The answer to 'average cost for emergency HVAC service' is that pricing can vary widely depending on your location, the type of issue, and the complexity of the repair. In general, emergency HVAC service calls can range from $150 to $500 or more. Factors that influence the cost include the time of day, day of the week, severity of the problem, and the experience level of the technician.
For example, an after-hours call on a holiday weekend for a major compressor failure will likely be on the higher end of that range, while a simple thermostat or filter issue during regular business hours may be closer to the lower end. It's essential to get local quotes from reputable HVAC companies to understand the specific costs in your area.