CostGuideHQ

AC Compressor Replacement Cost: $800–$2,800 (Average $1,490) in 2026

Author: CostGuideHQ Editorial·✓ Fact-checked·Updated July 2026·8 min read·6 sources·US national averages, USD
Quick answerQuick answer: AC compressor replacement costs $800 to $2,800 in most cases, averaging around $1,490 nationally. Warranty status is the biggest swing factor: in-warranty swaps run $600 to $1,200, out-of-warranty jobs $1,300 to $2,500. Cost also scales with tonnage, compressor type, and refrigerant type.
  • AC compressor replacement typically costs $800 to $2,800, averaging around $1,490 nationally, though HomeAdvisor and Angi cluster tighter at $800 to $2,300 (avg $1,200).
  • Cost scales directly with tonnage: a 1.5-ton compressor runs $700 to $1,300 installed, versus $1,800 to $2,600 for a 5-ton compressor (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila).
  • Warranty status is the single biggest swing factor: an in-warranty replacement costs $600 to $1,200, while an out-of-warranty job runs $1,300 to $2,500 (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila).
  • Older R-22 systems cost significantly more to service than newer R-410A/R-32 systems, since R-22 production stopped in 2020 (HomeAdvisor, Angi, HomeGuide).

How much does AC compressor replacement cost?

National average
$1,490
total project
Typical range
$800–$2,800
Most projects
Whole project
$800–$2,300
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Cost by material / type

TypeLowHigh
1.5 ton$700$1,300
2 ton$800$1,400
2.5 ton$900$1,600
3 ton$1,000$2,100
3.5 ton$1,100$2,200
4 ton$1,200$2,100
4.5 ton$1,300$2,300
5 ton$1,800$2,600
Estimate your cost
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Rough estimate only — get local quotes for exact pricing.

What affects the cost?

  • System size (tonnage) — installed cost climbs from $700-$1,300 for a 1.5-ton compressor to $1,800-$2,600 for a 5-ton compressor (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila)
  • Warranty status — an in-warranty replacement runs $600-$1,200, versus $1,300-$2,500 once the warranty has expired (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila)
  • Compressor type — scroll compressors run $500-$1,500, reciprocating $400-$1,000, rotary $50-$100, screw $300-$1,200, and centrifugal (rare in homes) $1,600-$2,400 (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila)
  • AC unit type — window units cost $250-$500 to replace, mini-splits $500-$1,000, and central AC systems $800-$2,800 (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila)
  • Refrigerant type — systems built since 2010 use R-410A or R-32/R-454B, where a routine refill runs $100-$350; older R-22 systems cost more to recharge ($600-$960, HomeAdvisor/Angi) because R-22 production stopped in 2020, and HomeGuide reports a full compressor swap in an R-22 system can exceed $5,000
  • Brand — switching to a generic or different compatible brand can save $100-$500; Goodman/Amana average $1,200 while Lennox and York/Coleman run up to $1,500-$2,300 (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila)
  • Labor — $75-$150 per hour or a flat $300-$900 fee covering 4-8 hours of work (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila, HomeGuide)
  • Scope of the fix — replacing just the compressor is cheaper than swapping the whole condenser or system, but a full system replacement becomes the better value once the unit is 10+ years old or the repair would cost 50% or more of a new system, which runs $3,882-$7,907 installed (HomeGuide, Bob Vila, Fixr)

How much does AC compressor replacement cost?

Most homeowners pay $800 to $2,800 to replace an AC compressor, averaging around $1,490 nationally. HomeAdvisor and Angi, which publish matching data, put the typical range at $800 to $2,300 with a $1,200 average, and Bob Vila cites the same $1,200 average on a slightly wider $800 to $2,800 range. This Old House reports a higher average of $1,550 on that same $800 to $2,300 band. HomeGuide is the outlier, citing a typical range of $1,800 to $2,800 and a $2,300 average, likely reflecting larger systems and a more parts-and-labor-inclusive definition. Fixr doesn’t publish a dedicated compressor page, but its AC repair guide lists compressor replacement as a $600 to $3,000 line item, consistent with the broader range. Warranty status is the single biggest swing factor within any of these ranges: an in-warranty job runs $600 to $1,200, while an out-of-warranty job runs $1,300 to $2,500 (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila).

What affects the cost?

