How Much Does Air Conditioning Repair Cost 2025 Guide

Air conditioners are one of the most widely used systems across Australian homes and businesses. Whether you own a split system air conditioning unit for a single room, a multi split system air con, or a ducted air conditioner for your entire property, it is vital for cooling and maintaining air quality inside buildings. Just like any other electrical system, air conditioners can break down and need repairs, especially if they are not maintained regularly.

When an air conditioner breaks down, it is only natural to ask the following question: how much does air conditioning repair cost? This is a fairly easy question to answer as you will have to look at your system type, the nature of the fault, and the specific prices associated with repairing your ac unit. Factors such as the location of the repair and distance from the service provider may also influence pricing. It is also not uncommon to find higher pricing for repair jobs in large cities in Australia versus regional areas.

The typical cost of air conditioning repairs in 2025 is between $70 and $2,500, while the cost of an aircon service or maintenance and tune-up is around $75 to $200. The specific ac repair cost will also differ based on the unit type and scale of the work that needs to be done. You may only require minor repairs such as air filter replacement, while other issues such as leaks, recharging refrigerant gas levels, or replacing electrical components and circuit boards are major repairs.

In this guide, we will look at ac repair costs, the different factors that influence pricing, and why regular maintenance and professional air conditioning service are worth it in the long run.

Average Hourly Rates for Air Conditioning Repairs

Most air conditioning repairers charge an hourly rate. These costs are the average price that is associated with the labour work, while the replacement parts add to this.

• Domestic aircon repairs: $80 to $110 per hour plus GST
• Commercial air conditioning repairs: $80 to $140 per hour plus GST

Hourly rates vary based on the size of the job, the location, and the time of day. A service that is performed during standard hours is less costly than an emergency callout service . You should always ask for transparent pricing before the job begins.

Typical Repair Costs by System Type

Different types of air conditioning systems will require different levels of skill and parts when it comes to repair work. Below, we have a list of the most common system types and the average costs to repair these air conditioners in 2025.

• Split system air repairs: $85 – $160
• Ducted system repairs: $70 – $130
• Multi split system repairs: $120 – $220
• Inverter system repairs: $100 – $190
• VRV or VRF system repairs: $140 – $250
• Gas heating repairs for combined systems: $95 – $180

These figures highlight the fact that the system type and air conditioner unit type will have an impact on the final price of the repair work. Complex multi split system air conditioning units with multiple indoor units and a single outdoor unit will often have higher repair fees than a standard window or wall mounted split system ac unit.

Common Air Conditioner Repairs and Their Costs Involved

The type of fault is a key factor in calculating the final price of air conditioning repairs. Some faults are minor and can be resolved with a simple repair, while other major repairs require more extensive work. The following are common air conditioner repairs that range from a simple tune-up to refrigerant leak repairs and capacitor replacement.

Minor Repairs

• Replacing air filters: $70 – $100
• Cleaning filters and condenser coils: $100 – $150
• Resetting thermostat or smart features: $108 – $250

Major Repairs

• Replacing circuit boards or electrical components: $120 – $600
• Refrigerant replacement or topping up gas levels: $160 – $400
• Fixing leaks in the cooling system: $225 – $1,600 depending on severity
• Repairing electrical connections or wiring faults: $250 – $1,000

Minor repairs are fairly affordable, especially if your air conditioning unit is still fairly new. It is not uncommon for older units to require major repairs that end up being more expensive. If your ac unit is over 10 to 15 years old, a technician may also recommend investing in a new system instead of paying for frequent repairs.

Repair vs Replacement

One of the biggest decisions homeowners face is whether to repair or replace an air conditioning unit.

• Minor repairs such as cleaning filters or replacing parts can usually keep a unit operating efficiently.
• Frequent repairs on older units with a shorter average lifespan may indicate it is time for a new unit.
• A replacement may seem costly upfront, but energy efficient systems with advanced smart features can reduce electricity bills and maintenance needs.

Replacement Costs

• Window units: $300 – $1,000 for a new unit
• Split system air conditioning: $1,500 – $5,000 for replacement including labour
• Ducted air conditioners: $6,000 – $20,000 depending on property size and installation complexity

Opting for a new air conditioning system is costly upfront, but energy efficient systems with smart features can save you money on electricity bills and maintenance.

Cost to Service an Air Conditioner in Australia

Air conditioning maintenance service is different from an air conditioner repair. This is one of the best ways of preventing major air conditioning repairs down the track. Air conditioning systems should receive a professional maintenance service at least once a year to ensure optimal performance. Professional servicing of commercial air conditioners ranges from $200 to $500 or more per system due to their increased size and complexity.

