Average HVAC Repair Cost: Furnace, AC, and Heat Pump 

By Anne Fonda

A lot of factors can affect the cost of your HVAC repair call. With the help of Forbes, we’ve pulled together some average numbers to help you prepare. Let’s take a look. 

Before you call an HVAC technician, be sure to try some troubleshooting. Check that the unit has power. Check that your thermostat is set correctly. Change the air filter if it’s dirty. You’d be surprised how many problems a dirty filter can cause. Check your owner’s manual for additional troubleshooting tips. 

If changing the filter and adjusting the thermostat doesn’t work, it’s time to call for HVAC repair. These are the main factors that will affect what you end up paying.  

The cost of living for your area, how many HVAC companies near you are competing for your business, and local labor rates can all affect the cost of HVAC repair. If it’s not an emergency, shop around. 

Most service providers today charge a fee to walk in your door. Depending on where you live, it can average between $50-200. It helps cover gas and the cost of doing business. Many HVAC service providers will list this fee on their websites or tell you over the phone. Many will apply the service fee to your repair costs if you choose them to tackle the job. 

Some repairs are cheaper than others. Replacing a fuse will cost less than replacing an evaporator coil or heat exchanger. Your total repair cost will include the cost of replacement parts and hourly labor rate, which can range between $75 and $150.  

The more complex the job, the higher the repair costs. Companies that charge a flat rate have done repairs often enough that they know how long the repair should take.

If you’re in the middle of a sweltering heat wave and have an infant or elderly relative living with you, having the AC go out is an emergency. The same thing goes for losing heat in the winter. Decide if you can stay with someone else and get repairs done in a day or two or you will pay the emergency repair rate. 

Some heating and cooling companies offer 24/7 service but charge a higher service fee to perform HVAC repair outside normal business hours. They may also have a weekend rate and holiday rate. HVAC emergency repair rates can be as much as double to triple the regular hourly rate. 

If you have a newer unit (less than 10 years old), there may be only one problem. But if the furnace, AC unit, or heat pump is more than 10 years old, there may be more than one issue. Your HVAC system works hard, and the older it gets, the more issues it can have - much like an older car.  

If your existing unit is under warranty, the cost of replacement parts may be covered. Be aware that most HVAC warranties do not cover labor costs. Read your warranty for details. 

If you’re an established customer with a maintenance plan, your HVAC repair costs will likely be less than a neighbor without a maintenance plan. That’s because many HVAC companies provide discounts on parts to customers with a service contract. You may also get priority service. 

Below are several tables showing industry averages for various types of HVAC repairs. Remember that the 7 factors above account for some of the wide ranges. For thermostats, the range is large because of the difference in price between a non-programmable basic thermostat and a smart thermostat. 

When you schedule furnace repair service, keep these figures in mind. After troubleshooting your furnace, the HVAC technician should be able to tell you the problem and the cost. It should fall within these ranges. If it doesn’t, ask why. 

When you schedule air conditioning repair service, keep these figures in mind. After troubleshooting your furnace, the HVAC technician should be able to tell you the problem and the air conditioning repair cost. It should fall within these ranges. If it doesn’t, ask why. 

When you schedule air conditioning repair service, keep these figures in mind. After troubleshooting your furnace, the HVAC technician should be able to tell you the problem and the air conditioning repair cost. It should fall within these ranges. If it doesn’t, ask why. 

Ductless mini-split repair costs will depend upon whether you have a single-zone ductless or multi-zone ductless system and what the issue is. Be sure to work with an HVAC company with years of experience with these systems. 

Depending on the age of your unit and how costly the repairs are, you may need to decide whether HVAC repair makes sense or if HVAC replacement is the more cost-effective solution. Use our Repair or Replace Guide to help you make a smart decision. 

Remember that there are tax credits and rebates available to help you pay for furnace replacement, AC replacement, and heat pump replacement. There are also several HVAC financing options available. 

Replacing an aging system that needs frequent repairs can increase your overall comfort level and decrease your energy bills. Today’s HVAC systems are much more efficient than systems from 10 or more years ago, 

Prevent problems and keep your HVAC system operating efficiently by scheduling regular HVAC maintenance. Replace or clean your air filter regularly, based on the type of filter. This is generally every 30-90 days. Clogged filters can cause a system to overheat or struggle to heat or cool your home.  

In addition, schedule professional maintenance twice a year - before the heating season and before the cooling season. Having an HVAC technician service your furnace, heat pump, or AC unit regularly will help catch small issues before they become big and costly problems.  

Consider signing up for a maintenance plan - it may put you at the front of the line in extreme weather or earn you a discount on parts. 

Before you hire an HVAC company, do your homework. You want a company you can trust to diagnose and fix the problem - the first time. Be sure to hire a company that has expertise in your type of HVAC system - this is crucial for heat pumps and ductless systems.  

First time scheduling HVAC repair? Read our checklist for finding the best HVAC service near you. 

You can trust American Standard dealers to provide an accurate diagnosis of the problem and expert HVAC repair. They can also make product recommendations if you’re considering HVAC replacement. Schedule now. 

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need. 

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

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