Start with a diagnostic / service-call fee
Most contractors charge a diagnostic or trip fee — commonly $75 to $175 — that covers showing up and identifying the problem. It protects your windshield time and filters out tire-kickers. Many shops credit this fee toward the repair if the customer approves the work.
Flat-rate vs. hourly
Flat-rate pricing — a set price per repair task regardless of how long it takes — is the industry standard for residential service. It's transparent for the customer, rewards efficient techs, and removes the awkward hourly clock. Hourly (often $75–$150/hr plus parts) still appears on complex or commercial work.
Typical repair price ranges
- Capacitor replacement: ~$150 – $400
- Contactor replacement: ~$150 – $350
- Refrigerant recharge: ~$200 – $700+ depending on type and amount
- Blower motor replacement: ~$450 – $1,000
- Condensate / drain clearing: ~$100 – $300
Build your flat-rate price right
A profitable flat-rate price covers the part cost, the labor hours at your loaded labor rate (wages + overhead + benefits), and your target margin. Don't price off the part cost alone — overhead and drive time are real. Build a pricebook of your common repairs so every tech quotes the same number.
Quote it cleanly on-site
Present the repair as a clear, itemized price the customer approves before you start — ideally with an e-signature so there's no dispute later. Fast Estimate lets you save service-call and common-repair line items as templates and send a signable estimate from the driveway. Start free to set up your pricebook.