How much does it cost to recharge AC refrigerant?

AC refrigerant recharge costs $300-$700 in Denver for R-410A systems. The price depends on how much refrigerant is needed and whether leak testing is required. If your system needs refrigerant, it has a leak somewhere. Recharging without finding and fixing the leak means you'll pay again in 6-12 months.

How much does AC compressor replacement cost?

AC compressor replacement costs $1,500-$4,500 for parts and labor in Denver. At this price point, full system replacement ($6,687-$12,566) is often the better financial decision, especially if the unit is over 10 years old. Similarly, evaporator coil replacement runs $2,000-$4,500 because it requires a full day of work: refrigerant recovery, brazing, vacuum, and recharge. New systems include 10-year warranties and higher efficiency. Heat pumps qualify for rebates up to $15,750.

Is it worth repairing a 15-year-old AC?

Usually not, unless the repair is minor (under $400). A 15-year-old AC is near end of life (typical lifespan is 12-15 years in Denver's climate). Major repairs on a system this old are likely throwing money at a unit that will need replacement soon anyway. Get a repair quote and a replacement estimate, then compare.

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

An AC that runs but doesn't cool typically has one of four issues: low refrigerant from a leak, a dirty or frozen evaporator coil, a failed compressor, or a bad capacitor causing the compressor to hum without actually running. Check your air filter first. If it's clean, you need a professional diagnostic ($120).

How much does an AC capacitor cost to replace?

AC capacitor replacement costs $200-$420 including parts and labor. Capacitors are the most common AC failure and the cheapest major component to replace. Symptoms of a bad capacitor: the AC hums but won't start, or the outdoor fan spins slowly.

Does homeowner's insurance cover AC repair?

Standard homeowner's insurance typically does not cover AC repair due to wear and tear, aging, or lack of maintenance. It may cover damage from covered events like lightning strikes or hail. Home warranty plans (separate from insurance) may cover some AC repairs with a $75-$150 service fee per visit, but often have caps and exclusions.

How long does an AC repair take?

Most AC repairs take 1-3 hours once the technician has diagnosed the issue and has the right parts. Common repairs like capacitor or contactor replacement can be done in under an hour. Compressor replacement or coil replacement may take a full day. If a part needs to be ordered, expect 1-3 business days for delivery plus the repair time.

How much does HVAC repair cost on average?

The average HVAC repair costs $350-$750 for most common issues including both heating and cooling systems. AC-specific repairs average $550 in Denver. Furnace repairs average $500. The range is wide because a $200 capacitor replacement and a $4,500 compressor replacement are both classified as 'HVAC repairs.' The diagnostic visit ($120) identifies exactly what's wrong before you commit to the repair.

How much does central air repair cost?

Central air repair costs $200-$6,000+ depending on the failed component. Central air systems use the same components as any split AC system: compressor, condenser, evaporator coil, fan motors, and capacitors. The most common central air repairs (capacitor and contactor) run $200-$450. Evaporator coil replacement runs $2,000-$4,500 because it's a full-day job with refrigerant recovery, brazing, vacuum, and recharge. Condenser coils are welded into the outdoor unit and can't be replaced separately. If your central air uses R-22 refrigerant (systems installed before 2010), recharge costs are significantly higher due to the phase-out.

Pricing Guide

AC Repair Cost

Q: How much does AC repair cost?

AC repair costs $200-$6,000+ in Denver depending on the failed component. Minor repairs (capacitor, contactor) run $200-$450. Moderate repairs (fan motor, refrigerant recharge, control board) cost $300-$950. Major repairs (compressor, evaporator coil) run $1,500-$4,500. If the condenser coil is destroyed, you're looking at full outdoor unit replacement ($3,000-$6,000+). Most repairs fall in the $350-$750 range.

Q: How much does AC repair cost in Denver?

AC repair in Denver costs $200-$6,000+ depending on the component that failed. Denver's altitude and dry climate cause capacitors and fan motors to fail faster than in coastal or humid climates. The most common repair (capacitor replacement) runs $200-$420. Refrigerant recharges cost $300-$700 for R-410A systems. Evaporator coil replacement runs $2,000-$4,500 (full-day job with vacuum and recharge). For major repairs like compressor replacement ($1,500-$4,500), full system replacement is often the better investment.

Denver AC repair costs typically range between $200-$2,500 depending on the issue. A diagnostic visit runs $120, which is applied toward the repair if you proceed.

Updated February 23, 2026•By Editorial Staff

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Cost Helper

AC repair in Denver runs $200-$6,000+ depending on the failed component. Capacitor and contactor replacements are on the lower end ($200-$500). Evaporator coil replacement ($2,000-$4,500) and compressor replacement ($1,500-$4,500) often make full system replacement the better financial decision, especially for units over 10 years old.

