Heating and cooling
AC repair or refrigerant recharge: what it costs in Massachusetts
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts and materials | $30 | $800 |
| Labor: 1 to 3.5 hours × $100 to $140 an hour | $100 | $490 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics, permits | $89 | $200 |
| Total, rounded | $210 | $1,500 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $38.41 an hour, times 2.6 to 3.6 to cover what a contractor bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
Fix a central AC that is not cooling. Often a low charge from a leak, a failed capacitor, or a bad fan motor.
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What is usually included
- Diagnostic and pressure check
- Leak search
- Part swap (capacitor, contactor, fan motor)
- Refrigerant added if needed
- System test
What moves the price
- Refrigerant type and amount (R-410A vs newer R-454B)
- Leak location and repair
- Parts availability
- Summer demand and after-hours rates
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Where is the leak, and will it come back?
- What is the refrigerant cost per pound?
- Is a recharge alone a fix?
- Is this system worth repairing?
Can you do it yourself?
Replace the filter and clear the outdoor unit. Refrigerant work needs EPA certification.
Common questions
Does AC refrigerant run out?
No. Refrigerant is not used up like fuel. If the system is low, there is a leak, and topping it off without fixing the leak only buys a short time.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Common causes are low refrigerant, a dirty coil or filter, a failed capacitor or a bad fan motor. A tech checks pressures and airflow to find which one.
What does a capacitor swap cost?
A capacitor is a small part that often costs under $50, so the bill is mostly the service call and labor. It is one of the more common AC repairs.
How much does ac repair or refrigerant recharge cost in Massachusetts?
A typical range is $210 to $1,500. It is an estimate built from labor wages and material prices, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $210 to $1,500 |
| New York City area | $210 to $1,500 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $210 to $1,475 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $210 to $1,475 |
| Houston area, Texas | $190 to $1,375 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $190 to $1,375 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $190 to $1,400 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $190 to $1,375 |
| Miami area, Florida | $190 to $1,375 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $220 to $1,525 |