HVAC Repair Cost in 2026 — my notes after calling around too much
My AC died last August on a Wednesday at like 10pm.
Not “running weak” died. Fully off. Thermostat calling, outdoor unit doing absolutely nothing. Ninety-one degrees outside, climbing fast inside.
Called the first company at 10:40. “$249 after-hours diagnostic.” Second company — “$189 but earliest we can get there is tomorrow morning.” I paid the $249. My kid’s room was already 84 and I wasn’t about to negotiate while she slowly melted into her mattress.