The average cost to replace an AC capacitor is $180. Prices usually range from $100 to $250 depending on the type of capacitor and system you have.
Replacing an AC capacitor costs $180 on average, including the price of the capacitor plus the cost of labor to install it. However, the total price you pay could be as low as $100 or as high as $250, depending on the type of AC capacitor and the complexity of replacing it for your particular system. AC capacitor replacement costs mostly consist of labor because the capacitor itself rarely exceeds $45.
How much an AC capacitor costs to replace depends on the exact type of AC capacitor unit you need. There are several types of AC capacitors, and run, start, and blower capacitors tend to be the least expensive. Dual-run and heat capacitors could cost an extra $20 or more. If you’re unsure what type of capacitor you have, an HVAC technician can determine which type you need.
Here’s a breakdown of AC capacitor prices by type:
| AC Capacitor Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Run capacitor | $8 – $30 |
| Dual-run capacitor | $15 – $45 |
| Start capacitor | $9 – $25 |
| Blower capacitor | $9 – $12 |
| Heat pump capacitor | $15 – $25 |
A local HVAC expert will charge between $200 and $400 in labor alone to replace your capacitor. Keep in mind that many professionals will charge a flat rate for an AC capacitor replacement, which includes the cost of the capacitor itself. Most commonly this all-inclusive flat rate will be between $300 and $600. If the fix is an emergency or requires the contractor to come to your house on a weekend or holiday, you’ll pay an additional fee.
Each HVAC pro sets the rate for replacing an AC capacitor. Some contractors include a diagnostic fee to assess the problem, while others only charge for the labor to replace the part. When contacting pros for quotes, ask them if they charge a diagnostic fee and what that service includes.
| HVAC Repair Fee Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | $100–$150 |
| Labor | $60–$250 |
Once you hire an HVAC pro, their work will consist of:
Inspecting and diagnosing the AC unit.
Removal and disposal of the old, faulty capacitor.
Installing and testing the new capacitor.
Plus, an HVAC technician can point out any other issues they might notice with your AC system.
The AC capacitor and the labor to install it are what you’ll be paying for, but their exact costs can vary by a few important factors.
There are many AC unit sizes based on the square footage of your house or number of rooms. The larger the system, the more current it needs and the more important it is to regulate that current, so capacitors tend to be larger and more expensive.
HVAC technicians may charge extra if the air conditioner unit is in a particularly hard-to-reach spot. This isn’t often a concern for residential homes, but you may encounter extra fees if the pros need to clear away bushes to work on the AC unit or move aside clutter to access indoor units. Ensure your AC units are clear before a technician visits to avoid extra charges.
Voltage and size are closely related. If a capacitor needs to manage higher AC voltage, which means it’s powering a larger unit connected to a more powerful system. So, it will cost more to replace. The same is true of overall power management: The more complex the system and the more carefully the capacitor needs to regulate current, the more expensive the replacement.
When the weather warms up during the summer months, many turn on their AC and discover they have problems. This leads to a higher demand for HVAC technicians, who increase their maintenance and repair rates in response. Call an AC repair company in the spring before demand increases to catch problems early and save on labor.
During heat waves, the demand for HVAC services also spikes as more people experience AC issues. To stay cool during a heat wave, you may need emergency service to restore your cooling system quickly. Emergency repairs often come with additional fees.
Some air conditioner brands tend to cost more than others based on quality, materials, and other factors. Trane and Lennox units tend to be most expensive, while Goodman and York are more budget-friendly picks. Capacitors for higher-cost brands will be more expensive as a result.
If you have an older AC unit, especially an outdated model, it may be more difficult to source a replacement part for it. If the replacement part is hard to come across, it will be more expensive. It’s also common for a pro to find other issues that they need to fix while replacing the capacitor in an old AC unit.
Location tends to affect labor costs, and unit costs to a lesser extent due to factors like shipping, local availability, and similar factors. Your home’s location will impact component costs like new capacitors, too. However, we encourage you to get a few different quotes from contractors in your region to compare fees.
