Getting an air conditioning or ventilation system back in working order comes with a wide price range, depending on the type of fault, the size of the unit, and whether the job needs specialized parts. Below is a practical cost guide covering the most common HVAC repair, servicing, and installation jobs, along with the spare parts that typically drive up the final bill.
What Determines the Cost of a Repair
Before getting into numbers, it helps to understand why HVAC pricing swings so widely. A split-unit AC with a simple gas leak costs far less to fix than a central ducted system with a failed compressor. Commercial units, because of their size and the labour needed to access rooftop or plant-room installations, almost always cost more than residential jobs. The refrigerant type matters too — older R22 systems are getting pricier to service since the gas itself is being phased out, while newer R410A and R32 systems are comparatively cheaper to refill. Technician call-out distance, unit brand, and how accessible the unit is (roof-mounted vs. wall-mounted) all nudge the final invoice up or down.
Estimated Cost of HVAC Services
| Service | Estimated Cost Range (KES) |
|---|---|
| Basic diagnosis / fault assessment | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| General servicing (cleaning, filter check, inspection) | 2,500 – 6,000 |
| Refrigerant gas top-up (R410A/R32) | 3,500 – 8,000 |
| Refrigerant gas top-up (R22, legacy systems) | 5,000 – 12,000 |
| Compressor repair | 8,000 – 25,000 |
| Compressor replacement | 25,000 – 70,000 |
| Fan motor repair or replacement | 4,000 – 12,000 |
| PCB / control board repair | 6,000 – 18,000 |
| Thermostat replacement | 2,500 – 7,000 |
| Ductwork repair (per section) | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Split unit installation (residential) | 8,000 – 20,000 |
| Central/ducted system installation | 40,000 – 150,000+ |
| Drainage/condensate line unblocking | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Annual maintenance contract (per unit) | 6,000 – 15,000 |
Costs above are indicative and exclude spare parts unless stated. Commercial and industrial units, as well as jobs requiring scaffolding or rooftop access, typically fall at the higher end or above this range. A site visit is the only way to get an accurate quote.
Spare Parts and Component Prices
| Spare Part | Estimated Cost Range (KES) |
|---|---|
| Compressor (residential split unit) | 15,000 – 40,000 |
| Compressor (commercial/central unit) | 35,000 – 90,000 |
| Fan motor | 3,500 – 10,000 |
| Capacitor (run/start) | 800 – 2,500 |
| PCB / control board | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Thermostat unit | 2,000 – 6,000 |
| Refrigerant gas (per kg, R410A/R32) | 1,800 – 3,500 |
| Refrigerant gas (per kg, R22) | 2,500 – 5,000 |
| Copper piping (per metre) | 800 – 2,000 |
| Air filter (standard) | 500 – 2,000 |
| Condenser coil | 6,000 – 18,000 |
| Evaporator coil | 6,000 – 20,000 |
| Drain pump (condensate) | 2,500 – 6,000 |
| Remote control unit | 1,000 – 3,000 |
Parts pricing depends heavily on brand — Daikin, Mitsubishi, and LG parts sit at the higher end, while generic or locally sourced equivalents bring costs down considerably. Genuine parts also tend to come with a warranty, which is worth factoring into the decision when the price gap isn’t too wide.
Repair vs. Replacement
Once a repair quote starts approaching 40–50% of a new unit’s cost, it’s usually worth weighing replacement instead, especially for units older than eight years or those still running on R22 gas. A compressor replacement on an aging unit, for instance, can sometimes cost nearly as much as installing a new energy-efficient split unit, which then also brings lower electricity bills going forward.
Factors That Push Costs Up or Down
A few things consistently affect the final number on an HVAC invoice. Units installed in hard-to-reach spots, like rooftops without proper access or tightly boxed-in balconies, add labour time and sometimes require extra safety equipment. Systems that haven’t been serviced in years tend to have compounded issues — a simple gas top-up call can turn into a coil cleaning and capacitor replacement once the technician actually opens up the unit. Emergency or same-day call-outs, particularly on weekends, typically carry a premium over scheduled appointments. On the other end, signing up for an annual maintenance contract usually works out cheaper per visit than paying for one-off call-outs, since most contracts bundle servicing, minor repairs, and priority scheduling into one fee.
Getting an Accurate Quote
Because HVAC pricing depends so much on the specific unit and fault, the ranges above are a starting point rather than a fixed price list. A technician needs to physically inspect the system, check the refrigerant pressure, and sometimes run a short diagnostic cycle before giving a firm number. It’s worth asking upfront whether the quote includes labour only or covers parts as well, since that’s where most of the confusion happens after the job is done.
Would you like me to follow this up with any of the below?
- A 10-FAQ section on HVAC repair and servicing costs
- A comparison table of repair costs by AC brand (Daikin, LG, Mitsubishi, Samsung)
- A separate article on commercial vs. residential HVAC maintenance contracts
- A checklist article on signs your AC unit needs professional servicing
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