Diagnostic Fee

$120

Common Repair

$200-$750

Major Repair

$1,500-$6,000+

Repair vs Replace

50% Rule

Prices are estimates. Get a free quote for exact pricing.

How Much Does AC Repair Cost in Denver?

Note: UniColorado is not currently accepting new repair or service clients. We are focused exclusively on installations and replacements. This guide is provided as a reference for Denver homeowners evaluating repair costs.

HVAC technician checking refrigerant pressure with red and blue gauges on outdoor AC unit

AC repair costs in Denver range from $200 to $2,500 for most common issues, with the average central air repair running about $550. The cost depends primarily on which component failed and whether the repair requires refrigerant.

A diagnostic visit costs $120, which covers the technician's time to identify the problem. That fee is typically applied toward the repair cost if you proceed with the fix.

AC Repair Cost by Component

Central air conditioning systems have distinct components that fail at different rates and cost different amounts to replace. Here are typical repair costs for Denver-area homes:

Component Replacement Costs (Parts + Labor)

Capacitor: $200-$420 - the most common AC failure, causes unit to hum but not start
Contactor: $250-$450 - electrical relay that sends power to the compressor
Condenser fan motor: $450-$850 - spins the outdoor unit's fan blade
Blower motor (indoor): $500-$1,200 - circulates cooled air through ductwork
Refrigerant recharge (R-410A): $300-$700 - price depends on amount needed and leak testing
Control board: $500-$950 - the circuit board that manages system operations
Condenser coil damage (outdoor unit): the condenser coil is welded into the unit and can't be replaced separately. Fin straightening or cleaning runs $150-$400. If the coil is punctured or corroded through, you're replacing the entire outdoor unit ($3,000-$6,000+).
Evaporator coil replacement: $2,000-$4,500 - the indoor heat exchange surface. This is a full-day job requiring refrigerant recovery, brazing, vacuum, and recharge.
Compressor: $1,500-$4,500 - the most expensive component, often makes replacement worthwhile

AC repair cost by component

Component: Capacitor
Cost Range (Parts + Labor): $200 - $420

Component: Contactor
Cost Range (Parts + Labor): $250 - $450

Component: Condenser fan motor
Cost Range (Parts + Labor): $450 - $850

Component: Blower motor
Cost Range (Parts + Labor): $500 - $1,200

Component: Refrigerant recharge (R-410A)
Cost Range (Parts + Labor): $300 - $700

Component: Control board
Cost Range (Parts + Labor): $500 - $950

Component: Condenser coil damage (repair/clean)
Cost Range (Parts + Labor): $150 - $400

Component: Condenser unit replacement (if coil is destroyed)
Cost Range (Parts + Labor): $3,000 - $6,000+

Component: Evaporator coil replacement
Cost Range (Parts + Labor): $2,000 - $4,500

Component: Compressor
Cost Range (Parts + Labor): $1,500 - $4,500

Component	Cost Range (Parts + Labor)
Capacitor	$200 - $420
Contactor	$250 - $450
Condenser fan motor	$450 - $850
Blower motor	$500 - $1,200
Refrigerant recharge (R-410A)	$300 - $700
Control board	$500 - $950
Condenser coil damage (repair/clean)	$150 - $400
Condenser unit replacement (if coil is destroyed)	$3,000 - $6,000+
Evaporator coil replacement	$2,000 - $4,500
Compressor	$1,500 - $4,500

What Does a $120 AC Diagnostic Include?

A professional AC diagnostic is more than just identifying the symptom. A thorough diagnostic from a licensed Denver HVAC contractor typically includes:

What's in a diagnostic visit

Temperature differential measurement: checking supply and return air temps to verify cooling output
Electrical testing: amp draw on compressor and fan motors, capacitor testing, contactor inspection
Refrigerant pressure check: measuring suction and discharge pressures against manufacturer specs
Airflow assessment: checking filter condition, ductwork connections, and blower performance
Visual inspection: looking for physical damage, corrosion, oil stains (indicating refrigerant leaks), and wiring issues

The $120 diagnostic fee covers the technician's time and expertise. Most contractors apply it toward the repair cost if you proceed. If the diagnosis reveals a problem that makes replacement more cost-effective, you've paid $120 for clarity instead of pouring money into an aging system.