  • System size (tonnage). Installed cost climbs steadily with capacity, from $700 to $1,300 for a 1.5-ton compressor up to $1,800 to $2,600 for a 5-ton compressor (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila). Bigger isn’t automatically better, though: “More is not better,” warns Richard Trethewey, a plumbing, heating, and cooling expert featured in This Old House magazine — an oversized compressor cools a room faster than it can dehumidify it, leaving the space feeling cold and damp.
  • Warranty status. A compressor still under manufacturer warranty (typically 5 to 12 years, per HomeGuide) costs $600 to $1,200 to replace, mostly labor. Once that warranty lapses, expect $1,300 to $2,500 (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila).
  • Compressor type. Scroll compressors, the standard for residential central air systems, cost $500 to $1,500. Reciprocating units run $400 to $1,000, rotary compressors (common in smaller units) $50 to $100, screw compressors $300 to $1,200, and centrifugal compressors, mostly a commercial part, $1,600 to $2,400.
  • AC unit type. A window unit compressor costs $250 to $500 to replace, a mini-split compressor $500 to $1,000, and a central AC compressor $800 to $2,800 (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila).
  • Refrigerant type. Systems installed since 2010 run R-410A or newer R-32/R-454B refrigerant, where a routine refill costs $100 to $350. Older R-22 systems cost more across the board: a recharge alone runs $600 to $960, and HomeGuide notes a full compressor replacement in an R-22 system can exceed $5,000, since R-22 production stopped in 2020 and remaining supply is scarce.
  • Brand. Switching to a generic or different compatible brand can save $100 to $500. Goodman and Amana compressors average $1,200, while Lennox, York, and Coleman run up to $1,500 to $2,300 (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila).
  • Labor. HVAC technicians charge $75 to $150 an hour, or a flat $300 to $900, for the 4 to 8 hours a compressor swap typically takes (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila, HomeGuide).

Replace the compressor, the condenser, or the whole system?

A failed compressor doesn’t always mean replacing just that part. HomeGuide, Bob Vila, and Fixr all frame this as a three-way decision: replace the compressor alone, replace the whole outdoor condenser unit, or replace the entire AC system. Compressor-only replacement makes the most financial sense when the unit is under 10 years old, still under warranty, and hasn’t had other recent repairs. Once the system passes 10 years old, has a history of problems, or the repair quote reaches 50% or more of the cost of a new system, a full system replacement typically wins out (HomeGuide). That comparison matters because the numbers aren’t close: a compressor-only swap tops out around $2,800, but a full central air system replacement costs $3,882 to $7,907 installed (Bob Vila). Compressors are also hermetically sealed, so they can’t be repaired or rebuilt on-site (HomeGuide) — once one fails, replacement of some kind is the only option, and a licensed HVAC technician is the one who should size up whether it’s the compressor, the condenser, or the whole furnace and AC system that needs to go.

How to lower your AC compressor replacement cost

  • Check your warranty before you call for repairs. An in-warranty replacement runs $600 to $1,200 versus $1,300 to $2,500 out of warranty (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila), so confirming coverage first can cut the bill by more than half.
  • Ask about a generic or alternate-brand compressor if your technician recommends one. Brand switching can save $100 to $500 without necessarily sacrificing compatibility (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila).
  • Get a second opinion before authorizing a full system swap. If the quoted repair is well under 50% of a new system’s cost and your unit is under 10 years old, compressor-only replacement is usually the better deal (HomeGuide).
  • Schedule outside peak summer season if the failure isn’t an emergency. Multiple sources note labor and part availability tighten in summer, with prices easing in spring and fall.
  • Compare at least three HVAC contractor quotes. Labor alone ranges from $75 to $150 an hour, so quotes for the same job can vary by hundreds of dollars.
  • If you’re weighing a window AC or mini-split instead of fixing central air, compare unit-specific compressor costs first: window unit compressors run $250 to $500 and mini-split compressors $500 to $1,000, both well under a central AC compressor’s $800 to $2,800.

