Reference prices
Actual quotations depend on inspection, location, access, materials, and unit condition.
| Service | Reference price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant recharge (R-22) | ₱1,500 – ₱3,000 | R-22 (Freon) is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol. Prices are rising as supply decreases. Leak repair not included. |
| Refrigerant recharge (R-410A / R-32) | ₱1,500 – ₱3,500 | R-410A and R-32 are the current standards. R-32 is more efficient and increasingly common in new units. |
| Refrigerant leak detection and repair | ₱500 – ₱2,500 | Leak location and sealing. Simple flare joint leaks are cheap; evaporator coil leaks are expensive. |
| Compressor replacement (window type) | ₱3,000 – ₱8,000 | Parts + labor. Consider buying a new unit if the compressor cost exceeds 60% of a new unit's price. |
| Compressor replacement (split type, 1–1.5HP) | ₱5,000 – ₱15,000 | Genuine OEM parts cost more than generic replacements. Ask for warranty on the new compressor (minimum 6 months). |
| Fan motor replacement (indoor blower) | ₱1,500 – ₱4,000 | Includes motor and capacitor. Generic motors are cheaper but may have shorter lifespan. |
| Fan motor replacement (outdoor condenser) | ₱1,500 – ₱3,500 | Outdoor motor runs in harsher conditions. Always replace with weatherproof-rated motor. |
| Control board / PCB repair | ₱1,500 – ₱5,000 | Component-level repair costs less than full board replacement. Damage from brownouts or lightning is common. |
| Control board / PCB full replacement | ₱3,000 – ₱10,000 | OEM boards are expensive; compatible aftermarket boards are available but may void warranty. |
| Capacitor replacement (start or run) | ₱300 – ₱800 | Capacitors fail frequently due to voltage fluctuations. One of the cheapest and most common repairs. |
| Thermistor / temperature sensor replacement | ₱500 – ₱1,500 | Faulty thermistors cause erratic temperature control or unit shutdowns. |
| Drain pan replacement | ₱800 – ₱2,500 | Cracked or corroded pans are common in units over 5 years old in humid environments. |
| Remote control replacement | ₱300 – ₱800 | Universal remotes (₱200–₱400) work with most brands. OEM remotes are more expensive but ensure full functionality. |
| Service call / diagnostic fee | ₱200 – ₱500 | Most technicians charge a diagnostic fee. This is usually waived if you proceed with the repair. |
What affects the price
- Part availability: OEM parts for older or less-common brands may need to be specially ordered, adding days and cost
- Unit age: Older units (5+ years) often need multiple parts replaced simultaneously, increasing total repair cost
- Brand: Premium brands (Daikin, Mitsubishi) have more expensive OEM parts; budget brands may lack local parts availability
- Type of refrigerant: R-22 is increasingly scarce and expensive; units still using it may be candidates for replacement rather than repair
- Technician certification: Authorized service centers charge more but offer parts warranties and trained technicians
- Location: Technicians traveling to provincial areas or islands may add transportation surcharges
- Emergency or after-hours service: Expect 30–50% surcharge for same-day or weekend emergency calls
- Bundled repairs: Getting multiple repairs done in one visit reduces overall cost versus separate calls
Before you book
- Get an itemized quotation showing parts cost and labor cost separately — this makes it easier to compare technicians
- Install a voltage regulator (AVR) if you experience frequent brownouts — this single investment prevents capacitor and PCB failures
- Ask for the old part back after replacement — this confirms the part was actually replaced and you can verify the defect
- A compressor warranty claim requires proof of regular cleaning — keep your cleaning receipts
- For units under 2 years old, verify if the repair is covered under manufacturer warranty before paying out of pocket
- When the total repair cost exceeds 50% of a new unit's price, replacement is usually the smarter financial decision
- Inverter compressors are more expensive to replace but last longer — factor this into your repair-vs-replace calculation