How A lot Does an AC Compressor Value? (2025)
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A failed AC compressor is likely one of the most costly AC repairs you’ll face. For a typical single-family dwelling with central air-con, changing simply the compressor prices between $1,500 and $3,000, together with components and labor.
We’ve analyzed latest price knowledge from HVAC suppliers and interviewed skilled HVAC contractors to give you correct pricing.
Nonetheless, the value will fluctuate based mostly in your AC unit’s age, measurement, and whether or not you’ve got a guaranty. In case your AC compressor stops working, you’ll discover your own home isn’t cooling correctly—or in any respect. This information will assist you to perceive your choices, together with when it makes extra sense to switch your whole AC system versus simply the compressor.
HVAC Set up
On the whole, you possibly can anticipate to pay between $5,540 and $10,980 for an HVAC unit, set up prices, and elimination of your previous unit.
Furnace Substitute
On the whole, you possibly can anticipate to pay between $4,000 and $7,000, together with set up, previous furnace elimination, and labor.
Warmth Pump Set up
On the whole, you possibly can anticipate to pay between $3,000 and $35,000, however most householders spend between $5,800 and $7,500.
Common Value To Exchange an AC Compressor
Our analysis discovered that on common, changing an AC compressor prices $2,000. This consists of the compressor and the labor required to put in it. A number of components impression the overall price, together with the kind of air conditioner, your own home’s measurement, and your guarantee protection.
| Low AC Compressor Value | Common AC Compressor Value | Excessive AC Compressor Value |
| $500 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
AC Compressor Varieties, Prices, and Frequent Manufacturers
It’s vital to notice you can’t merely select which kind of compressor to put in when changing a failed one—your AC system is designed to work with a particular compressor sort. Right here’s what you must know in regards to the totally different compressor sorts and which manufacturers use them:
Single-Stage Compressors ($500–$1,500)
Single-stage compressors are discovered in lots of fundamental and budget-friendly AC models. “These are the most typical sort we see in properties constructed earlier than 2015,” says Tom Martinez, HVAC technician. “They’re easy and dependable, however not as environment friendly as newer applied sciences.”
Manufacturers generally utilizing single-stage compressors:
- Goodman (most fashions below $4,000)
- York (fundamental fashions)
- Amana (entry-level models)
- Coleman (commonplace effectivity fashions)
Two-Stage Compressors ($1,000–$2,500)
Two-stage compressors characterize a candy spot between effectivity and value. They’re changing into the usual in mid-range models, particularly in variable local weather areas.
Manufacturers that includes two-stage compressors:
- Provider (Efficiency sequence)
- Trane (XL sequence)
- American Commonplace (Gold sequence)
- Lennox (Elite sequence)
Variable-Velocity Compressors ($2,000–$3,500)
These are essentially the most superior compressors, discovered primarily in premium AC methods. Variable-speed expertise is the gold commonplace for effectivity, however it comes at a value.
Manufacturers utilizing variable-speed compressors:
- Daikin (VRV methods)
- Provider (Infinity sequence)
- Lennox (Signature sequence)
- Trane (XV sequence)
Associated: How A lot Does an AC Capacitator Value?
How Does Compressor Measurement Have an effect on AC Compressor Pricing?
Air conditioner measurement is a vital issue to contemplate. Usually, the bigger your own home, the bigger your AC compressor must be. Usually, it takes about 20 British thermal models (BTUs) to chill 1 sq. foot. So in case you have 2,000 sq. toes of residing house, you’d want about 40,000 BTUs to successfully cool that space.
For example, a 2-ton AC compressor that can cool a 1,000-square-foot dwelling may cost you between $1,000 and $1,500 to switch, however you can spend between $2,000 and $3,000 for a 5-ton compressor that may cool your 3,000-square-foot dwelling.
| Dwelling Measurement | Typical Value Vary | Frequent Compressor Measurement |
| 600-1,000 sq ft | $700 – $1,500 | 1.5 – 2 ton |
| 1,000-1,500 sq ft | $1,000 – $1,800 | 2 – 2.5 ton |
| 1,500-2,000 sq ft | $1,200 – $2,200 | 2.5 – 3 ton |
| 2,000-2,500 sq ft | $1,500 – $2,700 | 3 – 3.5 ton |
| 2,500-3,000 sq ft | $1,700 – $3,000 | 4 – 5 ton |
Which Elements Influence AC Compressor Value Estimates?
