When your AC stops working in Central Texas, the first question is usually "how much is this going to cost me?" The honest answer is: it depends on the problem. But unlike a lot of HVAC companies, we can give you real numbers. Here is a breakdown of the most common AC repairs and what they actually cost in our service area.
The Most Common AC Repairs and Their Cost Ranges
Capacitor replacement: $150–$300. The capacitor is the single most common AC part failure we see, especially from May through September. Texas heat pushes these components hard. A bad capacitor usually means the outdoor unit hums or clicks but the compressor never kicks on. This is a quick repair — most techs carry capacitors on the truck and can swap one in 20 minutes.
Contactor replacement: $150–$250. The contactor is the relay switch that tells the compressor to start when the thermostat calls for cooling. Over time the electrical contacts pit and corrode. Symptoms are similar to a bad capacitor — the system tries to start but can't. Another straightforward repair with parts readily available.
Refrigerant recharge and leak repair: $200–$500. Your AC doesn't consume refrigerant like a car consumes gas. If it's low, there's a leak somewhere. A simple recharge is on the lower end, but if the technician needs to locate and repair the leak (which they should — otherwise you'll just lose refrigerant again), expect the higher end. The cost also depends on the type of refrigerant — R-410A is standard in newer systems, while R-22 (used in pre-2010 systems) is significantly more expensive because it's been phased out.
Evaporator or condenser coil repair: $400–$1,200. Coil leaks are a common issue on systems that are 7–15 years old. The evaporator coil sits inside your air handler and absorbs heat from your home. The condenser coil is in the outdoor unit and releases that heat. When either develops a leak, the system loses refrigerant and cooling capacity drops. Replacement involves recovering the refrigerant, removing the old coil, installing the new one, and recharging the system.
Compressor replacement: $1,400–$2,500. The compressor is the most expensive single component in your AC system. When it fails, you have a decision to make: replace just the compressor, or replace the entire outdoor unit (or the whole system). On a unit that's less than 8 years old and still under warranty, compressor replacement makes sense. On an older unit, we often recommend full replacement because other components are likely near the end of their life too.
Full system replacement: $5,000–$12,000. This isn't technically a repair, but it's worth including because sometimes repair isn't the right move. A complete AC system replacement includes the outdoor condenser, indoor evaporator coil, and often the air handler. The range depends on the size of the system (measured in tons), efficiency rating (SEER2), and brand. For most Central Texas homes, a 3–5 ton system is standard.
Factors That Affect Your Repair Cost
Age of the system. Older systems cost more to repair for two reasons: parts are harder to find, and the refrigerant type (R-22) is expensive. If your system is 15+ years old and needs a major repair, replacement almost always makes more financial sense.
Time of year. Emergency repairs during peak summer (June–August) can cost more simply because demand is sky-high and every HVAC company in Texas is booked solid. Getting your system serviced in spring — before it fails in July — is the most cost-effective approach. Our spring AC tune-ups catch small problems before they become expensive emergencies.
Accessibility. Some homes have air handlers in tight attic spaces, closets, or crawl areas that make the job take longer. Condenser units tucked against fences or buried in landscaping add time to outdoor repairs. More labor time means higher cost.
Warranty status. If your system is under 10 years old, check your warranty. Most manufacturers cover the compressor for 10 years and other parts for 5 years — but only parts, not labor. Having your warranty paperwork handy (or the model and serial number so we can look it up) can save you hundreds on parts.
How to Avoid Overpaying
Get a diagnosis before agreeing to anything. A reputable HVAC company will tell you exactly what's wrong and give you a price before starting work. If someone shows up and says "it's going to be expensive" without explaining the specific problem, get a second opinion.
Ask about flat-rate pricing. At Kimco, every repair is flat-rate — meaning the price we quote is the price you pay regardless of how long the repair takes. This protects you from the "one hour turned into three" scenario that happens with hourly billing.
Don't ignore small problems. A $200 capacitor replacement today prevents a $2,000 compressor failure next month. Running your system with a weak capacitor forces the compressor to work harder, which shortens its life dramatically.
Consider a maintenance plan. Our membership plan includes annual tune-ups, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs. For most homeowners, it pays for itself with the first repair. Learn more on our membership page.
When to Repair vs. Replace
A useful rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new system and the existing system is over 10 years old, replacement is usually the better investment. You'll get a more efficient system, a full warranty, and years of trouble-free operation instead of wondering what will break next.
Get a Straight Answer
If your AC is acting up and you want to know what it will actually cost to fix, give us a call at (737) 260-7255. We serve homeowners across Central Texas — from Taylor and Elgin to Bastrop and Giddings. We'll diagnose the issue, give you a flat-rate price, and let you decide. No pressure, no upselling, no surprises.