How Much Does Window Air Conditioner Repair Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Window air conditioner repairs cost between $105 and $362, with an average of $232. Factors like labor rates, replacement parts, unit size, and seasonality influence the final price. While some fixes are DIY-friendly, others require a professional's experience and equipment.

Window Air Conditioner Repair Cost Factors

Several factors influence the cost of repairing your window air conditioner. These include labor rates, the cost of replacement parts, refrigerant recharge expenses, seasonality, warranty coverage, emergency service fees, the type and size of your unit, and any additional repairs needed.

Labor

Most HVAC professionals charge between $50 and $150 per hour to repair a window AC unit, averaging around $75 per hour. For quick fixes, they might charge a flat service fee of $50 to $150. If you're comfortable with DIY projects and the issue is minor, you might handle the repair yourself and only pay for replacement parts.

Parts

The cost to repair your window AC also hinges on the parts that need replacing. Some components are inexpensive, while others can significantly impact your overall repair bill.

Recharge Refrigerant

Hiring a pro to recharge a window AC costs around $100 to $250. 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.

Seasonality

HVAC contractors near you are busiest during spring and summer when many homeowners discover their AC units aren't working properly. High demand can lead to higher rates. To save on costs, consider testing your window AC in late winter. If there's an issue, you can schedule repairs during the slower season when rates 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.

Additional Repairs

In addition to the cost to repair your window AC, you may run into other related repairs at the same time:

• Window repairs cost $70–$1,700.

• Window frame replacement costs $60–$1,100.

• Window glass replacement costs $100–$780.

Common Window AC Problems

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

Common Causes of Window Air Conditioner Issues

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 $100 to $300 annually. 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.

Before doing any work, unplug the unit or turn off the circuit breaker. This helps prevent injury and possible electrocution.

Window AC Repair vs. Replacement

Window air conditioner installation costs $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.

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.

DIY Window AC Repair vs. Hiring a Pro

Tasks like replacing the air filter or curtain frame are relatively easy and inexpensive for homeowners to tackle on their own as DIY projects. However, more complex repairs—such as recharging the AC or replacing the compressor—are best left to a professional. Hiring a local window AC repair contractor ensures the job is done safely and correctly.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.