How Much Does a Home AC Compressor Replacement Cost in 2025?
This project can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,800, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
The average cost to replace a home AC compressor is $1,200.
The cost ranges between $800 and $2,300, depending on unit type, size, and warranty status.
Other factors influencing cost include refrigerant, compressor type, brand, and season.
Replacing your AC compressor can improve cooling efficiency and comfort in your home.
Hiring a professional HVAC technician ensures the installation is done safely and correctly.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Replacing a home AC compressor costs an average of $1,200, with most homeowners paying between $800 and $2,300, depending on unit type, brand, size, and warranty status. Compressors for smaller units, like window or mini-split systems, are more affordable at $250 to $1,000.
If your AC is blowing warm air and not cooling your house, you probably need a new AC compressor. Since the AC compressor is a critical component of your cooling system, budget for this project and hire a professional HVAC technician who can install it properly. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of your compressor and help you avoid frequent replacements
What Factors Influence the Cost to Replace an AC Compressor?
If you know you need a new AC compressor, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost. Prices largely depend on whether the part is under warranty and the BTU of the unit. Expect high labor costs for this intensive, time-consuming AC repair.
Refrigerant
If your AC unit is low or leaking, it will need more refrigerant. The cost of a home AC recharge or refill is $100 to $350. Costs for older, large R-22 units can reach $600 or more. Depending on your system and the type of refrigerant required, costs can go as high as $960.
You may hear the term "Freon" used conversationally to refer to all air conditioner refrigerants. In actuality, all systems installed after 2010 use R-410a or R-32 refrigerant. Older systems may use R-22, but this is harder to source as manufacturers have stopped making it.
Warranty
There may be a manufacturer’s warranty that covers your compressor replacement. These warranties are valid for 10 to 15 years and may include part or all of the costs of a new unit but not labor costs.
If your compression warranty is still valid, you will spend $600 to $1,200. However, if it has expired, you'll spend $1,300 to $2,500. Check to see what's covered under your policy, as some have a $2,000 to $3,000 cap on HVAC repair costs.
Size
Your AC compressor’s tonnage and BTUs describe the size and capacity of the model. The size of your home determines how large your unit needs to be, and an average residential home needs an AC with 20,000 to 50,000 BTUs.
Air capacity and tonnage affect the cost of a replacement AC compressor part. One ton is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs. Here are common prices for AC compressors by tonnage and BTUs:
| 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 | 48,000 | $1,200 – $2,100 |
| 4.5 | 54,000 | $1,300 – $2,300 |
| 5 | 60,000 | $1,800 – $2,600 |
Compressor Type
Single-stage compressors cost $250 to $1,200, two-stage compressors run between $1,000 and $2,000, and variable-speed compressors cost $1,500 to $2,800.
Centrifugal compressors are ideal for large AC units, while rotary compressors suit smaller units. The table below shows average costs for different types of compressors:
| 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 |
Type of AC Unit
The average compressor prices will vary greatly depending on the type of AC you have. With labor, you can expect to pay $800 to $2,380 for a central AC compressor repair, $600 to $1,000 for a mini-split repair, and $250 to $425 for window units.
| HVAC System | Average |
|---|---|
| Window AC | $250 - $425 |
| Mini-split AC | $600 – $1,000 |
| Central AC | $800 – $2,380 |
Depending on the window unit you have, it may be more cost-effective to buy a new replacement when considering the costs of window AC repair. On the other hand, the costs of a mini-split installation run $2,000 to $16,400, so it’s most likely better to replace the compressor if that’s the only issue.
Brand
Choosing a different AC compressor brand can save you $100 to $500 depending on the BTU and type you want. While it's often recommended to buy the same brand as your unit, a pro can guide you on whether opting for a different brand can help you stay within budget. For example, compressors from Goodman and Amana average $1,200, while those from York and Coleman cost up to $1,500.
Keep in mind that some brands have the same parent companies, like Goodman and Amana. In these cases, you might consult with an AC expert about swapping out an Amana compressor with a Goodman and vice versa. This is the case also for Rheem and Ruud, York and Coleman, and Trane, American Standard, and Mitsubishi.
Season
The cost to replace an AC compressor is higher during peak summer months. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when you’re most likely to notice an AC malfunction. If possible, schedule your replacement during the offseason, as rates drop around September through March, depending on your location.
Labor
When considering the average cost of AC repair, a compressor replacement is on the higher end of the spectrum. Labor costs range from $75 to $150 per hour, and replacing an AC compressor for a central AC unit takes four to six hours. You can expect to pay about $300 to $900 for labor. Ask your AC technician whether they charge by the hour or a flat fee.
DIY Compressor Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro
While it’s possible to save $300 to $900 on labor costs by doing this project yourself, it’s not doable for most homeowners. Replacing an AC compressor is a complex task that requires electrical and mechanical expertise, as well as specialized tools like a refrigerant recovery machine, an oxygen-acetylene torch, and a vacuum pump. Attempting this project without proper training can be dangerous and may void your warranty.
Hiring an HVAC professional near you ensures the job is done safely and that your air conditioner will work smoothly, saving you time and potential complications.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Replacing an AC compressor is not a doable project for the average homeowner due to the complexity and risks involved. The task requires extensive electrical and mechanical expertise, as well as specialized tools and equipment. Hiring a professional HVAC technician ensures that your air conditioning functions correctly without safety risks.
It’s worth replacing an AC compressor if it's still under warranty, as this reduces your costs significantly. If your unit is older or the compressor is out of warranty, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire AC unit. Investing in the cost of a new AC unit and more efficient system might be a better long-term solution.
Common signs of a failing AC compressor include unusual noises, like screeching, clunking, rattling, or rumbling sounds, coming from the unit. You might also notice warm air blowing instead of cool air, reduced airflow, or refrigerant leaks around the unit. Since these symptoms can result from other issues, it's important to have a professional HVAC technician diagnose the problem.
The best way to save money on air conditioner compressor costs is by maintaining it properly while it’s under warranty. Hiring an HVAC tech for AC service and maintenance costs $75 to $200 per visit. You should also consider buying an extended home warranty that covers the cost of HVAC system repairs.
An AC compressor lasts between 10 and 20 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Factors like how often you use your air conditioner and the climate you live in can affect its lifespan. In hotter climates with heavy AC usage, compressors may last around 8 to 10 years. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your compressor, ensuring it operates efficiently for as long as possible.
When replacing your AC compressor, it's a good opportunity to perform additional maintenance on your HVAC system. Consider having your furnace cleaned and serviced, especially if it's as old as your AC unit. Cleaning or replacing air filters and cleaning your air ducts can improve airflow and efficiency. Regular maintenance of your entire HVAC system improves performance and can prevent future issues.
