When your air conditioner is acting up, one of the first questions on your mind is always: “How much does an AC repair cost?”
In 2025, average AC repair costs can vary depending on the issue, the system type, and how quickly you need it fixed. At CTR, we know how frustrating and uncomfortable a malfunctioning AC can be—especially in the Texas heat.
In this guide on Texas AC repair costs, we discuss what you can expect on average per AC issue and what those repairs typically involve.
The Average AC Repair Costs in Texas (Broken Down By Specific Issues):
Not every AC problem is created equal. Some common air conditioning issues are quick fixes, while others can take time, specialized tools, or costly parts to resolve. Below is a breakdown of the most common air conditioner repairs homeowners in Texas face—and the general price ranges you might expect:
1. Refrigerant Leak AC Repair Costs
A refrigerant leak can cause your system to underperform or stop cooling altogether. Finding and fixing the leak, plus recharging the system, can cost anywhere from $300+, depending on the severity and refrigerant type. In some cases, older units using phased-out refrigerants can cost even more.
2. AC Compressor Repair or Replacement
The AC compressor is the heart of your AC system. If it fails, the fix isn’t cheap. Repairs may cost you $800 or more, while a full replacement could be $1,500 or more, depending on the brand and size of the AC unit. In some cases, replacing the whole system may be more cost-effective.
3. AC Evaporator & Condenser Coils
Dirty or damaged coils can lead to poor cooling and higher energy bills. Cleaning may cost around $150+, while replacement can range from $600+ for evaporator coils and $900+ for condenser coils.
4. Air Conditioning Thermostat Replacement
Sometimes the issue isn’t the AC unit at all—it’s the thermostat. A faulty or outdated thermostat can cause erratic cooling or prevent your system from turning on. Replacements typically range from $100+, depending on whether it’s a basic model or a smart thermostat.
5. Blower Motor AC Repair Costs
The blower motor pushes cooled air through your vents. If it breaks down, you could be looking at repair costs of $300+ or a full replacement in the $600+ range.
6. AC Capacitor Issues
The capacitor helps your AC unit start and run efficiently. When it fails, your unit might struggle to start or shut down unexpectedly. Capacitor replacement is a relatively affordable fix, typically costing around $150+.
7. HVAC Heat Pump Repairs
If you rely on a heat pump system for both heating and cooling, repair costs can vary based on the issue. Electrical AC repairs can cost anywhere from $250+ to $1,000+ when it comes to refrigerant or mechanical issues.
8. Condensate Drain Line Cleaning
A clogged AC drain line can lead to water leaks and mold growth. Cleaning the line usually costs around $100+, but if there’s water damage or mold remediation needed, the price can increase.
9. AC Repair Costs for Units Leaking Water
Air conditioner leaks can result from clogged drains, frozen coils, or dirty filters. Minor fixes may be $100 or more, but more extensive repairs, such as those related to water damage or coil replacement, can increase the cost.
10. Noisy Air Conditioner
Strange noises coming from your air conditioner, like banging, grinding, or rattling, could point to anything from loose parts to motor issues. Diagnosis and repair might range from $150+ to $500+, depending on what’s causing the racket.
11. Foul Smells from the AC Unit
If your HVAC smells musty, moldy, or like something is burning, it’s time for an inspection. Cleaning out mold or mildew might run you $150+, while electrical issues causing burning smells could cost $250+.
12. Short-Cycling AC Repair Costs
When your air conditioner turns on and off rapidly, it could be due to thermostat issues, dirty filters, or oversized units. Depending on the root cause, repairs could range from $100+ to $600+.
13. AC Running Non-Stop
If your AC won’t shut off, it may be battling a dirty filter, refrigerant issue, or thermostat problem. Fixing this could run from $150+ to $700+, depending on complexity.
14. AC Not Blowing Cold Air
AC not blowing cold air? This common issue might stem from a refrigerant problem, dirty coils, or a failing compressor. For these types of AC repair costs, you can typically expect to pay anywhere from $200+ to $1,200+, depending on what needs fixing.