Capacitors are relatively affordable and usually don't have their own warranty. However, the manufacturer's warranty for your entire AC unit might cover capacitor replacement. Alternatively, if you have a home warranty that covers your AC unit, it may be less costly to submit a claim than to pay for the replacement yourself.
If your AC capacitor has problems, it won't be long before other parts in your AC unit begin to fail as well. HVAC repairs cost much more when multiple parts must be repaired or replaced. Some common AC repairs include:
Damaged compressor: $750–$2,000
Thermostat replacement: $150–$350
Fan coil replacement: $600–$2,000
Burnt-out motor: $200–$700
Have your HVAC system inspected regularly and replace a damaged capacitor right away to avoid the higher costs of additional repairs.
If you pride yourself on being handy, you can test an AC capacitor and replace it yourself for around $60 to $100, including the cost of the unit and the tools you’ll need for installation. This can save you $200 to $400 in labor costs, but taking matters into your own hands requires preparation and extreme caution.
If you DIY without proper HVAC and electrical knowledge, you risk leaving your home without heating or cooling. Plus, you could get seriously injured or electrocuted. The AC capacitor could also leak toxic liquids or burst, potentially causing more serious injury. Contact a local air conditioning repair specialist to save time and eliminate possible risks.
It’s important to note that this isn’t one of those DIY tasks that you can figure out as you go. You should not attempt it unless you’ve done your homework, are fully equipped with the proper safety gear, and understand electrical best practices and the inner workings of an AC unit.
Replacing an AC capacitor is a relatively inexpensive HVAC job. That said, there are some ways to minimize costs:
Buy the capacitor yourself: If you’re a bit handy, you can buy the replacement capacitor on your own. Just make sure it matches your AC unit’s specifications and have it ready for the technician.
Keep up with regular maintenance: Scheduling regular check-ups for your AC can catch capacitor issues early, potentially avoiding emergency service charges.
Plan for off-season repairs: If you can, try to schedule the replacement during the spring or fall when HVAC services are usually less busy.
Join a maintenance plan: Many HVAC companies offer maintenance plans that include regular check-ups and discounted repairs. Joining one of these plans can save you money over time and keep your system running smoothly.
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When the capacitor fails, the AC unit can’t operate at all. The most common sign is the thermostat forcing the blower to turn on, but it only blows cold air and the air conditioner doesn’t make any noise or indication it’s on. Sometimes, components like the compressor will hum or attempt to work, but without any results.
Leading up to a full shutdown, a fault capacitor can often cause an air conditioner to take a long time trying to turn on, or lead to an AC unit suddenly shutting down in the middle of a cooling cycle.
AC capacitors last between five and 15 years, with an average of 10 years. Most people only need to replace a capacitor once during an AC unit’s average life span. You don’t need to replace the capacitor unless something is wrong with it, which an HVAC repair pro can diagnose.
Yes, you can potentially save $60 to $200 by handling your own air conditioner capacitor installation. However, capacitor replacement comes with the risk of electric shock. Only attempt this if you have the knowledge and protective gear to carry it out safely. Otherwise, we recommend hiring an HVAC pro with the experience to properly diagnose the issue and avoid damaging other parts of your AC unit.
Your AC capacitor should last throughout the life span of your HVAC system, or around 20 years, but a few factors can cause it to fail prematurely. For example, if the capacitor's voltage rating doesn’t match the AC’s needs, it’ll likely be kaput before its time. It also helps to keep outdoor units out of direct sunlight, as prolonged heat exposure might cut your capacitor’s life span short. Stay proactive with an annual tune-up from an HVAC company for the health of your entire system.
A trained HVAC professional with experience takes about an hour to replace the capacitor on an AC unit. If you're attempting to replace your AC capacitor as a DIY project, especially for the first time, expect it to take longer. Remember that you won’t be able to use your AC to cool your house during this time.
The safest option is to let a technician conduct the inspection. However, if you are certain that the capacitor failed and you take all precautions to avoid electric shock like shutting down power to your AC system, you can take a look yourself. Usually, you can open the front panel of the unit and use a flashlight to find the small capacitor cylinder. It should have a sticker on it that provides its product number, capacity, and similar information that you can note when talking to a contractor.
