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How Much Does AC Condenser Replacement Cost?

Average National Cost
? All cost data throughout this article are collected using the RSMeans construction materials database.
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$1,900 - $4,375

Find costs near you.

Updated On

January 11, 2024

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An AC condenser is the outdoor component of your air conditioning system. It’s primarily responsible for compressing the refrigerant that cools the air in your home. So when this critical component breaks, you may not get any cool air.

AC condenser replacement cost depends on several factors, which we’ll discuss in this comprehensive article. We researched cost information from to-the-trade construction materials databases and top-rated HVAC contractors to provide homeowners like you with the most accurate cost data possible.

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Highlights
  • A replacement AC condenser will cost you around $2,940 on average.
  • How damaged the AC system is will affect the final cost.
  • AC condenser replacement is not an easy task. You need to know about HVAC and electrical systems and specialty tools..

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an AC Condenser?

AC compressor replacement costs, on average, between $1,900 and $4,375. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may choose to have your air conditioner completely replaced.

Low CostAverage CostHigh Cost
$1,900$2,940$4,375

Cost data includes the unit, labor, and demolition, if applicable. Data gathered from RS Means construction materials and labor database.

How Do Costs Differ By AC Condenser Coil Type?

There are three main types of condenser coils, and the type you have impacts your replacement cost. The most common type of AC condenser is a fin-and-tube condenser, but if you have a microchannel or spine-fin condenser, you’ll likely pay more for replacement.

AC Condenser TypeLow CostHigh Cost
Fin-and-tube$850$1,400
Spine-fin$1,400$2,700
Micro-channel$2,500$5,500

Cost data includes the unit, labor, and demolition, if applicable. Data gathered from RS Means construction materials and labor database.

Fin-and-tube Condenser

Fin and tube condenser
Photo Credit: Amazon

Fin-and-tube condensers are the most common type of condenser installed, not to mention the most affordable to replace. This condenser type has two primary surfaces — the tubes and the fins — responsible for heat transfer. You can expect to pay between $850 and $1,400 to replace a fin-and-tube condenser.

Spine-fin Condenser

spine fin condenser
Photo Credit: Caseyserviceshvac.com

Spine-fin air conditioner condensers have thousands of little fins, giving them a larger surface area. This makes the condenser more efficient because it can transfer more heat at a time. These types of condensers cost between $1,400 and $2,700 on average.

Micro-channel Condenser

micro channel condenser
Photo Credit: Kaltra.com

Micro-channel condensers are made up of several flat tubes that have their own small channels. This is where the refrigerant flows and leads to heat transfer. Micro-channel condenser coils are the most expensive to replace at $2,500 to $5,500.

How Does System Size Affect AC Condenser Pricing?

The size, or tonnage, of your HVAC system has a major impact on the total cost of a condenser. If you have a larger home, you’ll need a larger cooling system, which means you also have a larger condenser. For instance, you may only pay $1,900 for a 1.5-ton condenser but $4,375 for a 5-ton condensing system.

AC System SizeAverage Cost
1.5 tons$1,900
2 tons$2,030
2.5 tons$2,245
3 tons$2,640
3.5 tons$3,010
4 tons$3,425
4.5 tons$3,900
5 tons$4,375

Which Factors Impact AC Condenser Replacement Cost Estimates?

Several cost factors impact how much you’ll pay to replace your AC condenser. To predict the total cost of AC condenser replacement, you need to consider the following factors:

AC Condenser Part

Although you may need a new AC condenser, sometimes you can get away with repairing a specific part of the unit. The condenser unit costs up to $4,375 to replace, but if only the condenser fan or capacitor is broken, you can save hundreds of dollars in repair costs.

The condenser coil is the most likely culprit when it comes to broken condenser parts, as dirt and dust often build up around it and can cause a blockage. For example, if you only need to repair the coil, you can pay $850 for coil replacement instead of $1,900 or more to replace the condenser.

AC PartLow CostHigh Cost
Capacitor$225$500
Compressor$1,000$2,500
Condenser coil$850$2,800
Condenser fan blade$100$250
Condenser fan motor$200$750
Relay switch$100$300

Learn more about how each part of your air conditioner works with this video:

Air Conditioner Brand

You may be unable to control when your air conditioning condenser breaks, but you can choose which top air conditioner brand you want installed. Some brands’ condenser units cost significantly more than others, so you can save a few hundred dollars if you choose the least expensive air conditioner. For example, you’ll pay between $1,300 and $3,000 to replace a Coleman condenser. Rheem condensers, on the other hand, can cost between $900 and $2,600.

The table below shows the cost ranges for condenser units by brand (without labor).

AC BrandLow CostHigh Cost
Amana$900$2,700
American Standard$900$3,000
Bryant$800$2,500
Carrier$850$2,500
Coleman$1,300$3,000
Goodman$900$2,800
Lennox$1,200$2,500
Rheem/Ruud$900$2,600
Trane$900$3,000

AC System Type

The cost to replace your condenser will depend on the type of AC system you have installed. Whereas replacing the condenser on a window air conditioner is cheaper, you’ll pay more to install a new condensing system for a central air system or mini-split.

