How much are AC repair costs in Orlando?

It depends on who you ask! 

When the air conditioning breaks down in the middle of a sweltering Orlando summer, you need reliable advice on what needs fixing and how much it’s going to cost—and that may be harder than you think when AC companies are at their busiest.

So, we’ve outlined the main Orlando AC repair costs for different problems/components. The following will provide guideline numbers when talking to your AC repair company, while helping homeowners understand the factors that could raise or lower costs for accurate budgeting…

AVERAGE AC REPAIR COST IN ORLANDO

The cost of AC repairs in Orlando typically ranges from $150 to $3,000 or more. Repairs requiring minimal time, effort, and expense usually cost between $150 and $500, while more complex issues requiring major component repairs (compressor, evaporator coil or fan motor) can cost from $1,000 to over $3,000.

The average AC repair cost for central air conditioning is between $150 and $650 but these numbers mean little because the range of repair costs is so wide. 

For meaningful numbers, let’s go a little deeper and break down the costs of AC components, the technician’s labor, standard callout fees, etc.

STAY COOL ALL YEAR ROUND WITH ONE WAY AIR…

The team at One Way Air installs, services, and repairs all types of air conditioning systems in Southwest Florida. Get in touch with us here for a quote or call 239-233-4356 in emergencies.

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT AC REPAIR COSTS?

Air conditioning systems in Orlando must contend with frequent use and high humidity, placing major demands on systems. This can increase the need for (and severity of) AC repairs.  

There are usually three basic components of AC repair costs in Orlando:

The service callout fees may be fixed but labor fees and replacement part costs will vary according to the following factors…

SEVERITY OF ISSUE/TYPE OF REPAIR REQUIRED 

Most obviously, AC repair costs vary according to the issue severity and type of repair required. 

Common issues like restricted airflow from clogged filters or thermostat problems cost less to repair than issues that require coil or compressor repairs or handling refrigerant. If components need replacing, this also adds to the cost on top of the technician’s time.

Regardless of the problem, AC issues generally require professional troubleshooting. Don’t try to save costs with DIY repairs. Air conditioning requires a delicate balance of components working together, including AC refrigerant and electrical work, both of which can be hazardous.

AGE AND TYPE OF AC UNIT 

The age and type of the unit also affect AC repair costs in Orlando.

Air conditioners may last up to 15 years in Florida, with regular maintenance, but central air conditioning units (used in over 85 percent of Florida homes) over 10 years old usually cost more to repair than new, mini-split systems. The total repair costs will, however, depend on the issue at hand.

Older units are often more difficult to find parts for and more likely to suffer serious repair issues than newer units. Central air conditioning units often feature more complex components that must work harder than ductless mini-split units, which only have to cool individual rooms.

In many cases, Orlando homeowners should consider upgrading a failing AC unit that’s older than 10 years, rather than repairing it (see below).

EMERGENCY OR MIDSUMMER REPAIRS

Orlando homeowners should expect to pay a premium on top of the usual rate for out-of-hours, emergency AC repairs. This includes repairs in the evening, on weekends or on holidays.

The time of year may also see a spike in repair rates with some AC companies. The hottest months, when people use their air conditioning the most, create a high demand for repairs. Some HVAC companies adjust their rates upwards to manage this demand.

ACCESSIBILITY

Most residential AC units are relatively easy to access and, therefore, present few problems for repair crews. However, if the unit is placed in a tight attic or crawl space, for instance, this will drive up costs because more than one technician may be required to carry out the repairs, and the time taken/overall labor costs will rise.

Some AC units located on roofs or in confined spaces also present safety issues that require extra equipment (ladders, harnesses, safety gear), which can add to the repair cost.

A blower motor inside an air handler in a basement with plenty of space might be relatively simple to replace. However, if the air handler is in a hot, cramped attic with limited clearance, the technician will need to spend extra time removing panels and maneuvering, increasing costs.

YOUR AC WARRANTY

AC unit manufacturer warranties in Florida are generally up to 10 years and cover some replacement parts (not ALL parts) if your unit has been serviced annually.

Labor warranties also cover you for work performed, so if a component is repaired and breaks down again soon after, the additional replacement or labor may not be charged.

The validity of the unit’s warranty can, therefore, also affect the overall AC repair costs for Orlando homeowners.

THE AC REPAIRS CONTRACTOR 

Finally, the AC company you hire to repair your unit will affect the costs. Rates vary from company to company.

Standard hourly rates in Orlando are generally between $85 and $175 during regular business hours, depending on the time of year and experience of the HVAC company. Emergency or after-hour rates can be anything from $160-$250/hour. Some contractors may quote a flat rate price after assessing the job.

When comparing hourly rates between HVAC companies, remember that cheaper contractors may use off-brand parts and may not offer a proper labor warranty.

AVERAGE AC REPAIR COST IN ORLANDO

Now it’s time to get into the “nuts and bolts” of the AC repair costs for different types of AC problems.

First, let’s take a closer look at the three main cost components of AC repair work in Orlando, with some guidelines costs, depending on the variable factors outlined above: 

Sometimes, no replacement part is necessary and only labor is required. Here are some sample costs for Orlando:

AC problems sometimes require replacement parts, with professional installation and calibration of the new component within the overall system. Here are some guideline costs for these types of repairs:

REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR AC UNIT?

So, how do you know whether to book more repairs or replace your AC unit?

It’s a balancing act for homeowners, depending on multiple factors, such as the age of the system, the expected cost of AC repairs, the available budget, whether you intend to stay in your home or sell, and other factors.

Orlando AC repair costs for aging units add up over time. Unfortunately, there’s no formula to help make the “repair or replace” decision. If, however, your AC is 10 years old or more, and repairs would run into the high hundreds or over a thousand dollars, it may be more cost-effective to upgrade. Not only will you save future repair costs but investing in a higher-efficiency model will save on monthly electricity bills, too.

Speak to a trusted AC company to understand your options. Read reviews, request several quotes, ask about warranties, and check the license credentials before hiring an AC company.

A new AC installation in Florida costs between $6,500 and $15,000, so it’s a major household investment—but a licensed AC consultant can advise you about payment plans, potential cost savings, and rebates/incentive programs in Orlando.

HOW TO MINIMIZE AC REPAIR COSTS IN ORLANDO

In Florida, AC works hard for much of the year, placing higher demands on cooling systems than in most of the country.

The best way to minimize AC repair costs is to book regular AC maintenance with a reputable Orlando AC company—at least once a year before the summer season and, ideally, every six months or so. 

An annual AC tune-up will help maintain optimal performance, flag problems before they become expensive repairs, keep a lid on electricity bills, protect the warranty, and prolong the life of the unit.

One Way Air offers residential service agreements with annual or semi-annual AC checkups, including a 32-point inspection to keep air conditioning systems operating at peak efficiency. 

Between maintenance calls, homeowners can improve system performance by cleaning or changing the filter every 4-8 weeks, checking the thermostat settings periodically, and removing debris and vegetation from around the outside unit.

BEFORE BOOKING REPAIRS…

Before you go ahead and book AC repairs, arrange an inspection of the system and diagnosis of the problem with thorough troubleshooting from an AC professional. Make sure that the repair quote provided is in line with the general market costs.

Sometimes, AC problems go away simply with annual maintenance. If you haven’t booked an AC tune-up in the past 6-12 months or more, that’s the best place to start.

FAQs

The One Way Air service technicians install, repair, and maintain all makes and models of air conditioners and thermostats in Orlando.For expert advice and service, contact an AC professional at One Way Air for an inspection today.