How much to change a ac compressor

Highlights

AC compressors cost $1,200 on average.
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Cost factors include compressor type, size, labor, and whether or not there’s an active warranty.
Though you can save money by installing a compressor yourself, it’s a heavy, complex job.
Save on costs by choosing a generic brand and comparing installation costs.

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It’s the ultimate heatwave nightmare: It’s scorching hot outside, but your AC unit keeps running and running without cooling your house down—yikes. You’ve called in a local HVAC repair pro, and they’ve told you it’s time to replace your air conditioner compressor. The good news is that you’re one step closer to a cool and comfortable home.

You’ll pay an average of $1,200 to replace an AC compressor, but the cost tends to fall between $800 to $2,800, with some window unit compressors costing as little as $100.

What Does an AC Compressor Do?

Think of an AC compressor as a heart and the refrigerant as the blood in a cardiovascular system: The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant to remove the heat that it has pulled from the air, and then it pumps the refrigerant back through the system.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an AC Compressor?

An AC compressor costs between $100 to $2,800 if you look at all types of compressors, but most homeowners will find that it’s less money to buy an entirely new window unit rather than spend a near equal amount replacing the AC compressor.

Here’s a breakdown of the cost of an AC compressor by AC unit type:

AC Compressor Type	Cost
Central air	$800 – $2,800
Window unit	$100 – $200
Mini-split	$400 – $1,800

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an AC Compressor per Ton or BTU?

The cost per ton to replace an AC compressor varies based on the size of the compressor. Much like buying in bulk, a 5-ton compressor costs less per ton, at around $300 and $600 per ton, while a 1.5-ton compressor costs $500 to $1,000 per ton to replace.

AC Compressor Cost Breakdown

There are a few factors that can affect your AC compressor’s total cost. Here’s a breakdown of how much AC compressors cost by material type, labor, brand, warranty, and refrigerant.

Material Type

Again, the type of AC unit you have plays a major role in the cost of your AC compressor. The parts alone cost between $400 and $1,600 on average, with central air units costing between $800 to $2,800, compressors for mini-split units costing between $400 to $1,800, and window units costing between $100 to $200.

Labor

The labor for your project accounts for approximately half of the AC compressor replacement cost, spanning anywhere from $400 to $1,200. Prices vary depending on the extent of work required and any repairs needed to retrofit the new compressor.

Brand

Much like the classic plain white T-shirt, different AC compressor brands have different prices for similar products, with variations anywhere between $100 to $200.

While name brand doesn’t always mean a product is better, it’s a good idea to look at reviews before you buy to determine if you’re getting the best deal on the AC compressor. You can likely save a bit of money by going generic, but be sure to consult a pro to see if the compressor is best for your unit.

Warranty

If your old AC compressor still has a valid warranty, you might spend between $600 to $1,200 under warranty, but if the compressor you’re replacing has an expired warranty, expect to pay closer to $1,300 to $2,500.

Refrigerant

If you also need to add more refrigerant to your AC unit, tack on another $100 to $350.

BTU Rating

The average household has an AC system with BTUs ranging between 20,000 to 50,000. The higher the BTU, the more powerful the system. An AC compressor up to 10,000 BTU costs $300 to $570 on average, while a compressor between 41,000 and 50,000 BTU is $675 to $1,480.

BTU	Average Cost
0 – 10,000	$300 – $570
11,000 – 20,000	$325 – 1,000
21,000 – 30,000	$500 – $1,225
31,000 – 40,000	$600 – 1,320
41,000 – 50,000	$675 – $1,480
51,000 – 60,000	$810 – $1,420
61,000 – 70,000	$890 – $1,820
71,000 – 100,000	$1,490 – $2,600

Tonnage

The tonnage of an AC system is comparable to the BTU. For example, one ton is equal to 12,000 BTU. If you need to replace a 2-ton compressor, you can expect to pay $800 to $2,125. These costs include labor and parts. For a larger unit, like a 5-ton compressor, the costs will run $1,110 to $2,320.

Prices for Different Types of AC Compressors

There are five main types of AC compressors that are available on the market. If you can’t determine what type your old AC compressor is, you should be able to figure it out by researching the model number on the unit. You might also consider upgrading your compressor type depending on your needs.

Centrifugal Compressor

These compressors use centrifugal force to move the refrigerant around the rotors, which are called impellers. Larger HVAC systems can utilize centrifugal compressors. Their high-efficiency design comes with a higher price tag of $1,600 to $2,400.

Scroll Compressor

Scroll compressors are generally longer-lasting and quieter than reciprocating compressors because of their simpler design. They use one fixed scroll and one rotating scroll. The motor powers the scrolls and moves the refrigerant between the scrolls to the condenser. These compressors cost $500 to $1,500.

Reciprocating Compressor

Reciprocating compressors are the most commonly used type of compressor, although lately, rotary compressors are becoming more popular. Although they’re available at a good price point, they can be noisy and can create vibrations.

They’re available with one, two, four, and eight cylinders and use a piston to compress and move the refrigerant into the condenser. These cost $400 to $1,000.

Rotary Compressor

Rotary compressors are small and quiet and are used for smaller appliances like window ACs and fridge freezers. There are two main types of rotary compressors: one with rotating blades, and one with a blade that doesn't move with the shaft. These are the most affordable compressors available on this list, running from $50 to $100.

Screw Compressor

Screw compressors are for HVAC systems that are at least 20 tons. These compressors use two screws that move in a cylinder and require a special oil cooler. These cost $300 to $1,200.

Cost to Replace an AC Compressor Yourself

Photo: Visoot Uthairam / Moment / Getty Images

It will cost you between $400 and $1,600 to purchase the parts needed to replace the compressor yourself; however, replacing an AC compressor is a complex installation that is best left for the pros.

Cost to Install an AC Compressor Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor

Though you can save roughly $400 to $1,200 on labor by DIYing your AC compressor replacement, you should only do so if you have the necessary experience and tools to safely remove the old AC compressor and install the new one.

We don’t recommend taking on this project yourself, as an AC compressor is a heavy piece of equipment that requires multiple hands on deck and could pose a safety risk if you don’t know what you’re doing. Seriously, spend your Saturday doing something more fun. Instead, call an air conditioning repair company near you to replace your AC compressor safely.

How You Can Save Money on an AC Compressor

You can save money on an AC compressor by avoiding name-brand products when you can and shopping around for a qualified pro to do the installation for you. Be sure to reach out to multiple companies and ask for estimates to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all AC units are worth replacing the compressor. For older units or low-budget window units, it’s more cost-effective to go ahead and buy a new AC unit. Compressors are pricey, heavy, and require an installer to come in anyway, so often, you might as well invest in a quality AC unit.

Your AC compressor may have stopped working for a number of reasons, but two common reasons include too much and too little refrigerant.

While you’re busy swapping out that old compressor, now is a great time to have your furnace cleaned and serviced, especially if your home is older and your heating system is as old as your AC unit. Likewise, it’s a good idea to clean your air ducts to ensure air flows properly through the house.

You can expect an AC compressor to last 10 to 20 years, but it depends widely on how often you use your AC unit and how well you maintain your HVAC system. If you live in an area with very hot summers, your compressor may only last eight to 10 years. Meanwhile, if you live in a cooler state, your compressor may last 15 to 20 years.

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 replace a compressor AC?

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.

Why is it so expensive to replace AC compressor?

Why is a compressor so expensive to replace? Replacing a compressor is costly for two reasons: The part itself is expensive. The job is time-consuming (requires 4+ hours)

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.