A brand new AC compressor prices between $150 and $3,000. Most of this large span depends upon AC compressor measurement, however a number of different components can improve your complete price in case you aren’t cautious. As you collect quotes, take note of these components, and it can save you essentially the most cash in your new compressor:
- Air conditioner sort
- Compressor model
- Guarantee
- Extra prices
Air Conditioner Kind
In case you can’t determine whether or not to switch your air conditioner or simply your compressor, contemplate what sort of air conditioner you’ve got. On common, dwelling AC compressors for central air conditioners and warmth pumps are the costliest, whereas mini-split and window air conditioners are the least costly.
| Kind of Air Conditioner | Low Value | Excessive Value |
| Window Unit | $150 | $700 |
| Mini-Cut up | $600 | $2,200 |
| Central Air | $800 | $2,700 |
| Warmth Pump | $800 | $3,000 |
- Window AC: Compressors for window AC models price between $150 and $700. This price is sort of equal to the value of a totally new window air conditioner. We suggest you purchase a brand new AC unit in case your window AC compressor fails.
- Mini-split: To switch a mini-split air conditioner compressor, the labor and components price between $600 and $2,200. When you have a number of zones or bigger models, changing your mini-split as an alternative of solely the compressor could also be extra price it.
- Central air: Central AC is the most typical sort of air conditioner, however that doesn’t make the compressor value any inexpensive. Central air system set up prices between $3,080 and $5,965. You possibly can anticipate to pay between $800 and $2,700 to switch your central AC compressor or about 25% to 45% of the overall system price. Changing your compressor could also be an inexpensive stopgap.
- Warmth pump: For a warmth pump, AC compressor alternative prices between $800 and $3,000 on common. As a result of these air-con methods are the costliest to put in, it’s price it to switch the compressor.
Wish to know the way a lot cash you can save with the appropriate window air conditioner? Try this podcast phase:
Guarantee
Once you buy a brand new air conditioner, it comes with a restricted components or producer guarantee that usually covers the price of a alternative AC compressor. Most warranties are 5 or 10 years, so in case your compressor breaks throughout this era, you must contact the producer as a result of it could possibly prevent tons of (if not hundreds) of {dollars}.
The one draw back is that these warranties don’t often cowl labor prices except the compressor broke as a result of producer defects, so you’ll nonetheless must pay $300 to $600 to have the brand new compressor put in.
In case you don’t have a producer guarantee, shopping for one of many high dwelling warranties to your air conditioner is one other means to save cash. Though you’ll pay a month-to-month premium between $45 and $65, most dwelling guarantee corporations will cowl the labor and components to repair the compressor and even the price of changing your condensing unit. A house guarantee is the way in which to go if you wish to lower your expenses.
Extra Prices
The price of your new air conditioner compressor is commonly extra than simply the compressor itself. Incessantly, you’ll pay extra for labor and different small duties throughout this alternative. A few of the commonest further prices embody:
- Labor prices: Most AC compressor replacements take about 4 hours to finish, however chances are you’ll pay extra labor prices in case you have a fancy restore job. Labor prices fluctuate from state to state and even from one ZIP code to the subsequent, so estimating your actual labor price is tough. Usually, you possibly can anticipate to pay a minimal of $75 to $150 per hour or $150 to $600 complete.
- Refrigerant: HVAC technicians typically refill your refrigerant or Freon once they restore your AC system. You possibly can anticipate to pay between $100 and $350 for a refrigerant refill.
- Repairs: In case you can restore your compressor as an alternative of a full alternative, it can save you tons of of {dollars}. AC compressor restore prices between $75 to $300 in labor.
- Thermostat: A brand new programmable thermostat may help you lower your expenses on vitality prices and make your own home extra vitality environment friendly. For a brand new thermostat, you’ll pay between $100 and $300 on common.
Associated: What’s Compressor Oil?
Ought to You Exchange Simply the Compressor or Get a New AC System?
When your AC compressor fails, you’re dealing with an enormous resolution. Based mostly on our analysis and conversations with HVAC professionals, right here’s what sometimes makes essentially the most sense:
Exchange simply the compressor if:
- Your AC unit is lower than 7 years previous
- The compressor remains to be below guarantee (most producers supply 10-year components warranties)
- The remainder of your system is in good situation and well-maintained
- You’ve got a more moderen, energy-efficient system
Get a brand new AC system if:
- Your AC is over 10 years previous
- The compressor isn’t below guarantee anymore
- You’re dealing with excessive vitality payments from an inefficient system
- You’ve had different latest repairs
“When a compressor fails on an older unit, changing the complete system nearly at all times makes extra monetary sense,” says Mike Rodriguez, an HVAC contractor with 20 years of expertise. “The compressor alone can price as much as $2,500, whereas a brand new energy-efficient system would possibly run $3,500 to $5,500. The minimal value distinction typically justifies the improve.”
