AC cost guide for Ocala homeowners
Typical planning ranges, so a quote doesn't come as a shock and you know what questions to ask. They are not quotes, local averages or price guarantees.
What moves the price
Two jobs with the same name can cost very different amounts. The size of the system (in tons), its efficiency, the refrigerant it uses, where the equipment sits, and what else turns up once the panels are off all change the figure.
Diagnostic or trip fees vary between contractors, and some apply them toward the repair. Ask how they work when you call.
For a new system, ductwork, electrical upgrades and the permit can add to the equipment price. A written quote should list each.
All services
Typical planning ranges by job
Read this first. These are typical planning ranges for common jobs, not quotes, local averages or price guarantees. The contractor prices your job after seeing the system: tonnage, efficiency, refrigerant type, access and what else turns up all move the figure.
| Job | Typical planning range | Moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| AC Repair: Run capacitor | $150 to $400 | Part size, whether it is a dual capacitor |
| AC Repair: Contactor | $150 to $350 | Unit type, other wiring damage |
| AC Repair: Outdoor fan motor | $350 to $800 | Motor type, access |
| AC Repair: Indoor blower motor | $450 to $1,500 | Standard or variable-speed (ECM) motor |
| AC Repair: Leak search and repair | $300 to $1,600 | Where the leak is, refrigerant type and amount |
| AC Repair: Compressor replacement | $1,800 to $3,800 | Warranty coverage, system size, age of the rest of the system |
| AC Installation & Replacement: Complete heat pump system (2 to 4 tons) | $7,500 to $15,000 | Tonnage, efficiency, variable-speed features, ductwork |
| AC Installation & Replacement: Complete AC and air handler (2 to 4 tons) | $7,000 to $14,000 | Tonnage, efficiency, heat strips, access |
| AC Installation & Replacement: Outdoor unit only | $4,000 to $8,500 | Matching with the existing air handler, refrigerant change |
| AC Installation & Replacement: Air handler only | $2,500 to $5,500 | Location, size, electric heat |
| AC Installation & Replacement: Adding central air to a home without ducts | $10,000 to $20,000+ | Duct design, attic access, number of rooms |
| Heat Pump Repair: Defrost control board | $300 to $750 | Brand, part availability |
| Heat Pump Repair: Reversing valve replacement | $900 to $2,200 | Refrigerant recovery and recharge, access |
| Heat Pump Repair: Heat strip element or sequencer | $250 to $800 | Size, number of elements |
| Heat Pump Repair: Outdoor fan motor | $350 to $800 | Motor type, access |
| Heat Pump Repair: Thermostat replacement and setup | $150 to $500 | Thermostat type, wiring |
| AC Maintenance: Seasonal maintenance visit | $90 to $220 | System type, what the visit includes |
| AC Maintenance: Indoor coil cleaning | $200 to $600 | Access, how dirty it is |
| AC Maintenance: Condensate line flush | $100 to $250 | Clog severity, drain location |
| AC Maintenance: Maintenance agreement (per year) | $150 to $400 | Number of visits, what's included |
| Ductwork & Airflow: Duct inspection and airflow check | $100 to $300 | Size of the house, attic access |
| Ductwork & Airflow: Sealing accessible ducts | $400 to $1,800 | Number of runs, access |
| Ductwork & Airflow: Replace one duct run | $250 to $650 | Length, attic conditions |
| Ductwork & Airflow: Full duct replacement (single storey) | $4,000 to $10,000 | Size of the house, number of runs, design changes |
| AC Leaking Water: Clear a blocked drain line | $100 to $250 | Clog severity, access |
| AC Leaking Water: Add or replace a float switch | $150 to $350 | Switch type, wiring |
| AC Leaking Water: Replace a drain pan | $250 to $900 | Primary or secondary pan, access |
| AC Leaking Water: Replace a condensate pump | $200 to $500 | Pump type, routing |
Comparing quotes
What to ask for in writing
- What failed, or why replacement is recommended, in plain words.
- Parts and labor, and any diagnostic fee.
- For a new system: equipment model numbers, tonnage, SEER2 rating, and the permit.
- Warranty on parts and labor, and who to call if something goes wrong.
- The contractor's Florida licence number, which you can check at myfloridalicense.com.
Cost questions
Does it cost anything to call?
No. The call and the connection are free to you. The contractor you are connected with may pay us for the referral. Whatever you agree with them for the work is between you and that company.
Why don't you give exact prices?
Because nobody can price a repair without seeing the system. The ranges here help you plan; the contractor gives you the actual price.
Is the cheaper repair always the right call?
Not always. On an old system with repeated failures, the repair money can be better spent toward replacement. See repair or replace.
AC not keeping up?
Talk to a local AC contractor
When you call, say what the system is doing and where the house is. You are connected with an independent heating and cooling contractor that works in your part of Marion County.