How much does an AC capacitor cost?
How much does an AC capacitor cost?
$100 – $250 average cost to replace
HVAC capacitor cost
AC capacitor replacement costs $100 to $250 total. AC capacitor prices are $10 to $50 for the part alone, and labor adds $90 to $200. An HVAC unit's furnace, heat pump, or compressor motors and fans use start capacitors and single run or dual run capacitors.
| Capacitor type | Total replacement cost |
|---|---|
| Standard start or run capacitor | $100 – $250 |
| High-end branded capacitor | $300 – $400 |
AC capacitor replacement cost
The following table shows the average cost to replace a capacitor in a home AC unit.
| National average cost | $175 |
| Minimum cost | $80 |
| Maximum cost | $400 |
| Average cost range | $100 to $250 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
AC capacitor cost
An AC capacitor costs $10 to $50 on average for the part alone. High-end branded capacitors cost $60 to $140 or more, depending on the type.
| Capacitor type | Unit price (standard)* | Unit price (high-end brands)* |
|---|---|---|
| Start capacitor | $8 – $60 | $70 – $140 |
| Run capacitor | $5 – $50 | $60 – $110 |
| Dual run capacitor | $10 – $50 | $60 – $110 |
*Not including labor.
Central AC unit single run capacitor cost
An AC run capacitor costs $5 to $50 on average for the part alone. The run capacitor delivers a continuous supply of electrical energy to the motor to keep it running smoothly. The compressor, condenser fan motor, and blower motor use run capacitors.
AC dual run capacitor replacement cost
An AC dual run capacitor costs $10 to $50 on average and combines two capacitors in the same casing to save space. Dual run capacitors can support two electric motors simultaneously and are typically used to power the compressor and condenser fan motor.
Air conditioner start capacitor cost
AC start capacitor prices are $8 to $60 on average. High-end branded models cost $70 to $140 or more. The start capacitor provides a short burst of energy to get the motor running as quickly as possible, then disengages once the motor is up to speed.
Furnace capacitor cost
Replacing a furnace capacitor costs $100 to $250. A furnace typically has two capacitors – a start capacitor to jumpstart the blower motor and a run capacitor to provide a steady supply of electricity to keep the motor running. Some furnaces use one dual-run capacitor instead.
Other furnace repairs cost $125 to $480 on average, depending on the system type and size and the part that requires replacing.
Blower capacitor replacement cost
Blower capacitor replacement costs $100 to $250 with professional installation or $10 to $50 for the part alone. Test the capacitor before replacing the blower fan motor, as a faulty capacitor may cause motor problems. Blower motor replacement costs $300 to $900.
Heat pump capacitor replacement cost
Replacing a heat pump capacitor costs $100 to $250 for the part and labor. The heat pump capacitor jumpstarts the motor or compressor and keeps it running smoothly.
Capacitor price factors
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Capacitor part | $10 – $50 |
| Labor | $90 – $200 |
| Total cost to replace | $100 – $250 |
The following factors affect the cost to replace the capacitor:
Brand – Branded replacement capacitors cost more than universal or generic parts.
Number of capacitors – Some HVAC systems have multiple capacitors that may require replacement at the same time.
Location and accessibility – Labor costs increase for HVAC systems in difficult-to-access attics, closets, or crawl spaces.
Warranty – The manufacturer's warranty may cover the cost of capacitor replacement. However, most warranties cover the cost of parts but not labor.
Labor – AC services charge $75 to $150 per hour.
AC repairs cost $150 to $650 on average. If the capacitor failure causes extra wear and tear on other parts, the system may require additional repairs.
Condenser fan motor replacement costs $200 to $700 if not under warranty or $100 to $300 if under warranty. HVAC techs recommend replacing the capacitor whenever the condenser fan motor is replaced.
Labor cost to replace an HVAC capacitor
Labor for AC capacitor replacement costs $90 to $200, depending on the system type, location, and accessibility. HVAC manufacturers typically require professional replacement for capacitors under warranty.
Split AC capacitor cost
A split AC capacitor costs $100 to $250 with installation. A split AC system has an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser unit. The indoor blower motor and the outdoor compressor and condenser fan motors typically use a combination of start and run capacitors or a dual run capacitor.
Window AC unit capacitor cost
Window AC capacitor prices are $100 to $250 for professional replacement or $10 to $50 for the part alone. Window AC units use the same start and run capacitors found in central AC and HVAC systems. A new window AC unit costs $300 to $1,100, including installation.
AC capacitor FAQs
What does an air conditioner capacitor do?
A capacitor collects and stores energy to start the HVAC system's motors and keep them running smoothly:
The start capacitor uses a burst of stored energy to supplement the home's electrical supply and start the motor. An air conditioner requires more energy to start up than the home's electrical system can provide on its own.
The run capacitor provides a steady supply of energy to keep the motor running after it starts.
How long do AC capacitors last?
An AC capacitor lasts 10 to 20 years, depending on its usage. Capacitors typically require replacement more often in areas that experience extreme temperatures or frequent power surges.
A dirty condenser coil may cause the compressor to draw more amperage, wearing down the capacitor. AC condenser coil cleaning costs $75 to $230 and increases the system's lifespan.
How to tell if an AC capacitor is bad?
The following signs may indicate a bad AC capacitor:
Clicking or humming noises from the AC unit
AC stutters when turning on
AC fails to turn on at all
AC shuts off randomly
Burning electrical smell
AC not blowing cool air
Increased energy bills
The capacitor looks bulged, enlarged, or dented
If the start capacitor fails, the motor will have difficulty turning on.
If the run capacitor fails, the motor may turn on but will display other problems such as overheating, vibrating, or humming.
What capacitor do I need for my AC?
The AC capacitor must match the unit's voltage and microfarad rating (MFD or µF). The easiest way to determine which capacitor your AC needs is to consult the owner's manual. If the manual does not specify the capacitor voltage and MFD rating, check the label on the capacitor itself.
How many capacitors are in an AC unit or heat pump?
An AC or heat pump has one or more capacitors, depending on the system type and size. The outdoor unit has two separate capacitors or one dual-run capacitor for the compressor and condenser fan motor. Some systems also use start and run capacitors for the indoor blower motor.
How long does it take to replace an HVAC capacitor?
Replacing an HVAC capacitor takes 1 hour on average but may take longer if the unit is in a difficult-to-access location.
How much does it cost to replace an AC capacitor yourself?
Replacing an air conditioning capacitor yourself costs $60 to $100, including the part and required tools and safety gear. However, mishandling the capacitor can result in serious injury or death. Hire a pro if you don't have extensive HVAC and electrical experience.
Hiring an HVAC repair service for capacitor replacement
Before hiring an AC repair company near you to replace the capacitor, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Confirm whether the malfunctioning part is covered under the AC manufacturer's warranty.
Look for a NATE-certified technician with experience repairing air conditioners.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
How long have you been repairing air conditioners?
Are you NATE certified or ACCA accredited?
Do you charge a diagnostic or service call fee? If yes, do you apply that fee to the repair cost?
Is the capacitor covered under warranty?
Does the estimate include the replacement part and labor?
What other costs should I expect?
How long will the repairs take?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
What does your warranty policy include?
What is your payment schedule?