DIY Compressor Replacement vs. Hire a Pro
You’ll need to have a lot of experience and technical know-how to DIY an AC compressor replacement. This project requires electrical and wiring work, as well as mechanical tasks like brazing and piping. You’ll also need a recovery machine for draining the Freon in the system, an oxygen-acetylene torch for the copper lines, and a vacuum pump.
Your best bet may be to contact an HVAC professional near you. By hiring a pro to handle the work, you can make sure it gets done correctly and save yourself a lot of time and hassle.
Cost to Replace an AC Compressor Yourself
If you opt to replace the AC compressor yourself, it’ll cost $400 to $1,600 for the new compressor. Besides this, the tools and equipment are costly. If you need a refrigerant recovery machine, that’ll run you $550 to $5,000. An oxygen-acetylene torch ranges from $250 to $1,000 and a vacuum pump is $150 to $800.
Replacing a Compressor vs. Replacing the AC Unit
Replacing a compressor costs $800 to $2,800. If you’re paying out of pocket, you’ll want to pay close attention to the alternatives. If your compressor is out of warranty, it probably won’t last much longer. The typical life expectancy of an AC compressor is 12 to 15 years. For example, imagine your new compressor replacement will cost $1,600. In this case, it makes sense to shell out the extra $200 for a new condenser unit (assuming that your evaporator unit is fully functioning). For $1,800, you’ll get a new compressor, fan and condensing coil, and a 10-year warranty.
On the other hand, you might be better off replacing your entire AC unit. Central air installation costs vary but replacing a system with pre-existing ducts costs an average of $5,000. The final price depends on the size of your house and the difficulty of the project.