Seasonal tune-up and full diagnostic on your Carrier, Trane, or Goodman system - readings shown to you before any repair is proposed
Diagnosis first, numbers second - you approve the repair price before a single part goes in.
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AfterHow Much Does HVAC Cost in San Antonio?
Most HVAC repairs in San Antonio run $150 to $650, a full system replacement lands between $3,500 and $7,500, and a seasonal tune-up costs $80 to $200. Those ranges hold across Bexar County whether you’re in Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, or out near Helotes. The final number depends on the part, the brand, and how long the unit has been running in our heat.
We put real prices on this page because you shouldn’t have to call three companies to learn what a capacitor costs. And every job we do starts with a written price before any work begins, so the number you agree to is the number you pay.
Key Takeaways
- AC repair: $150 – $650. Furnace repair: $150 – $700.
- New AC installation: $3,500 – $7,500, depending on size and efficiency.
- Tune-ups: $80 – $200, and they’re the cheapest way to avoid a summer breakdown.
- Every repair carries a written guarantee and the 365-Day Done Right Promise.
- A live person answers our phone 24/7 at (984) 538-9003.
HVAC Cost Breakdown (2026)
Here’s what the common jobs actually cost in San Antonio right now. These are installed prices, parts and labor together, not parts alone.
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| AC repair (diagnostic through fix) | $150 – $650 |
| Furnace repair | $150 – $700 |
| AC installation or full replacement | $3,500 – $7,500 |
| Seasonal tune-up | $80 – $200 |
| Refrigerant recharge (R-410A) | $200 – $500 |
| Capacitor replacement | $150 – $300 |
| Blower motor replacement | $350 – $650 |
| Furnace igniter replacement | $150 – $300 |
| Thermostat replacement (smart or standard) | $150 – $450 |
| Duct cleaning or sealing | $300 – $900 |
What pushes a bill toward the high end? Accessibility is a big one. A condenser tucked behind a fence with a dog in the yard takes longer than one with clear space. Older equipment matters too. A 20-year-old Carrier still running R-22 refrigerant costs more to service because that refrigerant is no longer produced, and supplies are limited. Efficiency level drives installation cost most of all: a basic 14.3 SEER2 single-stage system sits at the bottom of the range, while a 16-plus SEER2 variable-speed unit climbs toward the top.
What keeps a bill low? Catching problems early. A capacitor that costs $200 to replace today can take a compressor with it, and that’s a four-figure repair. This is why we push tune-ups before summer.
What Affects HVAC Pricing in San Antonio
- System size and tonnage. San Antonio homes generally need 3 to 5 tons of cooling. A 1,800-square-foot house in Converse might need 3 tons; a 3,000-square-foot home in Stone Oak with west-facing windows often needs 5. Bigger equipment costs more, and so does the labor to set it.
- Our summer heat and long cooling season. Systems here run from April through October, often at full load. That’s roughly twice the runtime of a northern market, which means parts wear out faster and replacements come sooner. It’s also why we see more capacitor and blower motor failures by late July than most of the country sees all year.
- Refrigerant type. If your unit uses R-22, expect higher service costs. R-410A systems are cheaper to maintain, and newer R-454B equipment is entering the market now.
- Brand. Parts for Carrier, Trane, and Lennox tend to run a bit higher than Goodman or Rheem, though all are reliable when installed correctly. We service all of them.
- Attic and closet access. A horizontal unit in a 130-degree attic takes more time and care than a closet install. That labor shows up in the price.
- Permits and code. A full system change-out in San Antonio typically requires a permit, and code-compliant work includes a properly sized disconnect and platform. This is part of why an install costs more than the equipment alone.
If you want the full picture on repairs versus replacements, our home page lays out how we approach each visit.
How to Save on HVAC
- Get a tune-up before May. A $80 – $200 tune-up catches a weak capacitor or a low charge before it becomes a mid-August emergency. It’s the single best return on money you’ll spend on your system.
- Change your filter monthly in summer. In San Antonio, a clogged filter makes a system work harder in the worst heat. This costs you a few dollars and prevents a lot of breakdowns.
- Ask for the written price before work starts. Any honest company will give it. If someone won’t put a number in writing, that’s your answer.
- Repair when the unit is under 12 years old. Past that, a major repair often isn’t worth it, and we’ll tell you so plainly.
- Bundle maintenance. Regular service extends equipment life and keeps small issues from turning into $650 repairs.
Estimates are free. Call (984) 538-9003 and we’ll give you a range over the phone, then a written price in person. A live person answers, any hour.
FAQs – HVAC Cost
How much does AC repair cost in San Antonio?
Most AC repairs here cost $150 to $650, with the average landing around $350 for a capacitor, contactor, or blower issue. Refrigerant leaks sit higher. Call (984) 538-9003 for an exact quote, and the estimate is free.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace my AC?
If your system is under 12 years old and the repair is under $650, repair usually wins. Once you’re past 12 to 15 years and facing a $1,000-plus fix, replacement at $3,500 – $7,500 is the better math over the next decade. We’ll walk you through both numbers before you decide.
How much does a new AC system cost installed in San Antonio?
A full install runs $3,500 to $7,500, including equipment, labor, permit, and code-compliant setup. A basic 3-ton single-stage system sits near the low end; a 5-ton variable-speed unit with duct work climbs toward the top. Call (984) 538-9003 for a written quote.
Can you come today if my AC stops working?
Often yes, especially during our peak summer months when we hold same-day capacity for breakdowns. Phones are answered by a live person 24 hours a day, so call (984) 538-9003 and we’ll tell you the soonest we can be there.
How much does a furnace repair cost in San Antonio?
Furnace repairs run $150 to $700. Igniters and flame sensors are usually the cheap end; a blower motor or control board sits higher. Every repair includes a written guarantee, and if it fails within the period, we return free of charge under the 365-Day Done Right Promise.
What does the free second visit actually cover?
If a repair we made fails within its guarantee period, we come back at no charge and make it right. No argument, no new diagnostic fee. It’s written into every repair we do, backed by the 365-Day Done Right Promise.
Who is coming to my house?
You’ll know before we arrive. We send you your technician’s name and photo ahead of the visit, and they show a photo ID badge at the door. Every technician meets the Threshold Verified standard: background-checked and identity-verified. If anyone shows up who you weren’t told to expect, that visit is on us.
Why Homeowners Choose Brandt HVAC
We started in 2003 as part of the Threshold Group family of home-service companies, and each location is independently owned and operated. Brandt comes from an old word for a firebrand, which feels right for the work of keeping a home warm and cool.
But the real reason people call us isn’t the name. It’s that they know exactly who’s walking through the door, how much the job costs before it starts, and what happens if something goes wrong. No work begins before you see the price in writing. Every repair carries a guarantee. And someone answers the phone every time, day or night, when you dial (984) 538-9003.
Call today for a free estimate on any HVAC repair or installation.
Pricing reflects the San Antonio market as of 2026. Brandt HVAC offers free estimates – call (984) 538-9003.
Written by Devin Marlowe, Owner at Brandt HVAC, serving San Antonio and the surrounding area.
What Our Customers Say
"AC stopped cooling on a hot afternoon. Tech arrived with a badge, checked the capacitor, found it bad, and replaced it on the spot. House cooled down within the hour."
- Steve P."Furnace ignitor went out on a cold morning. Part was on the truck, installed in thirty minutes."
- Alvin K."Annual tune-up on the furnace. He cleaned the burners, tested the heat exchanger, and told me what was fine and what to watch. No scare tactics."
- Lorraine E.