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A Guide to Air Conditioner Compressor Replacement Costs in Arizona
In Arizona, one thing is for sure: you do not want to be caught without air conditioning.
This year brought another record heatwave, and anyone caught without temperature control was suffering in 115-degree weather in places like Phoenix.
When things aren’t working right, it’s essential to get a professional to your home immediately to diagnose and repair the issue.
In many cases, it’s your AC compressor.
To prepare yourself for this cost, you must be wondering how big the expense is for air conditioner compressor replacement.
In this brief guide, you’ll learn about your air conditioner compressor and what it will take to get your AC running like brand new.
What Is An Air Conditioner Compressor?
An air conditioner compressor is the part of your air conditioning system that compresses refrigerant gas and sends it to the condenser.
In the condenser, the gas is chilled so that it turns into liquid.
There are many different types of compressors, depending on the unit you own.
How Do I Know If It’s My AC Compressor?
One of the first signs of something wrong with your air conditioner compressor is that you’re not getting an efficiently cold airflow.
Damaged compressors cant properly regulate the flow of the refrigerant through your system, leading to malfunction.
Failing air conditioner compressors also can make loud noises when you switch on the system.
Aside from these signs, it isn’t easy to know on your own what part of your air conditioning unit needs replacement.
The compressor is difficult to get to, and it’s often easier to remove the entire unit.
You should call a professional to diagnose the problem.
Do I Need to Completely Replace My AC Unit?
To many people’s surprise, this issue isn’t black and white.
You actually have four choices for how to handle your dead air conditioner compressor.
Talking to a professional can help you assess the status of the rest of your air conditioner and come to the right choice.
You can:
- Replace only the compressor for now
- Replace the outside unit, also called the condensing unit
- Replace both the indoor evaporator coil and the condensing unit
- Replace the entire system
Which option you choose depends on the status of your warranty, your budget, the age of your unit, and how all the other parts are working.
For example, if you still have a warranty on the compressor, you can choose to replace it by itself because the warranty will cover the cost.
If you no longer have a warranty, you should really consider replacing more than just the compressor.
You can choose to limit your replacements to only your condensing unit if other parts have recently been replaced, money is really tight, or you really don’t want to replace parts until they break.
Each unit has its own purpose, and they work together to condition your home.
Only replacing the outside unit without replacing the indoor coil will get your system to work again, but not like brand new.
Replacing at least both units, if not the whole system, will get you a new warranty.
It will also lower installation costs by combining the visits and help you get manufacturer rebates.
Having a new system will also allow you to start using the best refrigerant on the market, which is less expensive, and you’ll get perfect air conditioning.
How To Replace an AC Compressor
A professional will first have to identify the model number of your compressor to replace it with the correct type.
They will turn off the system and cut all power leading to the system.
Then, they will remove all refrigerants to relieve the pressure in the unit.
The professional will then cut the lines on the compressor and disconnect them from the electrical connector.
The compressor will be removed and replaced with a new one.
Once the job is done, the professional will reassemble the unit.
Handling refrigerant requires expert training and certification.
It is highly advisable to call a professional rather than attempt to fix your air conditioner yourself.
Mistakes can lead to serious injury and even death.
Air Conditioner Compressor Replacement Cost
The cost of an air conditioner compressor replacement depends on how much you choose to replace in your system.
A professional will be able to check your units to see if anything else is close to needing replacement as well.
Often, getting a new compressor means replacing your entire condenser unit.
Do You Have a Warranty?
If your compressor is still under warranty, you’re in luck. Replacing your condenser just got much more affordable.
Instead of paying the entire replacement cost, you’ll most likely only have to pay for labor.
The cost of an average replacement of your compressor while under warranty can be around $600-$1,200.
If you are outside of your warranty, you’ll want to consider replacing your entire condenser unit to lower the cost of labor.
Without a warranty, you could pay $1,300-$2,500.
If you choose to replace the entire unit, you could pay $3,300-$6,000.
Labor Costs of Removal and Installation
Replacing a compressor takes several hours.
On average, a professional can take about 4-6 hours to finish the job.
For Arizona, labor costs land between $50-150 per hour.
This means that you could pay about $200 in labor for the quickest, cheapest jobs.
Longer, more expensive jobs could cost $900 or more for labor.
The Cost of an Air Conditioner Compressor
Compressor costs vary based on what type of air conditioner unit you have, the brand, the type of refrigerant you use, the size of your unit, and what season you end up needing a new one.
The price depends on the model of the compressor, and when you replace them, you have to refill your refrigerant.
If you need a replacement during warmer months, you’ll likely pay more due to demand.
The smaller, more affordable compressors start at around $450. The most expensive ones come in at $1,600.
Overall, HomeAdvisor reports that the national average cost for replacing your AC compressor is about $1,200.
Keep in mind the brand you have, the size of your unit, and the season when you’re estimating your own costs.
Replace Your Compressor Today
Drenched in sweat? Get help as soon as possible for an air conditioner compressor replacement.
The expenses might be high, but it’s worth the price to regain comfort in your home.
Mark Daniels Air Conditioning and Heating is the #1 emergency AC repair business serving Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Scottsdale, Arizona. Get instant relief by contacting us right now!
Are you looking for the best AC repair in Apache Junction or other nearby valley locations? Contact your 5-star, emergency HVAC experts at Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve been serving the Valley Since 1996. Call (480) 571-7219 or request service online today!
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