Home AC Compressor CostA home AC compressor costs $600 to $1,200 to replace when under warranty or $1,300 to $2,500 when out of warranty. AC compressor prices are $400 to $1,300 itself, depending on the size, type, and brand. The labor cost to replace a home AC compressor is $600 to $1,200. Show
Replacing the whole AC unit or heat pump is sometimes more cost-effective than replacing a compressor out of warranty. Installing a new AC unit costs $3,300 to $5,900, while a new heat pump costs $3,800 to $8,200.
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Average Cost To Replace AC CompressorAverage Cost To Replace AC Compressor
*Based on 49 project costs reported by HomeGuide members and homeowners. Compare estimates from local AC repair pros. View Pros AC Compressor Replacement CostAC compressor replacement costs $1,650 on average with a typical range between $1,000 and $2,500. Compressor parts and installation labor each make up about 50% of the price. AC Compressor Replacement Cost
Labor Cost To Replace Home AC CompressorThe average labor cost to replace a home AC compressor is $600 to $1,200, regardless of compressor size. AC services cost $75 to $150 per hour for labor, depending on the region. Cost Factors To Replace Home AC CompressorTotal costs to replace an AC compressor depend on the AC unit size in tons, compressor type and brand, refrigerant type, and warranty coverage.
Return to Top AC Compressor Prices By SizeResidential air conditioner compressors cost $1,000 to $2,500 on average to install, depending on the size in tons. Replacing a 5-ton compressor costs $1,450 to $2,300 or about twice as much as a 2-ton unit. Labor costs the same regardless of size, but parts and refrigerant costs increase with size. AC Compressor Prices
*For both materials and labor. Find the right HVAC repair pro for your project. View Pros AC Compressor Size CalculatorA home AC compressor can only be replaced with a compressor of the same size. To determine what size AC compressor is needed:
When installing a new unit, the general rule is one ton of air conditioning capacity per 500 square feet or around 25 BTU's per square foot. Return to Top New AC Compressor Cost By TypeNew AC Compressor Cost
*Both materials and labor. Central Air vs. Window vs. Mini-Split AC Unit Compressor Cost
Heat Pump Compressor Replacement CostReplacing a heat pump compressor costs $1,000 to $2,500 on average for parts and installation labor. Heat pump compressors under warranty cost $600 to $1,200 to replace. Many heat pumps use the same type of compressor as an AC unit. Single-Stage vs. 2-Stage AC CompressorA single-stage AC compressor has one speed (full-capacity) and is the cheapest to install and repair. A two-stage AC compressor has two speeds (full-capacity and 60-70% capacity) and are more efficient, better at dehumidifying, and cost less to run, but are more expensive. Single-Stage vs. 2-Stage AC Compressor
AC units require the same type of compressor the unit was initially manufactured with when replacing.
AC Compressor TypesReciprocatingReciprocating compressors are highly efficient and are the most common type found in residential air conditioners. A reciprocating compressor has pistons that move up and down inside a cylinder, creating a vacuum effect that draws in the refrigerant and compresses it into vapor. ScrollScroll compressors are becoming more common for residential AC use due to their efficiency and high reliability. Scroll compressors contain a fixed center coil—known as the scroll—and a secondary coil that rotates around the first to push refrigerant toward the center and compress it. RotaryRotary compressors have a bladed shaft that rotates inside a cylinder, pulling the refrigerant in and compressing it into vapor. Rotary compressors are quiet and compact and are most often used in commercial locations like hospitals where noise is a concern. ScrewScrew compressors use two large spiral rotors to move refrigerant from the larger end of a cylinder to the smaller end, compressing the refrigerant into vapor as the space gets narrower. Screw compressors are incredibly efficient and reliable and are used in large commercial buildings. CentrifugalCentrifugal air conditioning compressors use centrifugal force to draw in the refrigerant and spin it rapidly to compress it. Centrifugal compressors are reserved for large commercial HVAC systems. Return to Top Home Air Conditioner Compressor Cost By BrandCentral air conditioner compressor costs also vary depending on the brand. AC units function most efficiently when paired with the same compressor brand the unit was manufactured with initially. Some AC units also work with compatible compressors from generic or partner brands. HVAC Compressor Cost By Brand
*Not including labor cost to install. Find a top-rated AC company near you. View Pros Window AC Unit Compressor Cost By Brand
*Not including labor cost to install. Return to Top AC Compressor Repair CostMost AC compressors cannot be repaired on-site and must be replaced. AC compressor repair costs $1,000 to $2,500 to install a new compressor, start capacitor, contactor, line filter-drier, and refill the refrigerant. General AC repairs cost $125 to $450 to fix. Cost To Fix AC Compressor
