AC repair cost (2026): tune-ups, repairs and replacement
AC repair cost in 2026: typical prices for tune-ups, common repairs and a central air replacement, plus how to check an HVAC contractor in Texas and Arizona.
Updated 2 min read
Your AC repair cost depends on what's wrong, the age of your system and whether parts are needed. Here are the typical 2026 prices for tune-ups, repairs and replacement, and how to check a contractor in Texas and Arizona.
Typical prices
| Job | Typical price (2026) |
|---|---|
| Tune-up | about $75 to $200 (often $100 to $150) |
| Repair | about $205 to $907; most around $431 |
| Central AC replacement | about $6,500 to $14,500 |
Repair figures are from Thumbtack's 2026 data, tune-ups from HVAC pricing guides, and replacement from installers' published 2026 estimates. They're national ranges, not quotes.
What drives the price
- The fault: a capacitor, contactor or clogged drain line is usually a quick fix; a refrigerant leak, compressor or coil is not.
- Age and warranty: older systems need more parts, and parts may still be under the manufacturer's warranty.
- Emergency calls: nights, weekends and heatwaves cost more.
- Replacement size and efficiency: bigger and higher-efficiency systems cost more up front but less to run.
Keep your system healthy
ENERGY STAR recommends having your cooling system checked by a contractor every spring, before the heat, and checking or replacing the air filter every month during heavy use. A tune-up typically includes cleaning the coils, checking the refrigerant, tightening electrical connections and clearing the condensate drain.
How to check an HVAC contractor
- In Texas, AC contractors must be licensed by TDLR. Look up the license number on TDLR's website.
- In Arizona, check the contractor's license and its classification with the Registrar of Contractors.
- Get a written estimate that lists the diagnosis, parts and labour.
- For a replacement, ask how they sized the system (a load calculation, not just the old unit's size).
Get up to 3 HVAC quotes
Describe the problem once and up to 3 vetted HVAC technicians who cover your area contact you. Start on our HVAC page, or with HVAC services in Dallas, Houston or Phoenix.
Frequently asked questions
How much does AC repair cost?
Thumbtack's 2026 data puts central air repairs at about $205 to $907, with most people paying around $431. Simple fixes like a capacitor cost less; compressor or coil problems cost much more.
How much is an AC tune-up?
Pricing guides put a one-time tune-up at about $75 to $200, with a national average of roughly $100 to $150. Maintenance plans spread this over the year.
How much does it cost to replace central air?
Installers' published 2026 estimates mostly fall between about $6,500 and $14,500 for a complete central AC replacement, depending on size, efficiency and ductwork.
Does an HVAC contractor need a license?
In Texas, contractors who install or repair air conditioning must be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). In Arizona, check the contractor's license with the Registrar of Contractors. Check the number before work starts.
Sources
- Thumbtack: how much it costs to repair a central AC system
- PickHVAC: AC tune-up cost
- ENERGY STAR: heating and cooling maintenance checklist
- TDLR: air conditioning and refrigeration contractors
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors: before you hire a contractor
Facts checked against these sources on October 20, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm with the source or provider before you rely on them.