How much does AC repair cost in San Antonio TX?

Most San Antonio AC repairs cost $150–$650. Diagnostic calls run $75–$150. Capacitor replacement is the most common fix at $120–$475. Refrigerant recharges cost $150–$600. Compressor replacement is the most expensive common repair at $1,500–$2,800. Labor rates average $65–$130/hr in the San Antonio market.

Why is my AC running but not cooling in San Antonio?

The most common causes: low refrigerant from a leak ($150–$600 to fix), a dirty air filter restricting airflow (free fix — replace it), a failed capacitor ($120–$475), a frozen evaporator coil (often caused by low refrigerant or airflow issues) or a faulty compressor ($1,500–$2,800). In San Antonio's extreme heat, even a properly working system may struggle when temps exceed 105°F.

Should I repair or replace my AC in San Antonio?

Replace if your system is over 12 years old and needs a repair costing more than 50% of new system price, if it uses R-22 refrigerant (no longer manufactured), or if annual repair costs exceed $500. A new system runs $4,200–$12,000 installed. CPS Energy rebates ($500–$2,500) and federal tax credits (up to $2,000 for heat pumps) can offset costs significantly.

AC Repair Cost in San Antonio, TX

Most San Antonio AC repairs cost $150–$650. The diagnostic call runs $75–$150. From there, it depends on what's broken. A capacitor swap takes 30 minutes and costs $120–$475. A compressor replacement is a full-day job at $1,500–$2,800. Here's every common repair priced out so you know what to expect before the tech arrives.

Most Repairs: $150–$650 Diagnostic: $75–$150 Free Estimates

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Complete AC Repair Price List — San Antonio

These prices reflect what San Antonio homeowners actually pay in 2026. Costs run slightly below Dallas and Houston averages because of San Antonio's lower cost of living and labor rates:

Service	San Antonio Cost	Notes
Diagnostic Service Call	$75–$150	Often credited toward repair
Capacitor Replacement	$120–$475	Most common AC repair
Contactor Replacement	$100–$350	Electrical switch in outdoor unit
Refrigerant Recharge (R-410A)	$150–$400	Per pound pricing varies
Refrigerant Recharge (R-454B)	$200–$600	Newer systems
Blower Motor	$350–$900	Indoor fan motor
Condenser Fan Motor	$150–$450	Outdoor fan motor
Evaporator Coil	$600–$2,000	Indoor coil
Compressor	$1,500–$2,800	Heart of the system
Thermostat Replacement	$75–$350	Basic to smart
Drain Line Clearing	$75–$250	Clogged condensate drain
Circuit Board Replacement	$200–$600	Control board

Prices include parts and labor. After-hours and weekend calls add $50–$150 to these rates.

What Drives AC Repair Costs in San Antonio

The Part That Failed

A $30 capacitor is cheap at wholesale. A $400 compressor is not. The part itself accounts for 30–60% of your repair bill. The rest is labor, diagnostic time and the company's overhead. Capacitors and contactors are cheap fixes. Compressors and coils are expensive ones.

Time of Year

June through August is peak season. Every HVAC company in San Antonio is slammed. Prices don't usually increase, but availability shrinks. Emergency surcharges during peak season are common. Spring tune-ups ($75–$150) catch problems before they become emergency repairs in July.

System Age and Refrigerant Type

Older systems using R-22 refrigerant cost more to service because R-22 is no longer manufactured. Prices for R-22 can exceed $100 per pound. Systems running R-410A are cheaper to recharge. The newest systems use R-454B, which costs more per pound but requires less volume.

Who You Call

A large company with billboards, a fleet of 30 trucks and a call center has higher overhead than a two-person shop. Both can fix your AC. The large company might charge 20–40% more but may offer warranties, financing and faster response times. Get 2–3 quotes to find the right balance.

When Repair Doesn't Make Sense

Sometimes the smarter financial move is replacing the whole system instead of repairing it. Here's the decision framework:

Replace Your AC If:

• Age + cost test: System is 10+ years old AND repair exceeds 50% of new system cost
• Refrigerant phase-out: System uses R-22 and needs major refrigerant work
• Repair frequency: You've spent $500+ on repairs in the past 12 months
• Energy bills climbing: Monthly CPS Energy bills up 20%+ vs. 2–3 years ago
• Comfort issues: Hot spots, humidity problems or inconsistent cooling despite repairs

A new 16 SEER2 system costs $4,200–$8,000 installed. After CPS Energy rebates ($500–$2,500) and federal tax credits (up to $2,000 for heat pumps), your net cost could be $2,200–$5,500. That's often less than 2–3 years of repeated repairs on a dying system.

See full installation pricing →

How to Avoid Getting Overcharged

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Get 2–3 quotes. Prices vary 30–60% between San Antonio HVAC companies. Our free matching service sends your request to up to 3 vetted contractors simultaneously.
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Ask for an itemized quote. A good contractor breaks down parts cost vs. labor. "AC repair — $800" isn't a real quote. "$120 capacitor + $180 labor + $75 diagnostic = $375" is.
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Verify the TDLR license. Texas requires all HVAC contractors to be licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. You can verify any license at tdlr.texas.gov.
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Beware upsells. Some companies recommend replacing a perfectly good system after a $200 repair. Get a second opinion if a contractor pushes replacement on a system under 10 years old.

AC Repair Cost Questions — San Antonio

What's the most common AC repair in San Antonio?

Capacitor failure. San Antonio's extreme heat puts massive strain on capacitors — the components that help start and run your compressor and fan motors. They're the first thing most techs check. Replacement costs $120–$475 and takes about 30 minutes. If your AC hums but won't start, or the fan runs slow, a bad capacitor is the likely culprit.

How much does a refrigerant recharge cost?

For R-410A systems (most units installed 2010–2024), expect $150–$400. Newer R-454B systems run $200–$600. If you need refrigerant, you have a leak — just adding refrigerant without fixing the leak wastes money. A leak search adds $100–$300 to the repair. Leak repair costs $200–$1,500 depending on location and severity.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace my AC?

Quick math: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new system and your unit is over 10 years old, replace it. A $1,500 compressor repair on a 14-year-old system is throwing money at a unit that's near end-of-life anyway. A new system runs $4,200–$12,000 but with CPS Energy rebates ($500–$2,500) and potential tax credits ($600–$2,000), net cost drops significantly.

Why do AC repair costs vary so much between companies?

Three main factors: overhead (a company with 50 trucks costs more to operate than a two-man shop), diagnostic approach (flat-rate pricing vs. hourly) and parts markup. Parts typically carry a 50–200% markup over wholesale. A $30 capacitor might cost you $150–$475 installed. That markup covers the tech's expertise, warranty and the fact that they had the part on the truck.

Do I really need a diagnostic call before getting a repair quote?

Yes. Any company that quotes a price over the phone without seeing your system is guessing. The $75–$150 diagnostic fee pays for a trained tech to inspect your system, identify the actual problem and provide an accurate quote. Most reputable companies credit this fee toward the repair if you hire them. Avoid any company that quotes "AC repair for $99" sight unseen.

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