Can I Replace Just The AC Condenser?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Can I replace just the AC ? The condenser unit could be the reason that your entire air conditioner breaks down. Don't lose all hope just yet though! A common question we get is if you can replace just the condenser. The short answer is

yes, you can

.

Contents hide

Can I replace only the outside AC unit?

The simple answer is

No

. When replacing the outside AC unit in your home, HVAC experts recommend that you also replace the indoor unit. While this is entirely your decision, failure to replace both can cause issues such as reduced efficiency, regular failures, and increased cooling costs.

Is it worth replacing condenser on AC unit?

Replace the condenser – The condenser unit is the outdoor cabinet of components, including the compressor, fan, and . This is less expensive than a full AC replacement, but

we don't recommend it unless your current budget restricts a bigger job

.

How much does it cost to have an AC condenser replaced?

Average AC Condenser Installation Cost
Average Cost


$3,000
Highest Cost $5,000 Lowest Cost $1,200

When replacing a HVAC condenser What else should you replace?

Every time you replace a condenser fan motor, you should also replace the

A.C.'s run capacitor

, which is a cylinder-shaped device that helps to start or run motors. To replace it, again take down all technical data on the unit, and note wiring colors and positions before removing it with a screw driver.

Do I need to replace condenser with compressor?

As you can see, condenser problems and compressor failures are often related. Thus,

it might be a good idea to replace a condenser when your compressor fails

. What's more, when a compressor fails, there is a tremendous amount of debris that is suddenly injected into the AC system.

How do you replace an outside condenser?

  1. Disconnect the power supply. Cut the power at the breaker, then disconnect the electrical line from the unit.
  2. Disconnect the coolant lines. …
  3. Remove the entire unit. …
  4. Place the new unit in place. …
  5. Connect the refrigerant lines. …
  6. Connect the electrical lines. …
  7. Turn the system on and test it.

Is it better to replace compressor or whole unit?


If your compressor is still under warranty, replace only the compressor

. Assuming the compressor is no longer under warranty, we recommend replacing the outside unit if one or more of the circumstances also applies: Money is really short right now and you're not sure it'll be better anytime soon.

How much does a condenser cost?

National average cost $2,900 Minimum cost $1,000 Maximum cost $5,600 Average cost range

$1,200 to $4,200

How long does AC condenser last?

While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good

15 to 20 years

of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.

Is a condenser and compressor the same thing?


The compressor works with the condenser in air conditioning units to release heat into the outside air

. Its job is to pressurize the refrigerant. The process not only increases the heat of the refrigerant but also pumps the fluid through the system. You can think of the compressor as the heart of an A/C system.

How long does it take to replace AC condenser?

How long does it take to install a condenser unit? On average, it takes

4-8 hours

to install or replace an entire central air conditioning unit.

What does an AC condenser look like?

Does the air handler and condenser have to match?

The coils, blowers, wiring, etc. need to be compatible in order for an air conditioning system to operate efficiently and keep your home comfortable.

If you combine a condensing unit with an air handler (or furnace) it wasn't designed to work with, in the best case the result will be reduced operating efficiency

.

Why is AC compressor so expensive?

If you have a large AC unit, then you can expect an expensive AC compressor. That's because

this part is needed to circulate the refrigerant through the entire system

. As more parts are needed for the large unit to run, replacement components will always be more costly.

Is it worth it to repair a compressor?

One factor to consider is whether or not your compressor itself is still under warranty. If it is, that means that you are not going to have to pay for the compressor, but only the labor required for the replacement. If this is the case, then

replacing the compressor may be worth considering

.

What happens if an air conditioner is not used for 3/4 years?


Most Air Conditioners Are Fine if They're Not Used for 3-4 Months

. In general, today's durable air conditioners were built to last. Many are meant to run every day for months at a time and are expected to last for decades.

How do I replace the condensing unit in my air conditioner?

Can you buy just the AC compressor?


