The service call / diagnostic fee
Most Miami companies charge a diagnostic fee to come out, typically in the low-to-mid double digits up to around $100+, often credited toward the repair if you proceed. Ask two things up front: the amount, and whether it applies to the work. Both answers should be immediate.
Common repairs, from small to serious
- Capacitor: the classic cheap save — typically a low three-figure ticket installed. If your outdoor unit hums but won't start, hope for this one.
- Drain line clog: similar range. In Miami's humidity this is the most frequent call there is, and it prevents water damage that costs 20x more.
- Contactor, fan relay, small electrical: low three figures.
- Blower or condenser fan motor: mid three figures to lowish four, heavily parts-dependent.
- Refrigerant leak find-and-fix: wide range, because finding the leak is the labor. Coil-buried leaks cost more than a fitting leak. Be wary of anyone who only quotes "adding freon" — gas without a leak fix is a subscription, not a repair.
- Evaporator coil replacement: solidly four figures.
- Compressor: the big one — high four figures, which is exactly why it triggers the repair-or-replace math on older systems.
What legitimately changes the price
Equipment brand and age (old R-22 systems cost more to service), attic vs. closet air handlers (labor hours), part availability, and after-hours timing. What should never change the price: how hot you sound on the phone.
How to know a quote is fair
- The failed part is named and shown to you, with the meter reading if you ask.
- The quote comes before the work, in writing or by text.
- The tech can explain why it failed — parts fail for reasons, and a good tech fixes the reason too.
Straight answer policy: text us photos and symptoms and we'll give you a realistic range before we ever come out. If it's something you can fix yourself, we'll tell you that too — it's how a family shop earns the next twenty years of your calls.