  • Central air conditioners are connected to a ductwork system that uses an air handler to push air into each room of your home. Most central air conditioners have an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. A new central AC condenser costs an average of between $850 and $3,000.
  • Mini-split air conditioners connect directly to the wall and don’t require ductwork to operate. These systems often cool the air in your home with a coolant, just like central AC units. Mini-split air conditioner condensers cost between $900 and $5,000, but mini-split ac units cost more if you need to replace several condensers simultaneously.
  • Window air conditioner condensers are the cheapest to replace at $300 to $1,000. Even though window AC condensers are the least expensive, you should replace the entire unit because it is a better value.
AC System TypeLow CostHigh Cost
Central AC$850$3,000
Mini-split AC$900$5,000
Window unit AC$300$1,000

Condenser Age

Depending on when your condenser breaks, you may choose to replace the entire AC system instead. The average life span of an air conditioner is 15 to 20 years, and a condenser can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

Today’s Homeowner Tips
If your condenser is 15 years old or older when it breaks down, you might as well replace the entire air conditioning system because there’s a good chance the rest of the parts will also be wearing out.

Warranty

If your condenser is still covered under warranty, you’ll pay much less to replace it. Most air conditioner warranties cover the condenser, so in most cases, you will only have to pay for labor, which usually ranges from $300 to $1,200.

Most air conditioner warranties last for either five or 10 years. So if your condenser breaks after the warranty period, you’ll have to pay for a new condenser and labor costs, ranging from $1,900 to $4,375.

If your warranty has expired, you can purchase an additional warranty from reputable home warranty providers that will cover the cost of labor and materials to replace your condenser. All you have to pay is a monthly premium and a service fee of $75 to $125.

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Professional vs. DIY AC Condenser Replacement

AC condenser replacement is not an easy task. You need to have knowledge of HVAC and electrical systems and specialty tools, such as a vacuum pump, refrigerant gauge, and an amperage meter. Because this cooling system is complicated, it’s best left to the HVAC professionals.

Doing AC Condenser Replacement Yourself

You can do some AC repairs or tune-ups yourself, but if you work with an HVAC professional, you’ll get several other benefits:

  • Workmanship warranty that will cover any problems with installation
  • Recommendations for repairs or replacements, such as whether you need just the AC condenser or if you need the evaporator coil too
  • Energy audits and recommendations for the right seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) for your air conditioning
  • Relationship with an HVAC professional for regular tune-ups or installation for other HVAC projects, such as a new thermostat or heat pump

Hiring a Professional for AC Condenser Replacement

Because you want to get your AC condenser up and running as soon as possible, you should hire a professional HVAC contractor to do the job. If you’re ready to replace your AC condenser or want a more accurate condenser cost estimate, follow these steps to connect with the best HVAC companies in your area:

  1. Find local experts near you: Use the button below to contact HVAC technicians in your city.
  2. Get a quote from a few sources: Get at least two quotes for condenser repair or replacement. Repair services vary in labor costs and brands, so you may see a difference in quotes.
  3. Consult them about their recommendations: Ask the HVAC technicians if they recommend unit replacement or HVAC repairs so that you can compare your options.
  4. Choose the quote that best fits your needs: Pick the best quote for your needs and budget to get your air conditioner condenser repaired or replaced.
  5. Replace your AC condenser: Set up a time to have your HVAC technician come to your home and replace your condenser.
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So, Is Replacing Your AC Condenser Worth the Cost?

AC condenser replacement costs between $1,900 and $4,375 on average. This total cost varies based on the size of your air conditioner, the broken part, the brand of your AC unit, and the type of air conditioning system you have installed.

If your AC condenser is still under warranty, it’s worth replacing it because you’ll only pay for the labor cost. If your AC condenser is out of warranty or is more than 10 years old, consider replacing the AC system completely, as you will likely save money in the long run.

Now that you know what AC condenser replacement will cost, check out some of our most frequently asked questions about AC condenser replacement.


FAQs About AC Condenser Replacement

Is It Worth Replacing the Condenser on the AC Unit?

If you have a manufacturer’s warranty or your broken AC condenser is less than 10 years old, replacing the condenser instead of the entire system may be worth it. It’s more expensive to replace your entire central air system, but you might as well replace the air conditioner if it is 15 years old or older.


How Long Does an AC Condenser Last?

On average, an AC condenser has a 10- to 20-year lifespan. This life span is similar to your air conditioner’s, so if your condenser breaks before other parts of your air conditioner do, it’s up to you to determine whether you should replace just the condenser or the entire AC unit.


How Many Hours Does It Take To Replace a Condenser?

Depending on how accessible your condenser is and how complex the project is, it can take three to six hours to replace a condenser. That means you can expect to pay between $225 and $1,500 for labor costs.


What Causes an AC Condenser To Go Bad?

There are several possible causes for AC condenser failure, but among the most common reasons your AC condenser is defective are worn tubes and gaskets and refrigerant leaks. Ice crystals can form and clog the condenser if air gets into it.


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Alora Bopray

Alora Bopray

Staff Writer

Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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photo of Roxanne Downer

Roxanne Downer

Editor

Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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