How much does a typical AC repair cost in Australia?
Most air-conditioning repairs start with a call-out fee and a labour rate, which for many home HVAC technicians is around $80–$140 per hour. If it’s an after-hours or emergency call, expect to pay more.
For small, straightforward issues like a settings check, filter clean, or a basic electrical test, you might pay anywhere from $70 to $250+. For the everyday repairs most homeowners run into, the cost is usually between $150 and $1,000, depending on what’s actually wrong. A lot of common jobs land somewhere around the $300 to $600 mark.
If parts are needed, here are a few rough examples many people will recognise: cleaning or changing filters is often $70–$130+, replacing a faulty capacitor can be $95–$450+, fan motor repairs or replacement can sit around $200–$700+, fixing a refrigerant leak and regassing is commonly $160–$800+, and a compressor replacement is generally $800–$1,500+, sometimes more if the system is larger or harder to work on.
The price really comes down to a few basics: the type of system you have, the age and condition of the unit, the cost of the part, how easy it is to access, and whether it’s an urgent, out-of-hours job.
Quick rule of thumb
Diagnosis / small service: $75–$200
Minor fix: $150–$500
Mid-range repair: $300–$900
Major parts (compressor/board/coil): $800–$2,500+
Tips before booking someone
Get a couple of quotes so you know the range
Ask for a written price before work starts
Check if your unit is still under warranty
Keep filters clean to avoid issues
If you ever smell burning or chemicals, switch the unit off straight away
