensive single furnace component.
Say your central AC is running but blowing warm air, and the technician finds a failed condenser fan motor. That's a component repair, not a replacement, so you'd pick AC repair and Moderate. Nationally, the calculator centers that on about $1,225 and shows a band of roughly $990 to $1,460. Selecting California applies the state's +10.7% regional price level, and the range becomes about $1,099 to $1,614.
If the quote you receive is $1,350, that sits inside the band and is reasonable. A quote of $2,400 for the same fan motor would be worth questioning. Ask for the part cost and labor hours separately, and get a second opinion before approving it.
Each system type has a published low and high cost. The severity you choose places your job at a point inside that range: Minor at 15% of the way from low to high, Moderate at 50%, and Major at 85%. The calculator then shows a band 15% of the full range on either side of that point, capped at the published low and high. If you choose a state, the whole band is multiplied by that state's Regional Price Parity from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. For the full explanation and sources, see our methodology.
A common rule of thumb used by HVAC contractors is the "5,000 rule": multiply the system's age in years by the repair cost. If the result is over 5,000, replacement is usually worth pricing out. For example, a 13-year-old AC with a $1,600 compressor-related repair gives 13 × 1,600 = 20,800, well past the threshold. A 6-year-old unit with a $400 repair gives 2,400, so repairing it is the clear choice. It's a rough guide, not a rule, but it helps you decide whether to ask for a replacement quote alongside the repair.
HVAC repair costs average around $350 nationally, with most jobs falling between $100 and $3,000 depending on the system and the problem. A basic diagnostic or service call typically runs $100 to $250 on its own, before any repair work is done.
Air conditioner repair typically costs $450 to $2,000, depending on the issue. A minor fix like a capacitor or a refrigerant top-off sits at the low end, while a compressor replacement or major refrigerant leak repair pushes toward the high end.
Furnace repair typically costs $130 to $1,200. A minor repair like an igniter or thermostat issue is inexpensive, while a heat exchanger replacement or major component failure costs significantly more.
Usually yes, but many HVAC companies credit the diagnostic fee toward the repair if you hire them to do the work. Ask upfront whether the $100-$250 service call fee is waived or applied to the final bill before you agree to the diagnostic visit.
Yes. Labor costs vary by region. This calculator lets you select your state to apply a general regional cost-of-living adjustment based on U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data, though it is not a substitute for a local quote.