How much does an AC condenser cost to replace?
How much does an AC condenser cost to replace?
$300 – $1,200 replacement cost under warranty
$1,200 – $4,200 replacement cost not under warranty
AC condenser replacement cost
AC condenser replacement costs $1,200 to $4,200 if not under warranty or $300 to $1,200 for labor when under warranty. AC condenser unit prices are $850 to $3,000 for the part alone, depending on the coil type, brand, tons, and SEER rating. AC condenser coil replacement alone costs $900 to $2,300.
| Repair type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Condenser coil replacement | $900 – $2,300 |
| Full condenser unit replacement | $1,200 – $4,200 |
Average cost to replace an AC condenser unit
The following table shows the average cost to replace an AC condenser unit that is not under warranty.
| National average cost | $2,900 |
| Minimum cost | $1,000 |
| Maximum cost | $5,600 |
| Average cost range | $1,200 to $4,200 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
New AC condenser coil prices
AC condenser unit cost by ton
AC condenser prices are $850 to $3,000 for the unit alone, depending on the tonnage and seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). Large condensers with the highest SEER ratings cost $3,000 to $5,000+ but are the most efficient.
| AC size | Unit price | Total replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 ton | $850 – $1,100 | $1,200 – $2,300 |
| 2.0 ton | $950 – $1,300 | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| 2.5 ton | $1,000 – $1,700 | $1,300 – $2,900 |
| 3.0 ton | $1,100 – $1,900 | $1,400 – $3,100 |
| 3.5 ton | $1,200 – $2,200 | $1,500 – $3,400 |
| 4.0 ton | $1,300 – $2,500 | $1,600 – $3,700 |
| 5.0 ton | $1,600 – $3,000 | $1,900 – $4,200 |
AC condenser coil prices by brand
AC condensers from popular brands like Trane, Lennox, and York cost $850 to $3,000 for the unit alone, depending on the size and efficiency.
| Brand | Average unit price | Total replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| AirQuest | $900 – $2,600 | $1,200 – $3,800 |
| Carrier / Bryant / Heil | $850 – $2,500 | $1,200 – $3,700 |
| Coleman / York | $1,400 – $3,000 | $1,700 – $4,200 |
| Goodman / Amana | $900 – $2,700 | $1,200 – $3,900 |
| Lennox | $1,200 – $2,500 | $1,500 – $3,700 |
| Mr. Cool | $850 – $1,800 | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Oxbox | $1,100 – $1,900 | $1,400 – $3,100 |
| Payne | $1,000 – $1,700 | $1,300 – $2,900 |
| Rheem / Ruud | $1,000 – $2,500 | $1,300 – $3,700 |
| Trane / American Standard | $900 – $3,000 | $1,200 – $4,200 |
Central air conditioner condenser prices by coil type
Central AC condensers use coils made of copper or aluminum tubing surrounded by metal fins that release heat. The coil and fin shape and material affect the cost and efficiency.
| Coil type | Price range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fin-and-tube | $850 – $1,300 |
|
| Spine fin | $1,400 – $2,700 |
|
| Micro-channel | $2,500 – $5,500 |
|
Mini-split AC condenser cost
A ductless mini-split AC condenser costs $900 to $5,100 to replace, depending on the size. A mini-split condenser is located outside like a traditional split AC system condenser but can connect to up to five indoor air handlers.
Window AC condenser prices
Window AC condenser prices are $300 to $1,100 with installation. Replacing the entire window AC unit is recommended if it's no longer under warranty and does not adequately cool the room after you clean the filter and coils.
Home AC condenser replacement cost factors
The following factors affect the replacement cost:
Unit size – Condenser sizes range from 1.5 to 5 tons. Larger units cost more to replace.
Coil material – Copper coils cost more than aluminum coils but are stronger and easier to repair.
Age – Replacing a condenser over 10 years old typically requires replacing the entire AC system to ensure the indoor and outdoor components are compatible. A new AC unit installation costs $2,500 to $7,500.
Efficiency rating (SEER) – Higher efficiency units cost more up front but save money over the long term.
Noise level – A condenser unit's noise level ranges from 50 to 100 decibels (dB). Quieter units cost more.
