How Much Does Commercial AC Repair Cost in the East Bay?
January 28, 2025
Commercial AC repair costs more than residential repairs, but understanding the pricing helps you budget and avoid overpaying. Here's a complete breakdown of commercial AC repair costs for East Bay businesses.
Commercial AC Repair Cost Overview
Quick Answer: Most commercial AC repairs in the East Bay cost between $300 and $2,500, depending on the equipment type and what's wrong. Emergency or after-hours service adds 25-50% to these prices.
| Equipment Type | Typical Repair Range |
|---|---|
| Rooftop Unit (RTU) | $400-$2,500 |
| Split System | $250-$1,500 |
| Package Unit | $350-$2,000 |
| Mini-Split | $200-$1,200 |
Rooftop Unit (RTU) Repair Costs
RTUs are the most common commercial AC systems and typically the most expensive to repair due to roof access requirements and larger components.
Common RTU Repairs:
| Repair | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic fee | $125-$200 |
| Capacitor replacement | $200-$400 |
| Contactor replacement | $250-$450 |
| Fan motor | $400-$800 |
| Blower motor | $500-$1,000 |
| Compressor | $1,500-$3,500 |
| Refrigerant recharge (per lb) | $50-$150 |
| Economizer repair | $300-$700 |
| Control board | $400-$900 |
| Belt replacement | $100-$200 |
Factors Affecting RTU Repair Costs: - Roof access difficulty - Unit tonnage (larger units = larger parts) - Age and parts availability - Refrigerant type (R-22 vs R-410A) - Single vs multi-stage units
Split System Repair Costs
Commercial split systems have separate indoor and outdoor components, similar to residential systems but larger.
Common Split System Repairs:
| Repair | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic fee | $100-$175 |
| Capacitor | $175-$350 |
| Contactor | $200-$400 |
| Fan motor | $350-$650 |
| Compressor | $1,200-$2,800 |
| Evaporator coil | $800-$1,800 |
| Condenser coil | $700-$1,500 |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $400-$900 |
| Thermostat/controls | $200-$500 |
Package Unit Repair Costs
Package units contain all components in one cabinet, usually ground-mounted.
Common Package Unit Repairs:
| Repair | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic fee | $125-$200 |
| Capacitor | $200-$400 |
| Blower motor | $450-$850 |
| Compressor | $1,400-$3,000 |
| Heat exchanger (if heating) | $800-$2,000 |
| Gas valve (if heating) | $350-$700 |
| Control board | $350-$800 |
Mini-Split Repair Costs
Commercial mini-splits are used for individual zones or spaces without ductwork.
Common Mini-Split Repairs:
| Repair | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic fee | $100-$150 |
| Capacitor | $150-$300 |
| Fan motor | $300-$550 |
| Compressor | $1,000-$2,200 |
| Control board | $300-$600 |
| Refrigerant recharge | $250-$600 |
| Drain pump | $200-$400 |
What Affects Commercial AC Repair Costs
1. Emergency vs. Scheduled Service
Standard business hours: Base pricing After-hours (evenings/weekends): +25-50% Emergency same-day: +30-50% Holiday service: +50-100%
2. Equipment Age and Parts Availability
Older equipment often requires: - Obsolete parts at premium prices - Longer repair times to source parts - Potential refrigerant conversion costs (R-22)
3. Access Difficulty
- Ground-level equipment: Standard pricing
- Single-story roof: +10-20% for access time
- Multi-story roof: +20-40% for crane/lift needs
- Difficult mechanical rooms: +10-25%
4. System Complexity
- Single-stage basic units: Standard pricing
- Multi-stage/variable speed: +15-30% for diagnostics
- Building automation integration: +20-40%
- VRF systems: Specialist pricing
When to Repair vs. Replace Commercial AC
Consider replacement when: - Unit is over 15 years old - Repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement - Multiple failures in the past year - Using R-22 refrigerant - Energy bills are climbing despite repairs
How to Save on Commercial AC Repairs
1. Preventive Maintenance Regular maintenance catches small issues before they become expensive repairs. Most repairs we see could have been prevented or minimized with quarterly maintenance.
2. Don't Delay Repairs A refrigerant leak ignored for months becomes a compressor failure. A worn belt ignored becomes a motor burnout. Small problems compound quickly.
3. Choose Experienced Commercial Technicians Residential HVAC technicians may not have experience with commercial equipment. Incorrect diagnosis leads to unnecessary parts replacement.
4. Ask About Maintenance Plans Maintenance plan customers typically receive: - Lower diagnostic fees - 10-15% discount on repairs - Priority scheduling (less downtime)
Getting a Fair Quote
When you call for commercial AC repair, expect:
- . Diagnostic Fee: $100-$200 to inspect and diagnose
- . Detailed Quote: Written estimate for the repair
- . Options: Sometimes there's a repair option and a better long-term option
- . Timeline: When can they complete the work
Red flags: - Pressure to decide immediately - No written quote - Unusually low prices (may indicate cutting corners) - Unwillingness to explain the problem
Common Commercial AC Problems and Costs
Refrigerant Leaks - **Symptom:** Warm air, ice on coils, compressor short cycling - **Cost:** $400-$1,200 (detection, repair, recharge) - **If ignored:** Compressor failure ($1,500-$3,500)
Economizer Failures - **Symptom:** Energy bills spike, inconsistent temperatures - **Cost:** $300-$700 - **If ignored:** Premature compressor wear, wasted energy
Control Board Issues - **Symptom:** Erratic operation, won't respond to thermostat - **Cost:** $350-$900 - **If ignored:** System damage from improper operation
Blower Motor Failure - **Symptom:** No airflow, burning smell, squealing - **Cost:** $500-$1,000 - **If ignored:** Overheating, total system shutdown
Next Steps
If your commercial AC needs repair:
- . Call for diagnosis — Get a professional assessment
- . Get a written quote — Know exactly what you're paying for
- . Ask about alternatives — Sometimes repair vs. replace is close
- . Consider a maintenance plan — Prevent future emergencies
Energy Solutions provides commercial AC repair throughout the East Bay with same-day service available for emergencies. Call (925) 778-1335 or [view our commercial services](/commercial).