Planning guide
What AC repair and replacement typically cost
Typical planning ranges for common heating and cooling jobs, and what pushes a price up or down. These are not quotes or guarantees; your price comes from the contractor after they look at the system.
What moves the price
When you call
Evenings, weekends and the first heat wave of the summer are when contractors are busiest. Some charge more for after-hours calls.
Refrigerant type
Systems on R-22 cost much more to recharge, because that refrigerant is no longer produced.
System size and efficiency
Bigger and higher-efficiency equipment costs more to buy and can cost less to run.
Access
Equipment in a hot attic, on a roof or in a tight closet takes more time and sometimes a crane.
Ductwork
A new system on old, leaky ducts may need duct repair to work properly.
Permits and electrical
Replacements may need a permit, a new disconnect or a breaker change.
Typical ranges
Typical planning ranges by job
| Job | Typical planning range | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency AC Repair: Diagnostic or service call | $80 – $200 | Time of day, weekend or after-hours calls |
| Emergency AC Repair: Capacitor or contactor replacement | $150 – $450 | Part rating, whether both are replaced |
| Emergency AC Repair: Outdoor fan or blower motor | $350 – $900 | Motor type, variable-speed vs standard |
| AC Installation & Replacement: Split-system AC replacement (outdoor unit and indoor coil) | $7,000 – $14,000+ | Size, efficiency, brand, line set and electrical |
| AC Installation & Replacement: Heat pump system replacement | $8,000 – $16,000+ | Size, efficiency, air handler, ductwork changes |
| AC Installation & Replacement: Rooftop packaged unit replacement | $8,000 – $15,000+ | Crane, roof curb, size and efficiency |
| Refrigerant Leak Repair: Leak search | $200 – $600 | Method used, access to the coils and lines |
| Refrigerant Leak Repair: Recharge after repair | $200 – $900 | Refrigerant type and amount; R-22 costs most |
| Refrigerant Leak Repair: Evaporator coil replacement | $1,500 – $3,500 | Coil size, access, refrigerant |
| Heat Pump Repair: Defrost board or sensor | $200 – $650 | Part, access, model |
| Heat Pump Repair: Reversing valve replacement | $700 – $2,000 | Brazing, recovery and recharge, refrigerant type |
| Heat Pump Repair: Compressor replacement | $1,800 – $4,500+ | Size, warranty status, refrigerant |
| AC Tune-Up & Maintenance: AC or heat pump tune-up | $80 – $200 | System type, what is included |
| AC Tune-Up & Maintenance: Deep outdoor coil cleaning | $150 – $400 | Coil condition, chemical cleaning |
| AC Tune-Up & Maintenance: Condensate drain clearing | $100 – $250 | Blockage, access, float switch |
| Duct Cleaning & Repair: Whole-house duct cleaning | $350 – $800 | House size, number of vents, access |
| Duct Cleaning & Repair: Duct repair and sealing | $300 – $1,500 | Number of runs, attic access, materials |
| Duct Cleaning & Repair: Full duct replacement | $3,500 – $9,000+ | House size, number of runs, attic conditions |
| Ductless Mini-Split: Single-zone mini-split installed | $3,000 – $6,500 | Capacity, brand, line length, electrical |
| Ductless Mini-Split: Multi-zone system installed | $6,000 – $15,000+ | Number of heads, capacity, line runs |
| Ductless Mini-Split: Mini-split repair | $200 – $900 | Fault, parts, refrigerant |
| Furnace & Heating Repair: Igniter or flame sensor | $150 – $450 | Part, model, access |
| Furnace & Heating Repair: Blower motor replacement | $400 – $1,200 | Motor type, variable-speed vs standard |
| Furnace & Heating Repair: Gas furnace replacement | $3,500 – $7,500+ | Size, efficiency, venting changes |
Typical planning ranges for common jobs, not quotes, local averages or price guarantees. The contractor prices your job after looking at the system; equipment size, brand, refrigerant type and access all change the figure.
Repair or replace?
Age, repair cost and reliability are the main factors. A capacitor or contactor on a ten-year-old system is usually worth fixing. A compressor, a coil or a major refrigerant leak on an older system, especially one that runs on R-22, is often the point to compare the repair with a replacement.
Ask the contractor to put both options in writing, and ask your utility, SRP or APS, whether any rebates currently apply to new equipment. The AC guide covers the decision in more detail.
How to compare quotes
- Check that each quote covers the same scope: outdoor unit, indoor coil or air handler, line set, thermostat, electrical and permit.
- Ask whether the system was sized with a load calculation.
- Compare equipment warranties and labour warranties separately.
- Ask about after-hours or emergency charges before the visit.
- Look up the contractor's licence at roc.az.gov.
AC not keeping up?
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