If you are Googling this, you are probably in one of two situations.
One, something has stopped working. The house is hot, the air is stale, the unit is making that noise it definitely was not making yesterday. Or two, you are doing the “adult” thing and planning ahead. Maybe a new system, maybe a renovation, maybe you are comparing quotes before you commit.
Either way, the honest answer is… HVAC contractor cost in Melbourne depends. And yes, I know that sounds like a cop out. But Melbourne is one of those places where the details actually matter. Your home size, duct condition, access, brand choice, permits, and how well the job is scoped. All of that shifts the number.
Related: Use our free HVAC cost calculator to get an instant estimate for your Melbourne, FL home.
So let’s make this practical. Below is what people usually pay, what’s included, what changes the price, and how to avoid the classic “cheap quote that gets expensive later” situation.
First, which Melbourne are we talking about?
Melbourne exists in Australia, and it also exists in Florida.
The pricing, standards, labor rates, and even what people mean by “HVAC” can be very different between the two. The background you shared points to Melbourne in Brevard County, Florida. Family owned contractor, licensed and insured, serving residential, commercial, industrial. That fits the Florida Melbourne.
So, this article is written for Melbourne, Florida and the Space Coast area. Hot, humid climate, long cooling season, lots of heat pump systems, salt air near the coast, and plenty of older ductwork in certain neighborhoods.
If you meant Melbourne, Australia, tell me and I’ll adjust. The numbers will not translate cleanly.
Typical HVAC contractor costs in Melbourne, Florida (realistic ranges)
Here are the ranges homeowners and property managers usually see in Melbourne for common HVAC work. These are broad on purpose. A good contractor will tighten it after an on-site inspection.
Choosing the Right HVAC Contractor
When it comes to choosing the right HVAC contractor for your needs, it’s crucial to consider several factors. A reputable contractor will provide a detailed estimate after inspecting your system, which can help narrow down the cost ranges outlined below.
HVAC service call and diagnostics
$90 to $200 for a service call or diagnostic fee is common.
This usually covers:
- Showing up, inspecting the system
- Basic testing
- A clear explanation of what failed and what it costs to fix
Sometimes the diagnostic fee is waived if you approve the repair. Sometimes it is not. Ask before they roll a truck.
Common HVAC repairs
Repairs vary because HVAC is basically a bunch of expensive parts hiding inside a metal box, plus labor, plus the reality that it is 95 degrees outside.
Typical ranges:
- Capacitor replacement: $150 to $400
- Contactor replacement: $150 to $350
- Thermostat replacement (basic to smart): $200 to 750 (for more complex installations consider commercial thermostat sensor troubleshooting)
- Blower motor repair or replacement: $450 to $1,500+
- Condensate drain line clearing: $150 to $450
- Refrigerant leak search and repair: $500 to $2,500+
- Refrigerant recharge (if appropriate): $250 to $900+
- Compressor replacement: $1,800 to $4,500+ (and at that point, many people consider full replacement)
For businesses, commercial HVAC services such as air conditioning system repairs or chiller boiler repairs might be necessary.
A quick note about refrigerant. Older systems may use R 22, which is phased out and expensive. Even if you can still find it, it tends to push repair costs up fast. It is one of the reasons an “old system repair” quote can feel brutal.
Preventative maintenance (tune ups)
$120 to $300 per visit is typical for a single residential system. Maintenance plans might run $200 to $600 per year, often including 1 to 2 visits, priority scheduling, and small discounts on repairs. The value is not magical. The value is catching issues before you lose cooling on the hottest weekend in July.
Duct cleaning, duct repair, duct replacement
This category is all over the map because ductwork condition is all over the map.
- Duct cleaning: $300 to $900+ (depends on home size and return count)
- Minor duct sealing or repairs: $300 to $1,500
- Full duct replacement (typical house): $3,000 to $10,000+
In Melbourne, duct issues are common because humidity is relentless. If duct insulation is damaged, if there are leaks, or if returns are undersized, the system can run longer, feel clammy, and cost more to operate.
Full HVAC system replacement (most common big ticket job)
For a typical residential replacement in Melbourne, you’ll usually see:
- Basic change out (same size, minimal duct work): $6,000 to $12,000
- Higher efficiency system or more complex install: $10,000 to $18,000+
- Zoned systems, major duct modifications, or premium equipment: $15,000 to $25,000+
That includes equipment and labor. It may or may not include ductwork changes, electrical upgrades, permits, thermostat upgrades, crane costs (rare in residential, more common in commercial), or indoor air quality add ons.