Most Common AC Repairs in Denver

HVAC technician spraying cleaning solution on outdoor AC condenser coils

Denver's climate creates specific wear patterns on air conditioning systems. The most common AC repairs we see in the metro area:

Top AC failures in Denver

Capacitor failure: Denver's dry heat and temperature swings accelerate capacitor wear. This is the single most common AC repair. Symptoms: AC hums but won't start, or starts slowly.
Refrigerant leaks: Vibration from the compressor and thermal expansion/contraction of copper lines cause joints to develop small leaks over time. Low refrigerant means poor cooling and higher bills.
Condenser fan motor burnout: Outdoor units bake in direct sun during Denver summers. Fan motors running in 95-100F ambient temperatures wear faster than in milder climates.
Dirty coils causing freeze-ups: Cottonwood seeds and pollen clog condenser coils every spring. Restricted airflow causes the evaporator to freeze, shutting down cooling entirely.
Thermostat or control issues: Wiring problems, dead batteries, or misconfigured settings. Often the cheapest fix if the system itself is fine.

Should I Repair or Replace My AC?

The repair-or-replace decision comes down to three factors: the age of your system, the cost of the repair relative to replacement, and how many more years you'll get out of the repaired unit.

Repair Makes Sense When

Keep your current system

AC is under 10 years old
Repair cost is under $600
First major repair on this unit
System still under manufacturer warranty

Replace Makes Sense When

Invest in a new system

AC is 12+ years old
Repair exceeds 50% of new system cost
Multiple repairs in the past 2 years
Uses R-22 refrigerant (phased out, expensive)

A common rule of thumb: multiply the age of your AC (in years) by the repair cost. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement is usually the better investment. For example, a 12-year-old unit needing a $600 repair: 12 x $600 = $7,200 - lean toward replacement.

If you do decide to replace, consider a heat pump instead of an AC-only system. Heat pumps provide heating and cooling, and qualify for rebates up to $15,750 that AC-only systems do not.

Denver-Specific Factors That Affect AC Repair Cost

Several factors specific to the Denver metro area can influence what you pay for AC repair:

Denver climate and home factors

Altitude: Denver sits at 5,280 feet. Lower air density means AC systems work harder to move heat. Equipment wears faster than at sea level, and technicians need altitude-specific training to diagnose correctly.
Dry climate and UV exposure: Intense sun and low humidity dry out rubber components, crack capacitors faster, and degrade wiring insulation. Outdoor units age faster than in humid climates.
Cottonwood and pollen: Denver's spring cottonwood bloom clogs condenser coils. Annual coil cleaning ($150-$250) prevents freeze-ups and efficiency loss.
Home age: Many Denver homes built in the 1950s-1970s have undersized ductwork and older electrical panels. Repairs on these homes sometimes uncover additional issues.
Hail damage: Colorado's frequent hailstorms can damage outdoor condenser fins and coils. Check your AC after major hail events.

What AC Repairs Can You Do Yourself?

Some AC issues have simple fixes that don't require a technician. Others involve refrigerant, high-voltage electrical, or specialized tools that require a licensed professional.

Safe to DIY

Replace air filter ($5-$30)
Clean condenser coils with garden hose
Clear condensate drain line with vinegar
Check and replace thermostat batteries
Clear debris from around outdoor unit

Call a Professional

Anything involving refrigerant (EPA certification required)
Electrical component replacement (capacitor, contactor, wiring)
Compressor or motor replacement
Any repair on a unit still under warranty

Always turn off the AC at the thermostat and the breaker before doing any DIY work. If you're unsure, call a licensed contractor. A $120 diagnostic is cheaper than a $2,500 mistake.

Considering a new AC system?

If repair costs are adding up, a free estimate on a new system gives you a comparison point.

Since 2014

12,000+ installs

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Investment Options

Three tiers for every budget. All include installation, permits, and warranty.

Minor Repair

Common component failures.

Capacitor, contactor, or relay

Capacitor replacement: $200-$420
Contactor replacement: $250-$450
Thermostat wiring fix: $150-$300
Parts usually in stock

Starting From

$200

Full range: $200-$450

Most Common

Moderate Repair

Motor or refrigerant issues.

Fan motor, refrigerant, or control board

Fan motor replacement: $450-$850
Refrigerant recharge: $300-$700
Control board replacement: $500-$950
May require follow-up visit

Starting From

$300

Full range: $300-$950

Major Repair

Compressor or coil failure.

Compressor, evaporator coil, or condenser unit

Compressor replacement: $1,500-$4,500
Evaporator coil: $2,000-$4,500
Condenser unit (if coil destroyed): $3,000-$6,000+
Consider full replacement at this cost

Starting From

$1,500

Full range: $1,500-$6,000+

Prices based on typical home in Denver metro. Actual costs depend on home size, ductwork condition, and equipment selection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about AC repair costs in Denver.

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AC Repair Cost

How Much Does AC Repair Cost in Denver?