Air conditioner compressor prices can vary depending on whether it’s for a home or a car. Let’s review the price ranges for both options to give you a thorough estimate.
Price Range for Car AC Compressors
On average, car AC compressors cost between $200 to $800. Therefore, if you’re in search of a cheap AC compressor for a car, looking for something in the $200 to $400 range will get you a reasonably priced unit.
While that’s a good average to look for, some factors can influence these prices. For instance, luxury and high-performance cars usually have higher-priced compressors. However, if you own a lower-end or older car, you might be able to find compressors at a cheaper price.
The same goes for the size of vehicles. When you own a larger vehicle, it will require a more expensive compressor to ensure it has enough power capacity for effective cooling. Compressors for large vehicles can go for $1,000 or more.
Prices can also vary depending on whether you’re looking at new, aftermarket, or remanufactured compressors. While used or remanufactured compressors are cheaper, their quality and remaining lifespan can vary.
Price Range for Home AC Compressors
The price range for home AC compressors is much broader since home layouts and sizes can differ quite a bit. The general price range is between $1,200 and $3,000.
When you’re looking for a cheap AC compressor for smaller ranch-style (single-story) homes, models closer to the $1,200 price range are often good options.
However, large two-story homes that are around 3,500 to 4,000 square feet might require a compressor that costs $3,000 or more, even on the cheap end.
While home compressors might be more expensive for some, you can look for other features that help lower overall costs. For example, buying energy-efficient models with features like variable-speed cooling will help lower your energy bills.
Is It OK to Buy a Used AC Compressor?
Buying a used air conditioner compressor for cars or your home has pros and cons. There are several factors you must consider before going this route.
The Pros and Cons of Used Compressors
Pros:
- Cost savings: Used AC compressors are generally cheaper than buying new ones.
- Availability: With some older or discontinued AC units, buying used parts might be the only option.
- Environmental impact: Buying used helps the environment by reducing waste and getting more use out of the same parts.
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan: Used parts typically have a shorter lifespan since they’ve already gotten some use and might have preexisting wear that diminishes functionality.
- Warranty: Most used compressors don’t have a warranty, or if they do, it will likely be very limited.
- Usage and maintenance history: When you buy used, it’s common to not know much or anything about the part’s previous usage or maintenance. You might end up getting something poorly maintained that doesn’t function very well anymore.
Read our blog on "How to tell if an AC compressor is bad?"
What Should You Look for When Buying Used AC Compressors?
If you’re still considering a used compressor, there are some precautions you can take to have the best chance of success.
The first thing you’ll want to do is inspect the part’s condition. Are there any visible signs of wear, damage, or corrosion? If there are, you’ll need to look deeper to see if it’ll affect the compressor’s functionality.
Next, you’ll want to review the reputation of the seller and see if they did any testing on it. Some sellers of used AC parts will label them as tested and certified by their team to show that they made sure it still works before putting it up for sale. If the retailer generally has positive reviews, there’s a better chance that certification will hold up.
Lastly, ask if there’s any kind of return policy for the unit. Some sellers might give a 30-day return window where you can bring it back if it’s dysfunctional.
You Don’t Always Have to Buy Used to Get Good Prices
While buying used can help save on costs, it still comes with several risks. That’s why we offer you an alternative solution at Surplus City Liquidators. Our team buys AC parts in bulk and works to get the best deals from manufacturers so we can pass savings on to you. All our parts are brand new, but they are still sold at discounted rates to help you find something reliable within your budget.
Is It Cheaper to Replace a Compressor or Whole Unit?
When your AC unit’s compressor fails, it’s common to wonder if it’s time to just replace the whole unit. However, when you compare the costs, that isn’t always the best decision.
As mentioned earlier, the average price range for a car AC compressor replacement is $200 to $800, and the average home AC compressor replacement cost is $1,200 to $3,000. Plus, you’ll have to add in labor fees to get it professionally installed, which will run you about $100 to $200 for a car or $200 to $400 for a home.
