How Much Does HVAC Repair and Maintenance Cost?

March 12, 2021 by Team HomeServe

HVAC Repair and Maintenance Costs at a Glance

Average AC repair cost: $125-$459
Average furnace repair cost: $125-$355
Complete system tune-up: $135-$300

Anyone who's ever dealt with a broken furnace or air conditioner knows that it's more than a hassle — and in extreme weather, being without these systems can be dangerous. Like everything else in your home, these crucial systems are also prone to breakdowns. Most of the time, an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technician will be able to repair the broken component. But you may be able to avoid such malfunctions in the future with regular inspections and maintenance.

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Here’s how much you can expect to pay for your HVAC repair or maintenance and what you can do to troubleshoot the system yourself.

How Much Do HVAC Repairs Cost?

According to HomeGuide, air conditioner repairs cost about $125 to $459 on average. If your furnace needs to be repaired, expect to pay between $125 and $355.

However, there is usually more to the picture when it comes to HVAC repairs. You may need to pay more for additional parts and services.

Can I Do HVAC Repairs Myself?

You're probably better off leaving HVAC repairs to the professionals. Maintenance and repair require a good deal of technical knowledge. Installing an HVAC system may also require a city permit.

That said, you may be able to troubleshoot minor problems before calling in a technician. Here are a few basic things to try:

If your HVAC unit isn't working, you may have experienced a simple power outage. If so, check the circuit breakers and flip them back to the right position if they're not already there.
If the breakers are in the correct position, switch them off for 10 seconds and then back on again to reset the system.
If your thermostat is battery-operated, check and change the batteries.

Past these basic steps, it's best to have your HVAC unit examined and serviced by a trained technician.

Labor Costs for HVAC Repair

According to HomeGuide, HVAC technicians charge about $75 to $150 per hour for labor. There is typically a fee for the service call. The charge is $75 to $200 and is usually deducted from your final bill or assumed as the first hour of labor.

Flat Rates and Emergency Services

Some HVAC repair companies offer a flat rate for smaller repair jobs. This can potentially save you money, as you’ll be protected from additional costs if a job turns out to be more labor-intensive than was initially expected.

The most expensive labor costs arise from emergency services and calls made after business hours. The price of emergency services varies depending on what’s wrong with your system. According to HomeGuide, expect to pay $140 to $210 per hour. Extensive emergency repairs may cost up to $600 per hour. For after-hours or weekend calls, an HVAC technician may charge an additional $40 to $80 per hour.

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HVAC Maintenance

Periodic maintenance and tune-ups can help your HVAC systems continue to run in tip-top shape. An HVAC technician can also provide these services.

Here’s how much these services cost, according to PickHVAC:

Furnace tune-up: $99 to $200
Air handler tune-up: $85 to $175
Complete system tune-up: $135 to $300
Annual service agreement with two tune-ups: $150 to $350

During a tune-up, the technician will clean your filter, blow out dust and repair any worn-out parts. Most HVAC companies offer an annual service agreement, which includes two annual tune-ups. The technician will also refill the AC unit's refrigerant and replace any damaged blades.

Parts and Repairs

HVAC systems consist of multiple components. When they break or malfunction, those parts can be repaired or replaced individually. Here are a few common HVAC issues and how much they cost to repair, according to Fixr:

Faulty fuse or breaker: $30 to $300
Clogged air filter: $75 to $195
Thermostat replacement: $50 to $450
Broken blower: $100 to $150
Malfunctioning circuit board: $100 to $150
Broken expansion valve: $150 to $200
Broken capacitor: $200 to $250
Freon leak: $200 to $1,500
Evaporator coil leak: $250 to $2,000
Damaged compressor pump: $1,000 to $2,500

Installing a New HVAC Unit

Sometimes, an HVAC system can’t be fixed with replacement parts. You can expect a well-maintained HVAC unit to last 15 years or more, but it will need to be replaced eventually. The cost of installation will depend on whether you need new ductwork. It costs $4,820–$9,350 to switch out your old AC unit with a new one, according to HomeGuide. A new furnace will cost between $400 and $6,000.

New ductwork typically adds $2,000 to $3,000 to the cost of a new HVAC unit. It costs $2 to $4 per linear foot to repair existing ductwork.

Labor usually accounts for 40% to 50% of your total project cost, but other expenses may crop up, too. You may need to obtain a permit to install a new unit. In some cases, a concrete foundation must be poured for the new unit.

Since we’re all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. Having a plan in place gives you peace of mind knowing that you can simply call our 24/7 repair hotline for covered breakdowns. See what plans are available in your neighborhood.