Prices vary by region, system age, and contractor, so treat the figures above as a planning budget. Get a written diagnosis and at least two quotes, including warranty status, before authorizing a repair or replacement.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace an AC compressor?
Most homeowners pay $800 to $2,800, averaging around $1,490 nationally. HomeAdvisor, Angi, and This Old House cluster around a tighter $800 to $2,300 range (average $1,200 to $1,550), while HomeGuide reports a higher typical range of $1,800 to $2,800 (average $2,300).
How much does an AC compressor cost by size?
Price scales with tonnage: a 1.5-ton compressor runs $700 to $1,300 installed, a 3-ton compressor $1,000 to $2,100, and a 5-ton compressor $1,800 to $2,600 (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila).
How much of the cost is labor versus parts?
Labor runs $75 to $150 per hour, or a flat $300 to $900 fee, covering 4 to 8 hours of work to remove the old compressor, install the new one, and recharge refrigerant (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila, HomeGuide).
Does my warranty cover AC compressor replacement?
It can cut the bill substantially. An in-warranty replacement typically costs $600 to $1,200 (mostly labor, since the part is covered), while an out-of-warranty replacement runs $1,300 to $2,500 (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila). Manufacturer warranties on compressors generally last 5 to 12 years (HomeGuide).
Does refrigerant type (R-22 vs. R-410A) affect the cost?
Yes. Systems built since 2010 use R-410A or newer R-32/R-454B refrigerant, where a routine refill costs $100 to $350. Older R-22 systems cost more to service ($600 to $960 for a recharge) because R-22 production stopped in 2020 and supply is limited; HomeGuide notes a full compressor swap in an R-22 system can exceed $5,000.
Should I replace just the compressor, the whole condenser, or the whole AC system?
Replacing only the compressor is cheapest when the unit is younger than 10 years and still under warranty. Once the system passes 10 years old, has recurring problems, or the repair would cost 50% or more of a new system, a full system replacement is usually the better value (HomeGuide, Bob Vila, Fixr) — a new central AC system runs $3,882 to $7,907 installed (Bob Vila).
Does the type of compressor affect the price?
Yes. Scroll compressors, the most common residential type, cost $500 to $1,500. Reciprocating compressors run $400 to $1,000, rotary compressors (used in smaller units) $50 to $100, screw compressors $300 to $1,200, and centrifugal compressors (mostly commercial) $1,600 to $2,400 (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Bob Vila).

Sources

Figures synthesized and cross-checked across these sources (retrieved 2026-07-28):

  • This Old House — AC compressor replacement costs $800-$2,300, with homeowners paying $1,550 on average. By size: 1.5-2 ton $700-$1,400 (avg $1,050); 2.5-3 ton $900-$2,100 (avg $1,500); 3.5-4 ton $1,100-$2,100 (avg $1,600). By compressor type: centrifugal $1,600-$2,400, scroll $500-$1,500, reciprocating $400-$1,000, rotary $50-$100. Labor $75-$150/hour or $300-$900 flat fee. Extended warranties cost $200-$400. Higher-SEER units can save $100-$300/year in energy costs.
  • HomeAdvisor — AC compressor replacement costs between $800 and $2,300 for a home, average $1,200 (project can range $100-$2,800). Smaller window/mini-split compressors run $250-$1,000. By tonnage: 1.5 ton $700-$1,300 up to 5 ton $1,800-$2,600. By AC type: window $250-$425, mini-split $600-$1,000, central AC $800-$2,380. By compressor type: centrifugal $1,600-$2,400, scroll $500-$1,500, reciprocating $400-$1,000, rotary $50-$100, screw $300-$1,200. In-warranty replacement costs $600-$1,200; out-of-warranty costs $1,300-$2,500. Refrigerant refill costs $100-$350, up to $600 or as high as $960 for older R-22 systems; systems installed after 2010 use R-410a or R-32. Labor runs $75-$150/hour or $300-$900 flat, 4-6 hours.
  • HomeGuide — AC compressor replacement costs $1,800 to $2,800 on average for parts and labor, national average $2,300, minimum $1,000, maximum $5,200. By size: 1.5 ton $1,500-$2,000; 2-2.5 ton $1,800-$2,200; 3-3.5 ton $2,000-$2,600; 4-4.5 ton $2,200-$2,800; 5+ ton $2,500-$3,500+. Replacing the compressor in an older R-22 system can cost more than $5,000; systems using R-32 or R-454B have lower costs. Manufacturer warranties run 5 to 12 years. Most replacements take 4 to 8 hours of labor. AC inspection costs $150-$500.
  • Fixr — Compressor replacement costs $600-$3,000, among the most expensive AC repairs alongside condenser coil ($600-$2,400) and evaporator coil ($400-$2,700) replacement. Central AC repairs generally range $150-$2,000. Warranty coverage typically spans 5-10 years for basic parts, up to 15 years extended. Labor runs $75-$175/hour ($150-$300/hour for emergency service), with a $75-$150 base service fee.
  • Angi — Professional AC compressor installation costs between $800 and $2,300, average $1,200, with a full range of $100-$2,800. By tonnage: 1.5 ton $700-$1,300 up to 5 ton $1,800-$2,600. By AC type: window $250-$425, mini-split $600-$1,000, central AC $800-$2,380. By compressor type: centrifugal $1,600-$2,400, scroll $500-$1,500, reciprocating $400-$1,000, rotary $50-$100, screw $300-$1,200. In-warranty replacement costs $600-$1,200; out-of-warranty costs $1,300-$2,500. Refrigerant refill costs $100-$350 (total refill $300-$960); R-22 production stopped in 2020, replaced by R-32 and similar refrigerants. Labor runs $75-$150/hour or $300-$900 flat, 4-6 hours.
  • Bob Vila — AC compressor replacement typically ranges $800-$2,800, national average $1,200 (citing Angi and HomeAdvisor). By tonnage: 1.5-ton compressor $700-$1,300 up to 5-ton compressor $1,800-$2,600. By AC type: window unit $200-$500, mini-split $500-$600, heat pump $800-$3,000, central AC $800-$2,800. By compressor type: centrifugal $1,600-$2,400, screw $300-$1,200, scroll $500-$1,500, reciprocating $400-$1,000, rotary $50-$100. By brand: Amana/Goodman $350-$1,200 up to Lennox $600-$2,300. Additional refrigerant costs $100-$350. Labor runs $75-$150/hour, $300-$900 total, 4-6 hours. In-warranty replacement costs $600-$1,200; typical warranty runs 5-10 years. A full central AC unit replacement costs $3,882-$7,907.