Compressor type – Two-stage compressors cost more but are more efficient than single-stage units.
System type – Replacing a packaged system costs more than replacing the condenser in a split AC system. Packaged air conditioners contain all the AC system components in one unit, while split AC systems have an indoor unit and an outdoor condenser.
Accessibility – Replacing an AC condenser in an obstructed area requires more labor.
Warranty – Manufacturer warranties typically cover the part but not labor. Some home warranties only require the homeowner to pay the service call-out fee.
Permit – Replacing an AC condenser requires a permit. Permits cost $25 to $200, depending on location.
Time of year – HVAC companies typically charge more in the summer and winter.
AC coil replacement labor cost
The labor cost to install an AC condenser unit is $300 to $1,200, depending on the size, type, and accessibility. Labor to replace only the condenser coil costs $300 to $900. HVAC technicians charge $75 to $150 per hour.
| Part | Labor cost to replace |
|---|---|
| Condenser unit | $300 – $1,200 |
| Condenser coil only | $300 – $900 |
Cost to replace air handler and condenser
Replacing an air handler costs $1,500 to $3,400. Replacing the air handler and condenser together is recommended unless the air handler is less than 5 years old, has no problems, and is under warranty.
The AC condenser and air handler work together and must be compatible:
Mismatched sizes, SEER ratings, or manufacturers lead to significant problems like reduced efficiency and early system failure.
Replacing only the indoor or outdoor half of the AC system may void the warranty.
Most indoor units more than 10 years old cannot work with new condensers due to the phase-out of R-22 refrigerant and new SEER standards.
Cost to replace condenser and evaporator coil
Replacing an evaporator coil costs $400 to $1,000 if under warranty or $650 to $2,400 if not under warranty. The evaporator and condenser coils work together to cool the home:
The evaporator coil – also called the indoor coil – extracts heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant inside the coil. The heated refrigerant gas travels to the outdoor unit.
The condenser coil – also called the outdoor coil – disperses the heat outdoors before the refrigerant returns to the indoor unit.
Replacing the evaporator and condenser coils at the same time is recommended. The coils must match in ton size and SEER rating to prevent reduced efficiency and premature system failure.
Common AC condenser repair costs
AC condenser repair costs $100 to $1,000+, depending on the problem. The most common AC condenser issues are coolant leaks, dirty coils, and compressor failure.
Replacing the entire condenser unit is the best choice if the repair costs more than 50% of the replacement cost.
| Repair | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Coil leak | $200 – $1,500 |
| Line and radiator blockage | $75 – $250 |
| Condenser relay switch | $75 – $300 |
| Control board | $150 – $700 |
| Condenser unit fan motor | $200 – $700 |
| Cleaning AC coils | $100 – $400 |
| Compressor replacement | $600 – $2,500 |
| Capacitor replacement | $100 – $250 |
| Condensate drain line flush | $75 – $250 |
| Condensate pump | $100 – $450 |
Condenser coil leak repair cost
Condenser coil leak repair costs $200 to $1,500. Leaking refrigerant leads to decreased cooling and may damage other parts if left unresolved. Condenser coil leaks are often caused by corrosion or vibration when the unit is forced to work harder due to dirty components.
AC line blockage repair cost
Cleaning the AC condenser coil prevents most line blockages. A blocked condenser coil forces the air conditioner to work harder, increasing energy bills and wearing out parts faster. The condenser coil may require replacing if cleaning the coil does not unblock the line.
Condenser relay switch replacement cost
The cost to replace an AC relay switch is $100 to $300 with professional installation or $10 to $30 for the relay alone. Replacing the relay typically takes less than one hour once the problem is identified. The relay turns on the outdoor condenser unit.
Home AC condenser control board cost
AC control board replacement costs $150 to $700 on average. The condenser control board sends power to the unit. Age is a common cause of control board failure.
Condenser fan motor repair
Replacing a condenser fan motor costs $200 to $700 if not under warranty. Common signs of a faulty condenser fan motor include:
Longer cooling time
Loud noises from the outdoor condenser unit
Increased utility bills
Cleaning dirty AC components
AC coil cleaning costs $100 to $400 for evaporator coils and $75 to $230 for condenser coils. AC coils need annual cleaning to maintain efficiency and reduce utility costs. Hire an HVAC technician to clean the AC as the evaporator and condenser coil fins are fragile.
