How Much Do Window Air Conditioner Repairs Cost?

Window Air Conditioner Repair Cost per Hour

The average window air conditioner repair cost is about $75 per hour but can range between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on HVAC technician rates. You’ll pay this hourly fee on top of the cost of replacement parts.

Some window AC repair jobs only take a few minutes. In these cases, HVAC technicians may charge a flat service fee between $50 and $150. Depending on your comfort level and the extent of the issue, you may be able to tackle the repairs yourself, in which case your only costs are the replacement parts.

Additional Window AC Repair Cost Considerations

In addition to the cost of approximately $110 to $380 to repair your window AC, you may run into other repairs:

• Price to repair windows: $390 per window

• Cost of window frame repair: $380 per frame

• Cost to replace a glass window pane: $280 per window

Window AC Recharge Cost

Hiring a pro to recharge a window AC costs around $100 to $150. DIY refrigerant replacement kits run from $20 to $40, but you’ll probably need to hire a pro to put it in. Many states require you to have a special license to handle refrigerant because it’s a toxic substance.

Most AC units don’t need this service. It’s only necessary if they have a refrigerant leak. Fixing the leak may run more, depending on how long it takes the technician to locate and repair it.

Freon Recharge Cost Considerations

The U.S. started phasing out Freon production in 2015 and fully phased it out by 2020. If your system uses R-22, you may not be able to buy the refrigerant in stores. If you bought your window AC before 2010, you might need to replace it instead of recharging it. Installing a new window AC unit costs between $150 and $500.

Most systems made before 2010 used R-22, commonly called Freon. New units use a different refrigerant, typically R-410A. It's essential to know the type of refrigerant you have. Manufacturers sell many products as Freon, but they won't all work with your machine.

Window AC Repair Parts Prices

Your window AC repair cost depends on more than just a technician's hourly rate. Repair prices can vary significantly depending on which part or parts you need to replace. A filter may cost as little as $2, while a fan motor can cost as much as $150.

Third-party products typically cost less than brand-name parts designed specifically for your unit, but they may not fit your window unit perfectly and could run less efficiently. Some parts, like a filter, will work with most models. If your professional sources the parts for you, expect them to mark up by roughly 10%.

Portable Air Conditioner Repair Cost

The average portable AC repair cost is $230, ranging from $100 to $350. As with window units, portable ACs are typically inexpensive to repair, especially compared to the average cost of repairing an AC unit. Typical portable AC unit problems include clogged filters, fan issues, leaks, and tube condensation.

Common Window AC Problems and Causes

Window AC units are less complicated than large central air conditioning systems but still sometimes encounter problems requiring repair. Here are some of the most likely issues your window unit may encounter:

• Short cycling: Unit turns off before the room is cool

• No cool air: Only room-temperature air comes out

• System not working: Unit doesn’t turn on

• Circuit tripping: Breaker keeps shutting off

• Water leaks: Unit drips water or accumulates ice

Typically, the source of these issues comes down to one of four main causes:

• Dirty filter or components

• Rodent or insect infestation

• Clogged condensate drain

• Refrigerant leak

Homeowners should remove and store window air conditioners inside when they aren’t in use. This minimizes dirt accumulation and discourages pests from building nests. Hiring a handyperson to do this costs around $55 to $75.

Window AC Maintenance Costs

Professional air conditioner maintenance costs about $75 to $200. Since this is close to the price of a new window AC, you may want to DIY a few tasks instead:

• Clean the air filter every month.

• Wipe out the water pan and condenser coils once per season.

• Cover or remove the unit in winter.

Note: Before doing any work, unplug the unit or turn off the circuit breaker. This helps prevent injury.

Other Window AC Repair Cost Factors

Additional window air conditioner repair cost factors can drive up or down the final price of repair work. Factors to consider include the season, warranty, urgency, and size of the unit.

Seasonality

Understandably, local HVAC contractors will be busier with AC repair in the spring and summer. When homeowners first turn on their central AC or put their window units back in each spring, they may find their systems aren't operating properly. This means HVAC technicians are extraordinarily busy—and because they're in high demand, their rates might be higher.

To keep costs down, try running your system or testing your window AC unit in late winter. If there is a problem, you can have the contractor come out while it’s still a slow time for them. Thus, costs may be lower.

Warranty Coverage

While central AC and mini-split systems may come with extensive warranties, window units purchased at local hardware stores may only come with short, optional warranties—if they come with any at all. However, the contract may cover repair costs.

Emergency Service

If your AC breaks down outside business hours or on weekends, you may pay premium prices for emergency repairs, especially during a heat wave. To save money, consider staying with a friend or family member, then contacting a local AC repair contractor during regular business hours.

Unit Type and Size

Window AC units can vary in type and size. While the average window AC repair cost will depend more on the issue you need to fix, your prices may be slightly higher for larger units. These can be heavier for the contractor to work with and might have more complicated parts.

Window AC Repair vs. Replacement

Window air conditioner installation costs around $150 to $500 compared to about $100 to $400 for repair. Since the ranges overlap, you’ll need to decide if you want to fix the unit or replace it.

Repairing a window AC often takes less time and effort. Larger units, which can run up to about $1,100, may also cost less to fix than replace. Replace the unit if it's close to the average life span of 10 years. New systems are usually more efficient and may have modern features, such as a remote control. Buying a new one requires the following:

• Research into new products

• Time and labor to remove the old one

• Disposal

• Installation

DIY Window AC Repair vs. Hiring a Pro

While some basic AC repairs may qualify as a DIY job, often you’ll need to find a window AC repair contractor near you for the job, especially when recharging the AC or replacing the compressor. Other tasks, like replacing the air filter or curtain frame, are inexpensive and relatively easy for homeowners to do.