The average cost for an AC compressor is $1,200, but you might pay between $800 and $2,300 depending on your unit type and brand.
On average, AC compressor costs range from $800 to $2,300, with most folks paying $1,200 for a new one. However, your price will vary depending on factors like the size and brand of your compressor. Before you schedule your replacement, read on to learn about all AC compressor cost factors.
Important factors that influence your AC compressor replacement cost include the size, brand, and type of compressor you choose to purchase.
Tonnage and British Thermal Units (BTUs) work together to measure the size and capacity of an AC—and therefore, also the compressor inside of it. Determining your AC tonnage measures how much heat your AC can cool in one hour. On the other hand, a BTU measures how much energy the AC uses to remove heat per hour. A central air conditioner system typically measures between one-and-a-half and five tons and between 18,000 and 60,000 BTUs depending on the size of your home.
Here's a bit of quick math as an example. Each ton of AC capacity cools 12,000 BTUs. And since you need about 200 BTUs to cool each square foot of space, a three-ton AC will cool an 1,800-square-foot home.
Bring the two methods together, and you can determine the size and efficiency of your unit as well as the cost of the compressor. On a basic level, the larger your AC in tons, the larger the compressor, and the higher the cost.
Here are some examples.
| AC Tons | BTUs | New Compressor Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 18,000 | $700 – $1,300 |
| 2 | 24,000 | $800 – $1,400 |
| 2.5 | 30,000 | $900 – $1,600 |
| 3 | 36,000 | $1,000 – $2,100 |
| 3.5 | 42,000 | $1,100 – $2,200 |
| 4.0 | 48,000 | $1,200 – $2,100 |
| 4.5 | 54,000 | $1,300 – $2,300 |
| 5.0 | 60,000 | $1,800 – $2,600 |
There are five primary types of compressors, each with its own method of cooling warm air as well as its own price tags. You can also choose from single, two-stage, or variable-speed compressors depending on your type of AC.
| AC Compressor Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Centrifugal | $1,600–$2,400 |
| Scroll | $500–$1,500 |
| Reciprocating | $400–$1,000 |
| Rotary | $50–$100 |
| Screw | $300–$1,200 |
Compressors will cost anywhere from $100 to $2,300 on average before labor. In some cases, you can even upgrade the type of compressor in your AC, but it is important to work with a professional AC repair team to choose the right one.
Every type of air conditioner—from window units to central air—needs a compressor to function. And as we learned above, the larger the AC, the larger the compressor. It's important to note that replacing a compressor in a small unit, such as a window or portable AC can, at times, cost more than the total of buying a new machine.
Here are the labor and material costs of AC compressors for different systems:
| HVAC System | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Window AC | $250–$425 |
| Mini-split AC | $600–$1,000 |
| Central AC | $800–$2,380 |
Much like the classic plain white T-shirt, different AC compressor brands have different prices for similar products, with variations anywhere between $100 and $500. For example, compressors from Goodman/Amana can cost up to $1,200, while ones from York/Coleman go up to $1,500.
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.
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.
If you also need to add more refrigerant to your AC unit, tack on another $100 to $350. Air conditioner Freon refill costs between $300 and $960 depending on the type of refrigerant, your system, and related repairs. You will only need to refill your AC refrigerant if your system has a leak. Otherwise, the refrigerant levels do not deplete over time.
But what is freon and what do we mean by a refrigerant leak? The term freon now casually refers to the refrigerant, but it is no longer the same chemical it was 20 years ago. The Environmental Protection Agency reported that it phased out R-22 starting in 2010 and fully stopped production and imports in 2020. Nowadays, air conditioners use a range of more eco-conscious compounds, such as the R32 refrigerant.
A professional AC repair pro will be able to diagnose a broken compressor, choose the correct new part, and replace it safely. You'll pay an average of $75 to $150 an hour for AC compressor installation, or a flat fee between $300 and $900. The flat fee will cover travel fees, the initial inspection, and between four and six hours for the replacement.
Your annual air conditioner servicing will be the main ongoing expense for your AC compressor. On average, these appointments cost between $75 and $200—and they’re essential for keeping your AC in good shape and minimizing its risk of problems in the future.
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.
By working on your HVAC system or undergoing important repairs on your own, you could void your unit’s warranty. Review your warranty terms carefully before making any DIY repairs.
Though you can save roughly $300 to $900 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. Instead, call an air conditioning repair company near you to replace your AC compressor safely.
When fixing any appliance, there's always the chance your technician will stumble upon related issues. Additionally, the time of year and urgency of the repair can sway the cost.
In the best-case scenario, your technician will look at your compressor and realize it only needs a small repair. In this case, you'll only pay for an hour of labor for between $75 and $150. However, if there’s a significant issue it’s often best to replace the full compressor to avoid issues in the future, particularly if it's due for an upgrade.
If there are problems beyond the compressor—or if a new compressor costs more than the AC itself, you may need to replace the whole unit. The cost of installing a new air conditioner may be as low as $150 for a DIY window unit or as high as $6,000 for a fully installed central air system.
What if you discover that you can run a more efficient AC if you opt for an upgrade? In addition to choosing a more energy-efficient compressor, you could choose to make the following part upgrades:
Cost to replace ductwork: $25–$55 per linear foot
Cost to replace evaporator coils: $600–$2,000
Cost to replace the blower motor: $300–$900
Cost to replace the thermostat: $110–$260
HVAC techs are in high demand in the summer, so you will likely pay a premium for mid-season repairs. Costs will drop in the shoulder seasons around September and March. Companies will also charge extra for rushed jobs, particularly when rushing the shipment of the new compressor. And lastly, assume a higher installation cost on weekends, holidays, and for last-minute requests.
You can save money on an AC compressor by DIY and 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.
Mizuki Hisaka and Taylor Freitas contributed to this piece.
Troubleshooting common issues with your AC often sheds light on a problem with the compressor. Signs that you need to replace a bad compressor include your AC blowing warm air, short cycling (turning on and off), making strange noises, and blowing less air overall. Since these problems can stem from several areas of your AC, always call a local AC repair team to confirm it's the compressor.
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 a local air conditioner installer to come in anyway, so often, you might as well invest in a quality AC unit.
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.
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.