HVAC duct cleaning costs $200 to $1,000. Cleaning the ducts extends the HVAC system's life and improves indoor air quality.
Air conditioner compressor repair
AC compressor replacement costs $1,300 to $2,500 if not under warranty or $600 to $1,200 for labor if under warranty. Air conditioner compressors cannot be repaired on-site and must be replaced instead.
Central AC condenser capacitor repair
Replacing an AC condenser capacitor costs $100 to $250, including parts and labor. Replacing the capacitor is the only option when it fails. Signs of a failed capacitor include a humming condensing unit or the condenser fan not spinning when the AC system is on.
Other condenser repair costs by part
Other AC system components may need repair or replacement when replacing the condenser:
Condensate pump – Replacing a condensate pump costs $100 to $450.
Drain line – Flushing the AC drain line costs $75 to $250.
Drain Pan – Replacing a drain pan costs $200-$600.
Replacing a thermostat costs $140 to $350.
Replacing a circuit breaker costs $150 to $200.
An AC tune-up costs $70 to $200. Annual HVAC maintenance plans cost $120 to $360.
An AC service call to diagnose the problem costs $75 to $200. Some companies apply this fee to the repair cost.
AC condenser FAQs
What is an AC condenser coil?
An AC condenser coil works with an evaporator coil to remove heat from the home's air and release it outside.
Steps of the AC cooling cycle:
Liquid refrigerant cools the indoor evaporator coil.
The cooled evaporator coil absorbs heat from the home's airflow and transfers it to the outside condenser unit through a copper line.
A compressor converts the heated gas back to liquid form in the condenser coil.
The refrigerant releases the heat outside as it changes from gas to liquid.
The cooled refrigerant then travels back to the evaporator coil to begin the cycle again.
What size AC condenser unit do I need?
The new AC condenser should match the size of the current unit. To find your existing condenser's size:
Find the condenser's model number on the label.
Divide the 2-digit number within the condenser's model number by 12 to get the ton size.
Replacing the entire AC system is required if updating to a larger condenser unit.
How long do AC condensers last?
AC condensers last 10 to 20 years. Factors that affect an AC condenser's lifespan include:
Climate and usage – AC systems in northern states typically run for 1 to 3 months per year, while AC's in southern homes may run for 10 months or more.
Proper maintenance – Routing filter changes and annual tune-ups prolong the AC's life.
Correct AC sizing – An improperly sized unit cycles on and off more often, reducing the AC's lifespan.
How long does it take to replace an AC condenser?
Replacing an AC condenser takes 4 to 8 hours. The unit size and AC system type affect the installation time. Larger condenser units take longer to install than smaller-sized units.
Should I repair or replace my AC condenser?
Consider replacing the whole AC system instead of repairing the condenser if:
The AC unit is more than 10 years old.
The condenser is no longer under warranty.
Repairing the condenser costs 50% or more of the cost of a new AC.
The system uses R-22 freon. Replacing a condenser unit that uses R-22 refrigerant requires replacing the indoor unit at the same time.
Do home warranties cover AC coils?
Most home warranties cover the HVAC system, which includes the AC coils. The homeowner is typically responsible for the service call fee. Always confirm the coverage details within your policy, as home warranties vary by company and location.
Where is the condenser coil located?
The condenser coil is located in the outdoor AC condenser unit behind the thin metal wiring or "fins."
Getting AC condenser coil replacement cost estimates
Before hiring an AC repair service, be sure to:
Confirm whether the condenser is covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
Get at least three estimates with comparable equipment to compare.
Look for a NATE-certified technician with experience in AC condenser repair and replacement.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Ask for references.
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. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Are you NATE-certified?
What experience do you have with AC condenser repair?
Is it better to repair or replace the condenser, and why?
Do I need to replace the indoor unit at the same time?
What size AC condenser do I need?
What is and is not included in the estimate?
What additional costs should I expect?
How long will the repair or replacement take?
How long should new AC condenser last?
Is there a warranty? If yes, what does it include?