The air conditioner is one of the most important household appliances. When it breaks down, the quality of life suffers tremendously. That’s why it’s important to take care of the a/c and stick to the maintenance schedule.
If your air conditioner breaks down, the problem could be a damaged compressor. Replacing it can bring your appliance back to life and allow it to serve for as long as 20 years. How much does it cost to replace a broken compressor? It depends on a variety of factors.
Let’s take a closer look at the key factors that affect a/c compressor replacement.
1. Type of Compressor
Hardly all compressors are created equal. Different types of a/c compressors exist, including:
Reciprocating AC Compressor
· Scroll AC Compressor
· Screw AC Compressor
· Centrifugal AC Compressor
· Rotary AC Compressor
The cost of replacement depends on what type of compressor is inside your a/c. If you don’t know your compressor type, you can either find this information in the manual or search for it online.
More often than not, homeowners learn this information after inviting a technician. If the compressor is broken, don’t try to fix it on your own. Consider asking for professional advice. Otherwise, you may cause further damage to your appliance.
2. Brand
Just like air conditioners, the price of their spare parts depends on the brand. While you can choose a compressor from a brand, which is different from your a/c brand, according to ac repair technicians from Hartman, it’s better to work with the same manufacturer.
Even though it may seem a great way to save money, buying a compressor from a different brand may result in a compatibility issue. An experienced technician can explain which brands work well with each other.
In most cases, appliance repair experts will buy the compressor on their own. These companies usually have contracts with spare parts providers, which makes it cheaper to obtain compressors through them.
3. Refrigerant
After the technician replaces the compressor, they will refill the refrigerant. This will add to the final cost of a/c compressor replacement.
The cost of the refill depends on the type of refrigerant your air conditioner needs. According to HomeGuide, the cost breakdown looks like this:
· R410A Freon – $100 – $320
· R22 Freon – $180 – $600
The amount of Freon you need depends on the size of your unit.
4. Warranty
The compressor is the major part of your air conditioner. That’s why the majority of warranties should cover its repair and replacement. Make sure to check your warranty to see if it covers at least a part of the replacement.
Remember, each brand has a list of repair companies it works with on warranty cases. If you decide to work with a company that doesn’t collaborate with the a/c manufacturer, the repair and replacement won’t be covered. What’s worse, after allowing such a company to work on your a/c, the warranty may be nullified.
5. Size
The larger the unit, the more expensive it is to repair or replace. When planning a replacement, make sure to tell the technician about the size, model, and make of your air conditioner. This can help them evaluate the amount of work that needs to be done and give you a proper quote.
6. Season
When it comes to compressor replacement, the cost may depend on the season. When the hot weather arrives, the majority of homeowners starts calling technicians for maintenance, refrigerant refills, and repairs. That’s why some companies may raise prices during the high season.
It’s reasonable to schedule regular maintenance during the low season (Jan – Mar and Sept – Nov). If you need an a/c compressor replacement during that time, you won’t have to pay extra or wait for days for the technician to arrive.
The Takeaway: How Much Does It Cost to Replace AC Compressor?
On average, it costs between $800 and $2,800 to replace an a/c compressor. Your choice of the air conditioner and the technician dictate the majority of the price. Compressor prices can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Meanwhile, the cost of labor varies from company to company and depends on experience, location, and time of the year.