AC Condenser Repair & Replacement Costs
The average AC condenser repair and replacement job costs around $650. If the unit isn’t under warranty, you might pay around $1,300 or more for a full replacement. Most homeowners end up paying between $700 and $4,000 to get their AC system up and running again.
The AC condenser lives outside your home and plays an important role in heat transfer. It converts the refrigerant gasses into liquid form with the help of the compressor. This process cools the refrigerant and releases heat collected from inside your home. The condenser is just one of the AC system parts that work together to help this complex machine cool your home.
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Average Cost to Repair or Replace a Condenser
| Type of Repair | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
Condenser Coil Replacement | $900 – $2,800 |
| Full Condenser Unit Replacement | $1,300 – $4,000 |
Condensing Unit Replacement Cost
Replacing an AC condensing unit generally costs between $1,300 and $4,000. This is often an expensive fix—almost as much as replacing the AC unit entirely. In most cases, replacing the whole system makes the most sense.
Air Conditioner Condenser Costs by Ton
A coil replacement is one of the most significant AC condenser repairs. This is the part of the condenser that gives off the heat collected from inside the home. Not only is this an expensive part, but some models can be hard to find.
Condenser coil capacity determines the AC unit’s ability to remove heat from the home. Larger and more powerful systems require higher coil capacities, which can drive up your overall replacement cost.
| Coil Capacity (in Tons) | Coil Part Cost | Average Cost with Installation |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 – 2 | $500 – $800 | $900 – $1,500 |
| 2.5 | $600 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $2,200 |
| 3 | $700 – $1,100 | $1,100 – $2,300 |
| 5 | $1,000 – $1,600 | $1,400 – $2,800 |
Common AC Condenser Repair Costs
The condenser is a main component and thus carries one of the highest costs relating to AC unit repair. The tasks below may involve repairing or replacing individual parts of the outdoor unit, or replacing the unit altogether.
Condenser Coil Leak and Repair Cost
Your AC’s condenser coil can cost between $900 and $2,800 or more to fix. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to replace condenser tubes or seals, so when your condenser starts to leak, you’ll need to replace the entire component. In many cases, it makes more sense to replace the entire AC system.
Line & Radiator Blockage Repair Costs
Blockages in the line and radiator will cost between $900 and $2,800 to address. Blockages happen when particles and debris accumulate within the AC unit which can ultimately cause condenser failure. Unfortunately, depending on the damage, you’ll also need to replace several other expensive parts, such as the AC compressor. If this is the case, consider replacing the entire AC unit instead.
Condenser Switch Repair Costs
Replacing a bad condenser switch will cost between $100 and $300. The condenser fan relay switch is a critical part that switches the fan on and off with the unit. Without a functioning fan, the condenser (and the larger AC unit) won’t work. Fortunately, it’s a quick and relatively inexpensive fix.
Control Board Repair Costs
The condenser’s control board typically costs between $150 and $650 to replace. This is the circuit board that allows the AC unit’s parts to communicate and function. When the control board is faulty, communication breaks down. Critical parts, including the fan motor and coil, won’t function like they should, compromising the entire component.
Make sure any new circuit board you introduce works well with the condenser’s existing parts. Use the exact part, if possible.
Condenser Motor Repair
The cost to replace the condenser fan motor is around $400. You’ll also need to replace the run capacitor for an extra $150 to $300. Because the condenser motor is a complicated and important part of the AC unit, it can be somewhat expensive to repair or reinstall. It’s also worth noting that some motors are much more expensive than others. High-efficiency condensers, for example, might come with two-stage motors, which can be costly.
Dirty AC Components
The cost to clean AC coils can run anywhere between $100 and $400 as a standalone service. Because of how easy they are to damage, this job should always be left to the pros. Keeping up with AC maintenance minimizes these types of expenses.
Compressor Repair
The average price for home AC compressor repair is around $1,200, with a typical range between $800 and $2,800. Parts and labor each make up about 50% of the total cost.
Capacitor Repair Costs
The cost to replace a capacitor generally ranges between $120 and $475. An experienced professional should have this job done in under an hour.