For comprehensive solutions related to HVAC services, including cooling services and heating services, it’s essential to consider professional help. This could range from regular maintenance such as tune-ups to more extensive furnace installation and repair.
New install (no existing HVAC, or major remodel)
If you are adding HVAC to a space that did not have it, costs rise because now you need design, duct routing, possibly electrical changes, sometimes structural work. Ductwork design and installation becomes essential in such cases.
Typical range:
- $12,000 to $25,000+ depending on the building and scope
Commercial HVAC work
Commercial pricing is harder to summarize because tonnage, roof access, curb adapters, crane, and downtime planning can change everything. For instance, commercial rooftop unit installation can vary significantly in price.
But rough ranges you may see:
- Commercial service call: $150 to $350+
- RTU (rooftop unit) repairs: $500 to $5,000+
- RTU replacement: $8,000 to $30,000+ per unit, depending on tonnage and roof logistics
- Large industrial or custom mechanical work: priced by engineered scope, often five to six figures
If you manage a facility, you already know the real cost is not just the equipment. It is the planning and execution. Safety, site rules, scheduling, and making sure the system does what it’s supposed to do after commissioning.
What actually drives HVAC contractor pricing in Melbourne?
This is the part most quote guides skip. The price is not random. It is mostly a combination of scope clarity and job complexity.
1. System size and load calculation
If someone sizes your system based on “what you had before” without checking the load, you can end up with short cycling, humidity issues, or a unit that runs constantly.
Proper load calculations and duct evaluation can add time upfront. But they often save money long term.
2. Choosing the right installation type
The type of installation also plays a significant role in cost. For example, opting for a commercial split system installation could be more beneficial in certain scenarios compared to other types of installations.
2. Ductwork condition
Old, leaky, undersized, or poorly designed ductwork can make a brand new system feel “meh.” Contractors may recommend repairs or replacement. That adds cost, but it can also be the difference between “cold air” and “comfortable house.”
3. Accessibility and install difficulty
Attic installs in Florida are not fun. Tight access, low clearance, heat, insulation, sometimes questionable platforms. Labor goes up when the job is physically harder and riskier.
4. Permits and code compliance
Permitted work costs more. But it also protects you.
If a contractor is cutting corners on permits, you may save upfront and pay later. Especially when you sell the home, file an insurance claim, or discover the work was not to code.
5. Equipment efficiency and features
Higher SEER2 rated systems, variable speed air handlers, better humidity control, communicating thermostats. They cost more, but they can improve comfort a lot in Melbourne’s climate.
You do not always need top of the line. But if you have humidity issues, allergies, or inconsistent temperatures, the “features” are sometimes the fix.
6. Refrigerant type and system age
Older refrigerants can inflate repair cost. And older systems sometimes lead to the “one repair after another” spiral. There is a point where replacement is simply the cleaner decision.
7. Time of year and scheduling
Peak season is peak season. When everyone’s system fails at once, availability tightens. After hours calls cost more. Emergency service costs more. That is normal.
Cost of AC Installation
When considering all these factors, it’s crucial to understand how they influence the overall price of your HVAC project. For a detailed breakdown of what to expect regarding costs in your area, refer to this comprehensive 2025 price guide for AC installation.
Why two quotes can be wildly different (and both look legitimate)
You might get one quote for $7,800 and another for $13,900 and think someone is trying to rip you off.
Sometimes, yes. But often it is scope.
One quote may include permits, proper refrigerant line set replacement, new float switches and drain safeties, duct sealing, new return sizing, startup commissioning and static pressure checks, plus disposal, cleanup, and warranty registration.
The other quote might be a “swap the box” price. Quick change out, minimal testing, reuse old parts, skip duct issues, and move on.
The cheaper one can be fine if your existing setup is solid. But if the duct system is weak or the drain is a mess or the return is undersized, you will feel it later. Higher bills, humidity, breakdowns.
A quick way to estimate your HVAC replacement cost
Not perfect, but helpful.
Find your system tonnage (often on the outdoor unit label, or in your paperwork). Common homes are 2 to 5 tons.
Start with a baseline per ton installed in Melbourne: roughly $2,500 to $4,500 per ton for many residential replacements.
Add adjustments for these common factors:
- Duct modifications: +$1,000 to $10,000
- Electrical upgrades: +$300 to $2,000+
- Add air quality equipment (UV, filtration, dehumidification): +$500 to $3,500+
- Tight attic access or complex routing: +$500 to $2,500+
Again, a real contractor will tighten the number fast once they see the job.
What you should ask an HVAC contractor before you accept a quote
If you want to keep this simple, ask these questions. The answers tell you a lot about workmanship and what is included.