15. AC Won’t Turn On
AC won’t turn on? This could be caused by anything from a tripped breaker to a failed capacitor or thermostat. Troubleshooting and repair might range from $100+ to $600+.
Why AC Repair Costs in Texas Vary
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to AC repair costs in Texas, and several key factors influence the total price:
- Type of AC System: Central air systems, ductless mini-splits, and heat pumps all have different designs, components, and service requirements. Ductless systems might need specialty parts, while central units often involve larger components and more labor.
- Age of the Unit: Older units are often more expensive to repair. Replacement parts may be harder to find, and older systems tend to be less efficient, which can lead to compounding issues over time. At some point, replacing the air conditioning system may be more cost-effective than continuous repairs.
- Availability of Air Conditioning Parts: Some brands or older models use parts that are no longer widely available. When parts are scarce, sourcing them can take longer and cost more, especially if they have to be shipped in.
- Labor & Time Will Always Contribute to AC Repair Costs: Some repairs require more in-depth diagnostics. Pinpointing the root cause of a complex issue, especially when multiple parts are involved, can increase the time and labor costs.
- Typically, Emergency AC Repair Costs More: If your AC breaks down on a hot Texas weekend or in the middle of the night, emergency service may come with a premium. Although inconvenient and less comfortable, scheduling repairs during regular business hours can help keep your AC repair costs down.
- Severity and Complexity: A simple AC filter replacement is quick and cheap. A compressor failure, electrical issue, or major refrigerant leak can take hours and specialized tools to fix. More complicated problems often mean higher energy bills.
- Regular Maintenance History: Systems that are serviced regularly/seasonally often have fewer surprise breakdowns and more predictable repair needs. A neglected unit is more prone to wear and tear, which can drive up both the frequency and cost of repairs.
Understanding all the variables that affect local AC repair costs can help you make more informed decisions when something goes wrong. Whenever possible, catch small problems early, and don’t hesitate to ask your technician to explain the options and costs involved.
DIY Troubleshooting Vs. Local AC Repair Costs:
Before you pick up the phone or even begin to stress over local AC repair costs, it’s worth checking a few simple things that might solve the issue without a service call:
Try These Helpful Troubleshooting Tips First:
- Check the thermostat: Make sure it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is lower than the room temperature.
- Replace the air filter: A clogged filter can block airflow and make the unit seem broken.
- Inspect the circuit breaker: A tripped breaker could be the reason your AC won’t turn on.
- Check the outdoor unit: Clear away debris or leaves that could block airflow.
- Look for ice on the coils: If you see frost, turn off the unit and let it thaw before restarting.
These steps are safe and simple for most homeowners and may solve the problem if it’s minor. But if none of these get your AC back up and running, it’s time to call a licensed technician.
When to Call an Air Conditioning Repair Company:
- The unit is blowing warm air or no air at all
- You hear grinding, screeching, or banging noises
- Water is leaking around the indoor unit
- Your system is short-cycling or running non-stop
- There are foul odors coming from the vents
- You’ve already tried basic troubleshooting, and the problem persists
Attempting to repair more serious AC issues without proper training can lead to bigger problems, safety hazards, or voided warranties. That’s why having a trusted, local HVAC professional on call is so important.
Professional & Affordable AC Repair Costs in Killeen, Georgetown, Temple, & Beyond!
Concerned about Texas AC repair costs? As a local AC repair company, CTR is proud to serve reliable AND affordable comfort throughout Central Texas, including Killeen, Georgetown, Temple, and the surrounding areas. We offer honest diagnostics, fair pricing, and quick service to keep your home cool year-round. If your AC isn’t working like it should, give us a call. We’ll help you understand what’s wrong and what it’ll take to make it right—no guesswork, just straight answers.
Need a local air conditioning repair company? Call CTR Air Conditioning & Heating today at 254-545-1759 to schedule your Central Texas AC repair service!