On some occasions, you can simply buy a new AC compressor

. However, there aren't many circumstances where this is the best option. We only recommend replacing the AC compressor if it's still under warranty. If it isn't, replacing this equipment could cost you a lot of money.

What is the cost of a new AC compressor?

Generally, the cost of a home AC compressor is around $1,200. The cost to replace it ranges

between $800 and $2,800

. The labor and material make up around 50 percent of the final bill. The cost of its parts ranges from $450 to $1,500.

How do I know if my AC compressor is bad?

  1. Weak Airflow. Reduced airflow is one of the early symptoms of AC compressor failure. …
  2. Loud Banging Noises. …
  3. Leaking Refrigerant. …
  4. High Electricity Bills. …
  5. Tripped Circuit Breaker. …
  6. Electrical Failure. …
  7. Blockage of Condenser Coils. …
  8. Compressor Overheating.

How much does it cost to replace a 2.5 ton AC unit?

For a 1,300 to 1,600 square ft home you would want a 2.5 ton AC unit and the average installation cost would be

around $3,570

with the unit alone costing around $1,285. Read more about these cost factors below.

How much is a compressor for a 3 ton AC unit?

AC Compressor Size (Tons) AC Compressor Price 2 Ton AC Compressor cost: $600 – $1,500 2.5 Ton AC Compressor cost: $900 – $1,700 3 Ton AC Compressor cost:

$1,100 – $1,800
3.5 Ton AC Compressor cost: $1,200 – $2,000

How much does a 2 ton AC unit cost?

Central AC Unit Size AC & Coil AC & Coil Installed Cost 1.5 Tons, 18,000 btu $1,340 $2,695 2 Tons, 24,000 btu

$1,490


$3,190
2.5 Tons, 30,000 btu $1,725 $3,395 3 Tons, 36,000 btu $1,970 $3,690

When should you replace a condenser?


If your condenser coil is not included in your warranty

, it's a wise idea to replace your entire unit. If your condenser is already more than 10 years old, maybe it's time to upgrade to a newer and more efficient unit. Even if repair can fix a problem, replacing it with a newer unit can save you money down the road.

Can you replace AC unit without replacing furnace?

While it is always necessary to replace both air conditioning components at the same time (in a split system),

it's not always necessary to replace both AC components and the furnace

.

Should I replace my 20 year old HVAC?


The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 20 years, but as these systems age, they tend to get less efficient

. If your HVAC is over 10 years old, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient unit, such as one that has earned the ENERGY STAR label.

Is a condenser the same as an evaporator?

Evaporator Coils vs. Condenser Coils. The evaporator coil is the part of an air-conditioning system that removes heat and moisture from indoor air to cool it.

The condenser coil takes that heat and releases it outside

.

Is the AC condenser inside the compressor?

Where is AC condenser located?

In spite of their similar appearances and functions, evaporator and condenser coils are located in two different areas of your central A/C system. The evaporator coil is located within the plenum of the indoor portion of the cooling system, while the condenser coil is located

within the outdoor portion

.

How much does an outdoor AC unit cost?

Outdoor AC Unit Tonnage Electric AC Unit Cost 14 SEER Heat Pump AC Unit Cost 14 SEER
2 Ton AC Unit


$3,200


$3,500
2.5 Ton AC Unit $3,200 $3,700 3 Ton AC Unit $3,400 $3,700 3.5 Ton AC Unit $3,800 $3,900

How long should an outdoor AC unit last?

How long does it take to replace outside AC unit?

Generally speaking, the average installation will take anywhere from

four to eight hours

, which means the process of removing the old unit and being able to turn on the new one should be finished within a day.

Can I replace only the air handler?


Yes, Technically. Not advisable

. Cost — While it's cheaper at the time to just replace part of the system, if you have to make repairs on the part you didn't replace or end up replacing the 2nd part at a later date it will end up costing more than it would have to replace the entire system.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.