Fairway repairs central air conditioners and heat pumps across the Des Moines metro, any hour. The service call is $89, and most AC repairs run $150 to $700 at a flat rate you see first.
On a 95-degree July day an AC outage is a health risk, so calls from homes with infants or older family go first.
We repair and replace central air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits in homes and small offices. We do not service window units, commercial rooftop units or chillers.
AC not cooling? Check these first
A few causes take two minutes to rule out, and they're worth checking before a service call.
- The thermostat. Set to cool, set below room temperature, fan on auto.
- The filter. A clogged filter can freeze the coil. If the filter is gray, swap it and wait an hour.
- The outdoor breaker. There's a shutoff box on the wall by the outdoor unit and a breaker in the panel. Reset the breaker once.
- Ice on the lines. Turn the AC off and the fan on to thaw it, then call. Running it frozen can ruin the compressor.
AC repair
Most AC failures come down to a few parts. The technician shows you which one and the price before replacing it.
- Capacitors and contactors. The most common summer failure. Most fixes run $150 to $300.
- Refrigerant leaks. We find the leak before adding refrigerant. Topping up a leaking system just delays the next call.
- Fan motors. Outdoor fan not spinning. $350 to $700.
- Frozen coils. Usually airflow: a filter, a blower, or a dirty coil.
AC replacement
Past 15 years, with a refrigerant leak or a failed compressor, replacing often costs less over five years than repairing. We show you both.
- Written options. Usually two or three, with the yearly electric cost for each.
- Installed in a day. Most replacements are in and cooling by evening.
- Matched to the furnace. We check that the new AC and your furnace's blower work together.
A spring tune-up catches most of these early. It comes with the Comfort Club plan.
How an AC call works
Most AC calls are fixed on the first visit, because the trucks carry capacitors, contactors and fan motors.
- 1You call. A dispatcher answers and gives you an arrival window.
- 2The technician diagnoses. Pressures, electrical and airflow, usually in 30 minutes.
- 3You see the price. A flat rate for the whole repair, before work starts.
- 4It's fixed. With a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What AC repair costs in Des Moines
The service call and after-hours fee are fixed. Repairs are a flat rate quoted after diagnosis.
- Service callAny hour
- $89
- Nights
- +$75
- Typical AC repairCapacitors, contactors, fan motors
- $150 to $700
- New central ACTypical Des Moines home, 2.5 to 4 tons
- $5,500 to $9,500
What moves the number most:
- The part. A capacitor costs far less than a compressor.
- Refrigerant type. Older systems use refrigerant that now costs much more per pound.
- System size and efficiency. Bigger and higher-efficiency systems cost more up front and less each summer.
The price you approve is the price you pay, whatever time of day we come.
Why homeowners choose Fairway Heating & Plumbing
A person answers in a heat wave.
Every call, every hour, all summer.
The price comes first.
Flat rate on the tablet before any work starts.
Leaks found, not topped up.
We fix the cause instead of selling refrigerant every summer.
Warranty in writing.
One year on every repair.
Air Conditioning questions we get asked
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
The most common causes are a failed capacitor, a frozen coil from poor airflow, or low refrigerant from a leak. Check the filter and thermostat first. If the outdoor fan isn't spinning or there's ice on the lines, turn the system off and call. Most repairs cost $150 to $700.
How much does a new AC cost in Des Moines?
Most central air replacements in Des Moines homes run $5,500 to $9,500 installed. Size, efficiency and any ductwork or electrical changes move the price most. The estimate is free and written.
Should I repair or replace a 15-year-old AC?
If the repair is a capacitor or contactor, repair it. If it's a compressor or a refrigerant leak on a system past 15 years, replacing usually costs less over five years. We show you both numbers and let you decide.
Do you charge extra on weekends?
Yes, $75 on top of the $89 service call for nights, weekends and holidays. The repair itself costs the same flat rate any time.
Areas we serve
- Des Moines, IA
- West Des Moines, IA
- Ankeny, IA
- Urbandale, IA
- Johnston, IA
- Clive, IA
- Waukee, IA
- Altoona, IA
- Pleasant Hill, IA
- Norwalk, IA
Updated October 2026