That said, the average new HVAC system for a house will cost between $5,000 and $12,000 or more, depending on your needs or the size of your home. For a car, the average cost to replace the whole AC system will be between $2,000 and $5,000. Plus, you might have extra labor fees from HVAC companies added on top of that.
When you compare the costs, replacing just the compressor is often a better bet if the rest of your HVAC system is still working well. However, if your AC unit often needs repairs, is over 15 years old, or other parts have broken down that can’t be replaced, it might be time to invest in replacing the whole unit at that point.
Can I Replace My AC Compressor Myself?
When you’re on a budget, saving any money you can helps, including avoiding the pricy labor for a professional install on your new compressor. Is it possible to do the installation yourself? That said, since these systems are complex, it’s only recommended to do so if you have a good understanding of HVAC systems and the tools required for the job.
Read our blog on "Is replacing an AC compressor difficult?" or here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and a step-by-step guide to replacing the compressor in a car or your home.
Tools Required for DIY Replacement
- Wrenches and sockets: These are used to remove and attach bolts.
- Screwdrivers: Various types and sizes for different components.
- Pliers: For removing clips or clamps.
- A/C manifold gauge set: To monitor system pressure.
- Vacuum pump: To remove air and moisture from the system.
- Safety glasses and gloves: For personal protection.
Step-By-Step Guide for Cars
With cars, replacing the compressor is a bit more complex. Therefore, it is best to have a professional handle a couple of the steps to ensure safety. Those will initially evacuate the refrigerant from the system and then add a new refrigerant after the fact.
However, even with professionals handling those steps, it can still save money to do some of the other parts yourself. Here are the steps required:
- Evacuate refrigerant: Have a professional remove the refrigerant to ensure safety and dispose of it effectively to prevent environmental damage.
- Remove drive belt and compressor: Loosen the belt driving the compressor, disconnect the electrical connector, and remove the refrigerant lines. Then, unbolt and remove the compressor.
- Prepare the new compressor: Drain the oil from the new compressor if it comes pre-filled. Adjust the oil level based on the amount drained from the old compressor.
- Install the new compressor: Position the new compressor, reattach bolts, refrigerant lines, and the electrical connector, and replace old O-rings with new ones to ensure proper sealing.
- Reassemble: Reinstall the drive belt and any other components removed previously.
- Add new refrigerant: Have a professional add new refrigerant to the system to ensure safety.
Step-By-Step Guide for Home Units
- Disconnect the power: Ensure the unit is completely powered off.
- Remove the old compressor: Disconnect refrigerant lines and electrical connections. Unbolt the compressor from the condenser unit.
- Install the new compressor: Place the new compressor in position, reattach bolts, refrigerant lines, and electrical connections, and replace any old seals or O-rings.
- Evacuate and recharge the system: Use a vacuum pump to remove air and moisture. Recharge the system with refrigerant, adhering to manufacturer specifications.
- Test the unit: Ensure the system operates correctly by testing for proper cooling performance and checking for leaks.
Alternative Options for Affordable AC Compressors
As mentioned earlier, buying a used AC compressor isn’t the only solution to find affordable parts.
Some retailers will have refurbished compressors that are certified and tested, which will also be very affordable.
Not to mention, if your AC system’s compressor breaks down, you should check to see if there’s an extended warranty or service plan on your unit. Some manufacturer warranties on HVAC systems can cover parts for as long as ten years, so it never hurts to check with the company that produced yours.
Lastly, if your unit doesn’t have an applicable warranty and you don’t want to deal with the risks of buying used or refurbished, discount retailers like Surplus City Liquidators can provide great prices on brand-new parts.
Find Cheap AC Compressors at Surplus City Liquidators
Surplus City Liquidators is your source for affordable HVAC parts from the top brands. We buy in bulk and work to get discounts from manufacturers so we can pass on great savings to you. Our website offers AC compressors for your car or home in several makes and models to suit your needs.
Start shopping our wide selection of Cheap AC Compressors today, or contact our service team with any other questions.