Labor prices play an enormous function on this resolution too. Putting in a brand new compressor takes 4-6 hours of expert labor, and also you’ll nonetheless have an older system with different growing older parts. An entire system alternative would possibly take longer however offers you all new components and a recent guarantee.
Skilled Vs. DIY AC Compressor Set up
Air conditioners are complicated methods, so you possibly can’t simply take away the previous compressor and bolt in a brand new one. Not solely do it’s a must to flush out the previous system, however you additionally should know learn how to deal with refrigerant, use the appropriate sort of oil, stop particles from blocking the compressor, and far more. Putting in an AC compressor may be very complicated—and, due to this fact, greatest left to the professionals.
Doing AC Compressor Set up Your self
AC compressor set up isn’t an excellent DIY venture, so that you shouldn’t attempt to set up this half your self. In case you do, chances are you’ll not set up it correctly, which may additional hurt your whole air-con system.
There are a number of advantages of working with an HVAC professional, particularly if you wish to depend on guarantee protection ought to one thing go awry:
- You’ll get a workmanship guarantee to cowl any issues with the set up.
- You’ll have producer guarantee protection as a result of your compressor is put in accurately.
- You’ll know that your compressor must be changed and never repaired.
- You’ll have an HVAC firm that may come to your own home and is aware of your system.
- You will get common HVAC tune-ups and upkeep performed.
Hiring a Skilled for AC Compressor Set up
As a result of AC compressor alternative isn’t the best DIY venture, you must rent knowledgeable HVAC installer to do the job. Comply with these easy steps to attach with the most effective HVAC contractors in your space and have your AC compressor put in shortly:
- Discover native specialists close to you: Use the button beneath to be related to the most effective HVAC technicians in your space.
- Get a quote from just a few choices: As a result of labor prices and model prices fluctuate so wildly, you must at all times collect no less than two totally different quotes to check the fee and varieties of compressors.
- Seek the advice of them about their suggestions: Ask the HVAC technician in the event that they consider you must exchange your air conditioner, exchange the compressor, or if HVAC repairs would do the job.
- Select a quote: Together with your price range and desires in thoughts, select the estimate that makes essentially the most sense to your dwelling.
- Set up your AC compressor: Work along with your HVAC technician to schedule the most effective time to switch your compressor in order that your air-con unit is up and operating as quickly as potential.
Our Advice on AC Compressor Substitute Prices
The AC compressor is the center of your air conditioner and probably the most vital components liable for cooling your own home. When this vital half breaks down, you need it fastened instantly.
An AC compressor prices between $150 and $3,000 to switch. This complete price depends upon the kind of compressor, model, measurement of your own home, and labor prices. You need to thoughtfully contemplate whether or not it’s price changing the AC compressor — generally, it’s solely price getting a brand new AC compressor if it’s nonetheless below guarantee. If it’s a must to pay for a brand new compressor out of your pocket, you would possibly as effectively purchase a brand new air conditioner — as a result of it received’t be far more costly.
FAQs About AC Compressor Value
Why is it so costly to switch an AC compressor?
An AC compressor is pricey to switch as a result of it takes no less than 4 hours to finish, and alternative components are among the many most costly components of the air conditioner. In lots of circumstances, changing the complete air-con system is less expensive than simply the compressor.
How lengthy does an AC compressor final?
A well-maintained compressor sometimes lasts 10-15 years, which is about the identical lifespan as your AC unit itself. Nonetheless, a number of components can shorten its life, together with electrical storms, poor upkeep, frequent quick biking, or working with incorrect refrigerant ranges.
In areas with excessive warmth or the place AC methods run nearly year-round, compressors would possibly want alternative sooner.
How do I do know if my AC compressor is dangerous?
Warning indicators of a failing compressor embody uncommon noises (significantly grinding or squealing), heat air coming out of your vents, frequent circuit breaker journeys, or your system struggling to start out up. In case you discover any of those indicators, having an HVAC skilled examine your system early can generally stop full compressor failure or assist you to plan forward for the eventual alternative.
Common upkeep performs an enormous function in compressor longevity. Easy steps like maintaining the out of doors unit clear, making certain correct airflow, and scheduling annual skilled upkeep can add years to your compressor’s life.
Is all of it proper to simply exchange the AC compressor?
Changing the compressor and never the complete air-con system is completely OK. Changing the AC compressor is much like changing the engine in a automobile — so you are able to do it, however it may be costly if the compressor is not below guarantee.
What are the advantages of changing an AC compressor?
If a producer’s guarantee nonetheless covers your air conditioner and parts — or in case you have a house guarantee plan protecting your AC compressor — then it’s price changing solely the AC compressor since you received’t have to purchase a completely new out of doors unit. This new AC compressor will lower your expenses and funky your own home extra effectively.