*Many companies deduct the service call fee from the repair cost when hiring them for the job. AC Compressor Hard Start KitAn AC compressor hard start kit costs $100 to $270, including installation, and may rescue a failing compressor or extend its lifespan. A hard start kit’s capacitor gives the compressor an extra boost on startup. An HVAC technician determines if an AC unit will benefit from a hard start kit. Residential AC Compressor Leak Repair CostAC compressor leak detection and repair costs $200 to $1,500, depending on the leak's severity, AC unit's age, and refrigerant type. Refilling the freon costs $100 to $600 more, depending on the unit's size and whether it uses R22 or R410a refrigerant. Consider replacing the entire unit or heat pump instead of repairing severe leaks. Return to Top DIY AC Compressor ReplacementDo not attempt AC compressor replacement as a DIY project. Replacing a compressor involves draining and refilling the refrigerant. It is illegal to handle refrigerant without a license and EPA-certified equipment. Hire a professional HVAC company for the job. Improper handling of AC refrigerant can result in criminal prosecution, prison time, and fines of $10,000 or more. Return to Top Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat Does An AC Compressor Do?The AC compressor is located in the outdoor unit and is responsible for circulating refrigerant through the system. The compressor changes the refrigerant to a liquid or gas as needed to propel it through the evaporator coil and condenser unit, removing hot air and sending cold air into the home. How Long Do AC Compressors Last?AC compressors last 10 to 20 years, depending on the home’s location. Air conditioner compressors last 15 to 20 years in the northern regions of the U.S. with proper maintenance. In the south, AC compressors last 8 to 10 years due to higher usage. How Long Do AC Compressors Last?
Routine maintenance, replacing the AC filter regularly, and keeping the outdoor unit clean and free of debris prolongs the compressor’s lifespan. What Are The Signs and Symptoms of a Bad AC Compressor?Here's how to tell if a home AC compressor is bad:
Many of these symptoms may also be due to failures in other parts of the AC unit. Have a qualified technician test and inspect the system for other problems before going forward with a costly compressor replacement. An AC inspection costs $70 to $150. Can An AC Compressor Be Repaired or Rebuilt?AC compressors are hermetically sealed and can’t be repaired or rebuilt on-site. Your options are to replace the AC compressor, replace the entire condensing unit, or replace the whole AC unit. The broken AC compressor is sent back to the manufacturer to be reconditioned and resold. Replacing the AC condenser costs $1,200 to $4,200. Should I Replace My Compressor or Whole AC Unit?Because compressor replacement is so expensive, sometimes it's more cost-effective to replace the whole AC unit instead. If the unit is still under warranty, most HVAC technicians recommend replacing the compressor. Consider replacing the whole AC unit if:
Before replacing the compressor or entire AC system, have a technician inspect the unit for other problems. Compressor failure symptoms often mimic the symptoms of other issues that cost less to repair. How Long Does It Take To Replace An AC Compressor?Replacing an AC compressor takes 4 to 6 hours on average. The refrigerant must be drained before the compressor is removed and then refilled after installing a new compressor. Jobs may take longer than one day if the technician does not have the correct parts in stock. Still have questions? Ask a AC repair pro. View Pros Return to Top Hiring An AC Compressor InstallerA licensed technician should handle AC compressor replacement. Before hiring an HVAC professional, be sure to:
Questions To Ask
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Is it worth replacing compressor on AC unit?The compressor is an expensive item to replace. Because dead compressors usually happen in old air conditioners, it's more cost-effective to start over with a new AC rather than pay to put a new compressor into a system that's already wasting power and a few years from the junk heap.
How much does it cost to change a compressor in an air conditioner?Generally, the cost of a home AC compressor is around $1,200. The cost to replace it ranges between $800 and $2,800. The labor and material make up around 50 percent of the final bill. The cost of its parts ranges from $450 to $1,500.
How long does it take to replace a compressor in an AC unit?It entails removing and disposing of any remaining refrigerant, disconnecting and removing the old compressor, installing the new one with proper fittings, and recharging with refrigerant. Add it all up and it typically takes four to six hours.
How long do air conditioner compressors last?The short answer is that your AC compressor and refrigerant should last about 12-15 years. Learning what crucial components, and how to maintain the compressor, can keep your AC running efficiently for its entire lifespan.
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