The average cost of servicing an ac unit ranges from $75 to $200, depending on the type and level of work that is required. For residential air conditioning systems, the service cost typically ranges from $100 to $200 per unit. In Melbourne, air conditioning maintenance services will typically range between $100 and $300 per unit.

What’s Included in a Maintenance Service

• Cleaning filters and replacing air filters where necessary
• Checking refrigerant gas levels
• Inspecting electrical connections and wiring
• Cleaning condenser coils and indoor units
• Ensuring the outdoor unit is free from dirt and debris
• Testing the thermostat and controls

Benefits of Regular Servicing

• Prevents frequent repairs and major issues
• Improves energy efficiency so your unit uses less energy
• Extends the average lifespan of your ac unit
• Improves air quality inside your home
• Helps you save money on future ac repair costs

Arranging regular maintenance once a year ensures your cooling system continues to operate safely and efficiently.

Factors That Influence Air Conditioner Repair Costs

Several key factors influence the final cost of air conditioning repairs.

1. System type – Whether you own a split system, multi split system, ducted system, or window units will affect labour time and replacement part costs.
2. Unit age – Older units are more likely to suffer frequent repairs and may need major repairs instead of minor fixes.
3. Replacement parts – The availability and cost of components such as circuit boards, filters, or compressors can significantly impact pricing.
4. Electrical components – Faults with wiring or electrical connections often increase labour costs.
5. Location – Prices can vary depending on where you live, with urban areas sometimes attracting higher rates.
6. Technician experience – Licensed technicians with more experience may charge higher rates, but they provide greater reliability and expert advice.

Licensing Requirements for Air Conditioning Repairers

It is also vital for air conditioning repairers to hold a Refrigerant Handling Licence (RHL) and be licensed with the Australian Refrigeration Council.

This ensures that they have the necessary experience to handle gas levels, electrical systems, and other sensitive electrical parts in an air conditioner. It is always recommended that you verify your technician’s licence and insurance prior to arranging for aircon repairs.

Choosing the Right Repair Specialist

Hiring the right technician makes a significant difference to the overall cost and performance of your system. When hiring an air conditioning service provider, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.

• Transparent pricing with clear breakdowns of labour and replacement parts
• ARC accreditation for handling refrigerants
• Insurance coverage for residential or commercial work
• Experience with your system type, whether split system air, multi split system, or ducted air conditioning
• A reputation for providing professional service and expert advice

With Trade Heroes, you can compare qualified local specialists, ensuring you receive fair rates and reliable service.

Maintenance Tips to Reduce Repair Costs

Air conditioning repair costs can be reduced by regularly maintaining your air conditioner and carrying out certain tasks at home. One of the ways to reduce costs is to book aircon repair services in the spring. This is more affordable as there is less demand for technicians in the lead up to the summer season. The building size directly influences air conditioning maintenance costs as the number of units requiring maintenance will be higher.

• Clean air filters every few weeks to ensure the system operates with less energy.
• Keep the outdoor unit clear of dirt, plants, and debris.
• Wipe down the indoor unit and vents to maintain good air quality.
• Schedule annual air conditioning service to check gas levels, electrical components, and condenser coils.
• Address minor issues quickly to prevent them from turning into major repairs.

Consistent care helps your system achieve optimal performance, reduces energy costs, and avoids expensive callouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does air conditioning repair cost?

Repair costs range from $70 to $2,500 depending on the system type and the fault. Split system repairs typically cost $85 to $160, while ducted system repairs cost $70 to $130.

Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?

If your unit requires frequent repairs and is over 10 to 15 years old, replacing it with a new system is often more cost effective.

How often should I arrange a maintenance service?

Arrange regular servicing once a year to avoid major repairs, maintain energy efficiency, and reduce energy bills.

What is included in an air conditioning service?

A professional service includes cleaning filters, checking gas levels, inspecting electrical components, and ensuring your entire system is operating efficiently.

Conclusion

Air conditioning repair costs in Australia vary based on the system type, the nature of the fault, and the parts required for the repairs. Minor repairs such as air filter replacement can cost less than $100, while major repairs such as leaks, refrigerant replacement or repairs, or electrical components can cost as much as $2,500.

Regular maintenance of your air conditioning unit is the best way of keeping your air conditioner working properly. A professional aircon service helps to reduce electricity bills and extend the average lifespan of your air conditioning system. Regular servicing also prevents major repairs and helps to maintain energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

If your air conditioning system does require repairs, always make sure that you are hiring a licensed technician accredited by the Australian Refrigeration Council. Trade Heroes allows you to quickly compare local quotes from qualified professionals so you can receive transparent pricing, reliable service, and access to expert advice.

If you combine regular maintenance service, careful usage, and trusted professional service, then you can have the peace of mind that you enjoy efficient cooling, lower energy bills, and comfortable cooling all year round.