When looking for a professional to central air repair, make sure you: 

• Verify their license and insurance: Hire a pro who is licensed, bonded and insured in your area. For example, they might need to have a HVAC license or be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Check with your state and municipality to see what's required. 

• Get several estimates: It’s always a good idea to get quotes from several HVAC pros in your area. Make sure each quote has the cost of labor and central AC parts. You should also find out if a service call fee is included — and if it can get waived if you hire the pro.  

• Read their reviews: Check out the pros’ online reviews and look out for red flags. For example, have customers complained that the pro isn’t licensed? Did the repair work lead to other issues like refrigerant leaks or poor airflow? If so, you might want to skip that particular pro. 

• Find out if they have warranties: If possible, hire an HVAC pro that offers a warranty for their workmanship and parts. That way, if future repairs are needed to fix faulty parts (like a defective compressor or coils), the cost of labor and additional parts may be covered. Just make sure you understand the warranty’s conditions.  

• Ask important questions: When contacting pros, ask plenty of questions. For example, find out how long the repairs can take, if you’ll be charged a service call fee and if they have experience with your specific AC model.

For more tips, visit our Smart Hiring guide.

The national average cost to repair a central AC system ranges anywhere from around $220 to  $1,050*, according to Thumbtack data. Of course, how much you’ll pay for repairs will depend on a variety of factors  Here are some of biggest factors a pro will consider when creating your quote:

• AC unit age: Older units are usually more expensive to repair and use R22 refrigerant, which typically costs more to refill.

• Parts needed: Thermostats and capacitors are usually a few hundred dollars or less, while a new compressor or evaporator coil could cost as much as $1,000 or more.

• Labor required: The more complicated the AC problem, the more time the pro will need to spend fixing it — and the more you’ll pay. 

• Unit replacement: In some cases, repairs aren’t enough and a pro may recommend that you get a new unit. Replacing the entire AC unit can cost thousands of dollars.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

A central air repair service can resolve many issues to restore comfort in your living space. Three of the most common problems include: 

• Faulty compressor: Your compressor may stop working due to wear, overheating or electrical issues. Professionals can repair or replace the compressor, ensuring it operates efficiently.

• Refrigerant leaks: Leaking refrigerant reduces cooling power and drives up energy bills. A pro can locate the leak, repair it and recharge your system with the correct refrigerant levels.

• Clogged air filters: Clogged filters signal issues like duct obstructions or poor airflow. A pro can inspect your system, clean or replace filters and recommend solutions to keep air circulating effectively.

HVAC professionals can address these and many other problems with your central air system, from faulty fans to leaky ducts. Contact a pro near you for a full list of services. 

Central air units can display various symptoms when they need to be repaired. Here’s what to look for:

• Inconsistent temperatures or an inability to cool the home properly could signify that the refrigerant is leaking, needs to be topped off or there’s a problem with the unit’s coils.

• Loud noises can indicate problems with the central air system’s blower motor.

• High humidity within your home may mean that the unit has a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels or a clogged condensate drain.

• If the air conditioner isn’t turning on or is behaving erratically, you could have an electrical problem, a malfunction in the unit’s control board or an issue with the thermostat.

• Increased energy bills may be a sign that your central air system is operating inefficiently, which could be caused by anything from low refrigerant levels to dirty coils or leaky ducts.

If you notice any of the above issues, contact a local pro near you.

The first step any HVAC pro will do when they visit your home is to ask you some questions about what’s wrong with the unit, whether it’s turning on and how it’s functioning. Then, they will inspect the unit and look for faulty parts and other problems. 

Central air conditioning systems are quite complex, so diagnosing the problem can take time. If the system is not working at all, it could be an electrical fault. If it's turning on but not cooling your home, it could be a refrigerant leak, a problem with the evaporator coil, a faulty compressor, blocked filters or many other issues. Your technician will need to confirm the problem, order parts and complete repairs.

Many central air conditioning faults can be fixed on the same day, but if spare parts are required, the technician might need to return another day to complete the repair.

The amount of time a central air conditioner repair takes depends on the type of repair required. Central air conditioners break down for many reasons, so a professional must diagnose the problem to determine a timeline for repairs.

That said, most central air conditioner repairs are for simple problems like clogged filters, which can usually be taken care of in an hour or two. More complex problems like refrigerant leaks or part replacements could take longer, but usually not more than a day. 

These estimates don't account for the time they may need to order any parts or supplies that they don't have in stock. One way to get a more accurate timeline is to describe the problem and provide information about the air conditioner's model when you contact a pro. 

Fixing your own air conditioning system is usually not recommended due to potential safety hazards, including electric shock or Freon burns on your skin or lungs. You may also void the unit’s warranty by attempting your own repairs.

In addition, HVAC pros use specialized tools (such as airflow meters or psychrometers) that may be expensive for homeowners. It can take time to learn how to use these devices, interpret their readings and correct the problem. 

If you want your AC unit repaired quickly, it’s best to hire a pro instead of attempting to DIY.