Five sources report a directly comparable 'compressor replacement, installed' figure and cluster into two bands. HomeAdvisor and Angi publish an identical dataset (same parent company): average $1,200, typical range $800-$2,300, full project span $100-$2,800. Bob Vila reports a typical range of $800-$2,800 with the same $1,200 national average, explicitly citing Angi and HomeAdvisor as its sources. This Old House reports a higher average of $1,550 on the same $800-$2,300 typical range. HomeGuide reports a notably higher band -- average $2,300, typical range $1,800-$2,800, span $1,000-$5,200 -- which appears to reflect a more parts-and-labor-inclusive definition and a bias toward larger systems. Fixr does not publish a standalone AC-compressor page; its AC Repair Cost guide lists compressor replacement as a $600-$3,000 line item inside a broader repair-cost table, alongside condenser coil ($600-$2,400) and evaporator coil ($400-$2,700) replacement. national_average_usd ($1,490) is the mean of the five sources that report a direct national average for compressor replacement (This Old House $1,550, HomeAdvisor $1,200, HomeGuide $2,300, Angi $1,200, Bob Vila $1,200); Fixr's line-item figure isn't a standalone average so it's excluded from that mean, though its $600-$3,000 range is consistent with the published range. range_low_usd ($800) and range_high_usd ($2,800) span the low end shared by HomeAdvisor, Angi, This Old House, and Bob Vila to the high end shared by HomeGuide and Bob Vila. project_low_usd/project_high_usd ($800-$2,300) is the tighter 'most homeowners pay' band that repeats verbatim across HomeAdvisor, Angi, and This Old House. by_type breaks cost out per system tonnage: HomeAdvisor and Angi publish an identical granular table, and Bob Vila's own 1.5-ton ($700-$1,300) and 5-ton ($1,800-$2,600) figures match those endpoints exactly, cross-validating the table. On refrigerant, every source that covers it agrees R-22 systems cost meaningfully more to service than R-410A/R-32 systems because R-22 production stopped in 2020 and supply is scarce -- refill costs alone roughly double ($100-$350 vs. $600-$960 per HomeAdvisor/Angi), and HomeGuide notes a full R-22 compressor swap can exceed $5,000. On scope, HomeGuide, Bob Vila, and Fixr all frame the decision as compressor-only vs. whole-condenser vs. whole-system replacement, generally recommending a full system swap once the unit passes 10 years old or the repair nears half the cost of a new system -- which Bob Vila prices at $3,882-$7,907 installed, well above any compressor-only figure.