- Is the quote permitted and code compliant?
- Are you licensed and insured, and can you provide proof?
- What exactly is included in the scope? Line set, drain safety, pad, whip, disconnect, thermostat, duct transitions?
- Will you perform a load calculation, or at least verify sizing and airflow?
- How do you handle job site safety?
- Who is actually doing the work? Employees or subcontractors?
- What commissioning steps do you perform at startup? Static pressure, superheat/subcooling, temperature split, airflow checks?
- What warranties apply, and what voids them?
- What does the cleanup look like? Old equipment disposal?
- What happens if you find a problem mid job? How are change orders handled?
Contractors who are serious about craftsmanship usually have clear answers here. Not perfect scripted answers. Just clear.
About contractors that prioritize safety and workmanship (why it shows up in the price)
You mentioned some context that matters a lot, especially if you are comparing companies.
A family owned, licensed and insured mechanical contractor that emphasizes job site safety, is known for excellent craftsmanship, and has a strong field team. Plus a front office with deep mechanical construction experience. That kind of operation usually does not aim to be the cheapest quote on the page.
And that is not a bad thing.
Because what you are paying for, beyond the equipment, is:
- A crew that installs systems the right way, not the fastest way
- Safer work practices, which matters in attics, on roofs, and on active job sites
- Better planning and communication (the “front office experience” piece is real)
- A long term relationship, meaning they intend to answer the phone later, not disappear after install day
On residential jobs, that can look like cleaner installs, better airflow, fewer callbacks. On commercial and industrial jobs, it can mean fewer surprises, better scheduling, and fewer safety issues. Which is money, honestly.
So what should you budget?
If you want a simple budget range for Melbourne, Florida:
- Minor repair: $150 to $600
- Mid level repair: $600 to $2,500
- Maintenance: $120 to $300 per visit (consider our HVAC maintenance services for optimal results)
- Duct repair: $300 to $1,500 (replacement much more)
- Full residential system replacement: $6,000 to $18,000+ (most fall in the middle)
- Commercial work: varies widely, often $150 service calls up to five figures for unit replacements
If you tell a contractor your budget, a good one will usually work backwards and give you options. Like, here’s the basic single stage system. Here’s the better humidity control setup. Here’s what changes if we fix the ducts.
Final thought (because people forget this)
In Melbourne, HVAC is not a luxury. It is a health and comfort system. Humidity control is half the battle. And the quality of the install matters as much as the brand on the sticker.
If you are collecting quotes, try to compare apples to apples. Same scope, same permit plan, same duct assumptions. Then pick the contractor you trust to still be there in five years. That is usually the one worth paying for.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What factors influence HVAC contractor costs in Melbourne, Florida?
HVAC contractor costs in Melbourne, Florida depend on several details including your home size, duct condition, system access, brand choice, permits required, and how well the job is scoped. These variables can significantly shift pricing.
How much does a typical HVAC service call or diagnostic cost in Melbourne, Florida?
A service call or diagnostic fee usually ranges from $90 to $200. This fee covers the technician’s visit, basic system testing, and a clear explanation of any issues found along with repair cost estimates. Sometimes this fee is waived if you approve repairs.
What are common HVAC repair costs homeowners can expect in Melbourne, Florida?
Typical repair costs vary: capacitor replacement ($150-$400), contactor replacement ($150-$350), thermostat replacement ($200-$750), blower motor repair or replacement ($450-$1,500+), condensate drain line clearing ($150-$450), refrigerant leak search and repair ($500-$2,500+), refrigerant recharge ($250-$900+), and compressor replacement ($1,800-$4,500+). Older systems using R-22 refrigerant may incur higher costs.
How much does preventative HVAC maintenance cost in Melbourne, Florida?
Preventative maintenance or tune-ups typically cost between $120 and $300 per visit for a single residential system. Maintenance plans often range from $200 to $600 annually and may include multiple visits, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs.
What are typical costs for duct cleaning and ductwork repairs in Melbourne?
Duct cleaning generally costs between $300 and $900+, depending on home size and return count. Minor duct sealing or repairs range from $300 to $1,500. Full duct replacement for a typical house can cost between $3,000 and $10,000+. Duct issues are common due to humidity affecting insulation and leaks.
What is the price range for full HVAC system replacement in Melbourne, Florida?
A basic change-out with minimal duct work usually costs between $6,000 and $12,000. Higher efficiency systems or more complex installations can range from $10,000 to over $18,000. Zoned systems or major duct modifications will typically be at the higher end of that scale.