Other Condenser Repair Costs by Part
An AC condenser coil is an expensive replacement. Luckily, it isn’t the only reason your condenser can fail. If your unit is experiencing problems, one (or more!) of these repairs could fix the issue.
| Type of Repair | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Replace Circuit Breaker Switch or Fuse | $100 – $200 |
| Circuit Board Replacement | $120 – $600 |
| Yearly Tune-Up & Troubleshooting | $75 – $200 |
| Condensate Drain Line Flush | $75 – $260 |
| Thermostat | $115 – $470 |
| Condenser Relay Switch, Fuses and Circuit Breaker | $175 – $300 |
| Condensate Pump | $100 – $260 |
| Condenser Unit Fan Motor | $100 – $700 |
| Refrigerant Leak Detection and Repair | $225 – $1,600 |
| Drain Pan Replacement | $250 – $600 |
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New AC Condenser Prices
The cost of a new AC condenser can range between $850 and $2,700, depending on the size of the unit. The professional labor to have it installed costs an average of $1,750.
Condenser Unit Prices by Size
| Unit Size (in Tons) | Price Range (Unit Cost Only) |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $850 – $900 |
| 2 | $950 – $1,150 |
| 2.5 | $900 – $1,900 |
| 3 | $1,100 – $1,400 |
| 3.5 | $1,500 – $1,850 |
| 4 | $1,400 – $1,650 |
| 5 | $1,550 – $2,700 |
AC Condenser Installation Labor Cost
The labor required for installing a new AC condenser costs around $1,750 on average. Most pros will have the project completed in about four hours. Find a top-rated HVAC professional in your area to ensure proper installation.
DIY Condenser Coil Repair vs. Hire a Pro
Replacing an AC condenser unit costs anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 or more. It’s not recommended as a DIY because you’ll be working with electrical and refrigerant lines. Serious burns, electric shocks and even frostbite can occur. Plus, in many places, you need a license to handle freon.
If you’re confident you can safely replace an AC condenser, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the power supply, including the breaker and the unit’s electrical line
- Disconnect the coolant lines
- Clamp and cut the lines
- Remove the entire unit from the concrete pad
- Move the new unit in place, ensuring you have enough space around the new box and that the electrical and refrigerant lines will reach
- Connect the refrigerant lines, splicing the old lines with new ones where necessary and checking for leaks
- Connect the electrical lines, which should reach the new unit if it’s placed in the same location
- Turn the system on
- Test to make sure there are no leaks and that the unit cycles on and off correctly
Again, experts strongly recommend that you compare HVAC companies near you and find a qualified pro rather than taking this on as a DIY project. This will also help ensure that you aren’t overlooking a simpler fix.
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FAQs
What is a condenser coil?
Your home’s AC system has two different coils: a condenser coil and an evaporator coil. The evaporator coil takes heat from the indoor air, while the condenser coil cools it.
Here’s a basic overview of this process:
- Refrigerant is sprayed into the evaporator coil, cooling it
- The cooled vapor picks up heat from inside the home
- The heated vapor then moves into the outside condensing unit
- The compressor increases the pressure of the vapor, converting it back into a liquid
- The liquid then gives off its heat in the condenser coil
What are the most common AC condenser problems?
Though the AC condenser is a single component, it’s made up of many parts. The condenser’s coil, motor, fans, tubes and circuit board can all fail individually or together. They can also fail suddenly or over a long period of time.
Here are some of the most common problems you’ll run into with an AC condenser:
- Dirty components
- Leaks
- Blockages
- Bad electrical parts
- Damaged coil
- Burned out motor
Some of these issues can be an easy fix, while others might require a total unit replacement. For the most accurate assessment, contact an AC contractor in your area.
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Should I repair or replace my AC condenser?
In many cases, replacing the AC condenser isn’t the most cost-effective solution. But for major failures, such as the condenser coil, it usually makes more sense to replace the AC unit altogether. This is because the system requires both the evaporator coil and the condenser coil to work together to cool your home. Replacing only one of these parts could lead to serious problems down the line.
Consider replacing your entire AC unit if any of the following applies:
- Your unit requires a coil that’s expensive or obsolete
- Your AC is at least 8 – 10 years old
- The necessary repairs add up to a higher cost than installing a new system
Because all the parts work together in an AC, pairing new parts with old ones could cause issues. Replacing the unit ensures that all parts will work properly. On top of that, you’ll also get a new warranty.
How long do condenser coils last?
The AC coils should last the life of your system, or anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
Do home warranties cover AC coils?
Home warranties typically cover HVAC systems, including repairs and parts. Some might require separate contracts or may not cover specific parts. Be sure to review your plan’s terms to ensure it covers coil replacement.
