How Much Does An AC Compressor Cost? (2024)

An AC compressor is integral to the operation of an air conditioning system or heat pump. The AC compressor pressurizes and pumps refrigerant through the whole system; that refrigerant is responsible for removing heat from the inside of your home and transferring it outside.

In that way, an AC compressor serves as the “heart” of an HVAC system, pumping the figurative “blood” (refrigerant) through the system. Without a functional compressor, the system can’t remove hot air. In other words, your AC simply won’t work without the compressor.

AC compressor costs usually range between $600 and $2,000, but you’ll also need to budget between $300 and $900 for professional HVAC installation. All these costs can vary, however. Here’s how they break down.

By Compressor Size

We measure the output of an air conditioner in BTUs (British thermal units). The higher the BTUs, the more space a single AC system can cool. In the average house (around 2,200 square feet), you’ll need an AC that puts out roughly 44,000 BTUs.

When shopping for a new HVAC system, you’ll probably come across the term “ton.” A 1-ton air conditioning unit, for example, has a 12,000 BTU output.

A 1-ton AC would not be enough for most shoppers; it could only cool a few rooms or a small studio. Instead, you’ll need an AC system between 3.5 and 4.5 tons to cool the average-sized home.

If you have a larger AC system and your compressor goes bad, you’ll spend more on the replacement. The table below shows the correlation between AC system size and replacement compressor prices.

By Home Size

The size of your home dictates the size of AC you need for central air or a network of ductless mini-split units or window AC units. In general, the larger your home, the larger AC system you’ll need—and the more expensive it is to replace a broken compressor.

On average, it takes 20 BTUs to cool a square foot of space. That means you’d need an AC with:

• 20,000 BTUs for a 1,000-square-foot home
• 30,000 BTUs for a 1,500-square-foot home
• 40,000 BTUs for a 2,000-square-foot home
• 50,000 BTUs for a 2,500-square-foot home

Check your current AC system to determine its output. You’ll need this number when buying a replacement compressor.

HVAC Type

AC compressors are crucial no matter the HVAC system, but component costs vary significantly depending on the type of AC:

• Central HVAC: If you have central air, AC compressor costs depend on the size of the system, ranging from $825 for smaller systems to $2,525 for larger ones, on average.
• Dual mini-split AC: Labor and materials for replacing an AC compressor on a dual mini-split system cost between $600 and $2,200.
• Window unit: Replacing an AC compressor on a window unit can go from $100 to $300. Depending on the original price and current condition of the window unit, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a replacement window unit.
• Heat pump: Installing a replacement AC compressor for a heat pump costs from $800 to $2,900.

Labor and Installation

HVAC technicians charge between $75 and $150 an hour when replacing an AC compressor. Expect the job to take between 4 and 6 hours for total installation costs of $300 to $900.

You should always hire an HVAC contractor to replace a faulty AC compressor. A DIY job contains multiple risks, including incorrect installation that could cause more damage, as well as danger from inhaling the odorless refrigerant. Further, performing this kind of work yourself could void your warranty.

Additional factors affect the final cost of replacing an AC compressor, including your air conditioning system’s warranty and brand.

Warranty

If your HVAC system is still under warranty, your AC compressor is likely covered. While each warranty can vary, the manufacturer will typically cover the cost of the compressor itself, meaning you’ll only need to pay for the labor to replace the part, between $300 and $900.

Type of Compressor

HVAC systems use a single-stage, two-stage or variable-speed compressor. Your HVAC contractor will need to know the type of compressor they’re replacing before purchasing the part.

• Single-stage compressors are the most affordable type and operate at a single speed when the HVAC system is running. This makes them less efficient than the other types of compressors.
• Two-stage compressors cost a little more but can operate at 60% to 70% capacity once your home is nearing the desired temperature.
• Variable-speed compressors are the most efficient but most expensive. These compressors can operate at any capacity (between 0% and 100%) to more efficiently get your home to the set temperature.

Brand

As with anything, name-brand parts cost more than generic brands. However, generic brands may not have the proper fit and finish for your AC unit, meaning generic compressors could run less efficiently and might not last as long.

The best HVAC companies typically recommend that you get a compressor that matches the brand of your air conditioning system. They’ll also know if your system’s brand belongs to a parent company; if it does, you may be able to swap out parts with other brands within that same company (like Amana and Goodman or Rheem and Ruud).

Common air conditioning brands include Amana, American Standard, Carrier, Copeland, Goodman, Lennox, Rheem, Ruud and Trane. Check the brand of your unit before purchasing any replacement parts.

Season

HVAC technicians are busier in the summer months—that’s when everyone turns on their ACs and finds out they’re not working properly. Because of this, it may take longer to get a technician out to your home during the summer, or you may have to go with a more expensive company.

To avoid higher summer rates, test your unit in the late winter or early spring. If you notice an issue with the AC compressor (or another problem, like a broken AC evaporator coil), schedule an appointment before the busy season.

When preparing to replace a broken AC compressor, consider these additional factors that can affect the price and installation strategy.

Location of the Unit

If your HVAC system is in a difficult-to-reach location—like fixed off the ground to the side of your house for the outdoor unit or in the crawl space for the indoor unit—it may take contractors longer to complete any repair work, which can drive up labor costs.

Refrigerant

In some cases, the HVAC technician may need to refill the refrigerant. Refrigerant costs can range from $100 to $300.

Age of the HVAC System

If your HVAC system is out of warranty and is nearing the end of the average lifespan for that model, it may make more sense to skip the AC compressor replacement and install an entirely new system instead.

While this will significantly increase the price, it’s likely an investment you’d be making soon anyway—and it will keep you from purchasing a new AC compressor just a year or so before getting a new system.

The best way to maintain an HVAC system, including components such as the AC compressor, is to schedule annual HVAC maintenance with a certified technician. Having a professional examine and clean the entire AC unit each year can ensure it lasts longer and runs more efficiently. Some warranties may even require ongoing service appointments.

As a homeowner, you can maintain your HVAC system by checking for leaks, listening to unusual noises and keeping the outdoor unit clean and free from debris, like dead leaves in the fall.

While experienced DIYers may be able to install a replacement AC compressor on their own, we recommend that most homeowners go with a local HVAC repair professional for this project.

The job involves refrigerant, which is dangerous to inhale. It also requires expert knowledge and precision in finding and installing the correct part. Finally, some HVAC warranties may require that you hire a licensed HVAC technician to handle the replacement.

You can save money on an AC compressor by going with a generic brand. However, generic replacement parts for your AC may not last as long and may reduce efficiency.

Another way to keep costs down is to research the best HVAC services near you and get multiple quotes. Go with the lowest quote as long as the company has good reviews and can fit you into their schedule quickly.

You may be able to avoid the cost of an AC compressor replacement altogether by keeping up with routine AC maintenance.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publish and may be subject to change.