The four parts used in most central air systems are the compressor, evaporator, expansion valve, and a condenser. Of these parts, the compressor is responsible for circulating coolant through the unit. It does this by compressing freon into a high temperature gas that is then pushed through to the outdoor coil, where at this time the heat is radiated away. From here the coolant returns to liquid form to be pumped back through the interior coils to suck up heat and turn back into gas again. This process cycles over and over again to maintain a cool temperature inside your home or office.
Depending on the model and make of your unit, on average the cost of a replacement compressor can run from anywhere between $300 to $600. However, this is only the cost of the part itself, and hiring a technician will cost you about $1500 to $2000 on average. Seeing the difference in price, it may be incredibly tempting to make a repair job yourself. The caveat is that you need to have an HVAC license in most states to legally work on an air conditioning unit. So while it doesn’t hurt to do further research into what could be a small issue, if it’s something you can’t fix without opening up your air conditioning unit, the chances are that you’ll need to call someone.
Signs a Compressor Needs Replacing
Like many machines, there are several common signs that can tell you whether or not your compressor needs to be replaced by a certified technician. Below is a list of some common problems caused by a faulty compressor. These issues can be caused by wear and tear due to high usage, power surges burning out the circuits of the compressor, or excess moisture buildup causing chemical damage to the unit.
- The number one sign a compressor needs to be replaced is that your unit no longer blows out cool air.
- The fan is no longer audible when you turn on your air conditioning unit.
- Loud noises are coming from the inside of your A/C.
- The clutch of your air conditioning unit remains still and does not move.
- Fluid leaks develop at the connectors of your compressor.
- Dust and other material clogs the compressor’s fan and causes the motor to burn out.
If you happen to be experiencing issues with your HVAC system, give us a call so we can help! Call now at 408-295-2182