PRICING
How Much to Charge as an HVAC Technician (2026 Rates)
What HVAC techs should charge in 2026: hourly rates, service call fees, repair pricing, markup and how to quote AC and furnace work.
HVAC pricing has two layers: the service call that gets you in the door and the repair or replacement quote that pays the bills. Both need real benchmarks so your price matches the market. Here are the 2026 numbers.
THE SHORT ANSWER
HVAC tech hourly rate 2026
HVAC technicians charge $75-$150 per hour in 2026 with service calls at $75-$200. Most repairs run $150-$450; AC repairs with compressor work $450-$2,000; full replacements $7,500-$15,500.
Hourly rates and service calls
HVAC technicians charge $75-$150 per hour in 2026. The service call (diagnosis fee) runs $75-$200, commonly $100-$250. Most AC and furnace repairs run $150-$450, with AC repairs $450-$2,000 when compressors, coils or refrigerant work are involved.
The service call is your pricing anchor: it must cover the truck roll and diagnosis time even if the customer declines the repair.
- Hourly: $75-$150
- Service call: $75-$200 (common $100-$250)
- Most repairs: $150-$450
- AC repair with compressor/coil: $450-$2,000
- System replacement: $7,500-$15,500
Markup and replacement pricing
HVAC contractors mark up equipment 15-30% and parts 20-50%. Replacements should be quoted flat with equipment, labor, refrigerant and permits as separate lines. The equipment cost is national; your labor and markup are where local pricing and profit live.
- Equipment markup: 15-30%
- Parts markup: 20-50%
- Quote replacements flat with separate lines
Seasonal pricing strategy
Off-season tune-ups and maintenance agreements smooth your calendar and build a client base for replacement season. Price maintenance agreements as recurring annual plans; they become your most predictable revenue.