

Understanding your air conditioning is essential if you want to properly maintain it and identify issues as they happen. But although nearly everyone depends on their smooth operation through the season, there aren’t many people who know what goes on behind the scenes. In this case, you may be better off replacing the whole unit.Summers feel more intense each year, so it’s no surprise that 90% of Americans lean on air conditioners to help them survive the heat. Since the whole system is older, there are likely other parts about to fail and need expensive repairs. It’s usually not worth replacing the compressor on an AC unit that is more than a decade old. Is it worth replacing the compressor on an AC unit? Significantly reduced or weak airflow often points to the compressor.Making loud and unusual noises like clattering, screeching, rattling, growling, or clunking.How do I know if my air conditioner needs a new compressor?Ī failing AC compressor will display obvious signs of breakdown, such as these: Generally, the harder you run your AC system, the shorter the lifespan of parts such as the compressor. In general, a compressor will last between seven and 18 years. If the compressor isn’t working properly, the refrigerant can’t move through the system. From there, the refrigerant flows into the condenser in the outdoor unit of the system, where it can cool back into a liquid.Next, the compressor squeezes this gas until it increases in both pressure and heat.The refrigerant flows through the evaporator coil, where it absorbs heat from the surrounding air and turns from a liquid into a gas.As the temperature rises, the refrigerant is converted into a high-pressure gas. Additionally, if you need a refill or recharge on refrigerant like Freon at the same time as a compressor replacement, you’ll pay an extra $100–$300.Īn AC compressor raises the refrigerant’s temperature by compressing it. If you live somewhere with a high cost of living, you’ll usually pay a bit more per hour in labor costs. Other CostsĪlong with the above factors, a few other factors can affect how much you’ll pay for compressor replacement. Thankfully, this can often cut the total cost in half. Manufacturer warranty coverage usually lasts five to 10 years and applies to parts only, not labor. HVAC manufacturers usually offer limited warranties on air conditioner parts, including compressors. Warrantyīecause compressors are such vital parts of air conditioning systems, most come with warranties. For smaller jobs, HVAC contractors tend to charge between $75 and $150 per hour, based on their experience level and the complexity of the job. In the case of a compressor replacement, that’s usually between $400 and $1,200.
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Single-stage compressors run on an all-or-nothing basis, running at full capacity until the air temperature matches the temperature on the thermostat. When you replace the compressor, you’ll need to use a model of the same type. Residential air conditioners have either single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed compressors.

You’ll also need to pay for any necessary parts. For compressors that can be repaired, most technicians charge between $100 and $150 per hour for labor. Most of the time, if they’re broken, they must be completely replaced. Unfortunately, bad AC compressors can rarely be repaired on-site. Repairing or replacing your AC compressor may include these elements: Aside from the size of the unit, the variation in AC compressor replacement costs can be explained by a few other factors.
