How Much Does AC Compressor Replacement Cost in 2026?

By Michael JohnsonUpdated 15 sources comparedHow we estimate

Replacing the compressor in a home central air conditioner typically costs $1,000 to $2,800 when it's out of warranty, and about $1,600 is a realistic national average. That figure is the mean of the averages published by HomeAdvisor ($1,200), This Old House ($1,550) and Today's Homeowner ($2,000). If the compressor is still under the manufacturer's parts warranty, you usually pay only labor and refrigerant, about $600 to $1,200 (HomeAdvisor). The main price drivers are system size (tonnage), compressor type, refrigerant type and warranty status.

This guide covers the compressor in a home's outdoor AC or heat pump unit. It does not cover car AC compressors, a different part with a different repair process and price. Search results often mix the two, so check which one a price refers to.

Typical cost
$1,000–$2,800
National average
$1,600
Full range
$600–$3,500

The typical range covers an out-of-warranty compressor replacement on a 1.5–5 ton residential central AC or heat pump outdoor unit, including labor and an R-410A recharge; under-warranty jobs fall toward the national low, and large variable-speed or R-22 systems toward or above the national high. Prices are per home central AC compressor, installed.

AC compressor replacement cost by tonnage

Tonnage is the cooling capacity of your system (one ton = 12,000 BTU per hour). You'll find it on the outdoor unit's data plate, usually as part of the model number. Bigger systems use bigger compressors, which cost more.

System size Compressor part only (PickHVAC) Installed replacement (HomeAdvisor / Angi) This Old House (low–high)
1.5 ton $400–$800 $700–$1,300 $700–$1,400 (1.5–2 ton)
2 ton $500–$900 $800–$1,400 $700–$1,400 (1.5–2 ton)
2.5 ton $600–$1,000 $900–$1,600 $900–$2,100 (2.5–3 ton)
3 ton $700–$1,200 $1,000–$2,100 $900–$2,100 (2.5–3 ton)
3.5 ton $800–$1,300 $1,100–$2,200 $1,100–$2,100 (3.5–4 ton)
4 ton $900–$1,400 $1,200–$2,100 $1,100–$2,100 (3.5–4 ton)
5 ton $1,200–$1,800 $1,800–$2,600 —

These installed figures usually don't include everything. HomeAdvisor and Today's Homeowner both say refrigerant adds $100 to $350 to a compressor job. HomeServe lists the full job line by line: $400 to $1,300 for the compressor, $600 to $1,200 for labor, $200 to $800 for refrigerant and $100 to $200 for a new filter drier. Added together, those items come to $1,300 to $3,500. That's why our typical range runs above HomeAdvisor's $800 to $2,300, and why Today's Homeowner's $1,500 to $3,000 sits at the upper end.

Estimate your cost

Pick your system size and refrigerant, tick any extra parts the technician quoted, and choose your warranty status.

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$600$3,500
Typical U.S. rangeYour estimateYour quote

Ranges come from the sources listed at the end of this guide. The labor portion is adjusted for your state with BEA price data. Your final price depends on site conditions and local codes.

Under warranty vs. out of warranty

This is often the biggest single factor in what you pay.

  • Under warranty: The manufacturer covers the compressor part, but usually not the labor. HomeAdvisor puts the homeowner's cost at $600 to $1,200. Today's Homeowner gives $300 to $600 for installation alone. Refrigerant, the filter drier and the service call are usually billed on top.
  • Out of warranty: You pay for everything, typically $1,300 to $2,500 (HomeAdvisor, PickHVAC).

HomeAdvisor says compressor warranties run 10 to 15 years. HomeServe says manufacturer coverage often lasts 5 to 10 years. Terms vary by brand and model, so find your warranty paperwork or call the manufacturer with the serial number before you approve the job. A home warranty plan may cover both parts and labor. Today's Homeowner puts those plans at about $45 to $65 a month.

Cost by compressor type

Compressor type HomeAdvisor Today's Homeowner
Single-stage $250–$1,200 $500–$1,500
Two-stage $1,000–$2,000 $1,000–$2,500
Variable-speed (inverter) $1,500–$2,800 $2,000–$3,000
Scroll $500–$1,500 —
Reciprocating $400–$1,000 —

Most modern central AC units use a scroll compressor in single-stage, two-stage or variable-speed form. Variable-speed compressors are the most expensive to replace and usually need the brand's matching parts. Brand matters less than type. HomeAdvisor says switching brands can change the price by $100 to $500.

Refrigerant: R-22, R-410A and R-454B

A compressor replacement means the technician recovers the refrigerant, swaps the compressor, evacuates the system and recharges it. The refrigerant your system uses changes the bill.

  • R-22 (systems from before about 2010). Under EPA rules, R-22 has not been produced or imported in the U.S. since January 1, 2020. Existing systems can still be serviced with recovered or reclaimed refrigerant (Trane). Trane puts R-22 at $100 to $250 per pound installed. Systems hold about 2 to 4 pounds per ton, so recharging a 3-ton R-22 system can cost more than the compressor itself. A compressor failure on an R-22 system is usually the moment to replace the system.
  • R-410A (most systems from about 2010 to 2024). Trane puts it at $40 to $90 per pound installed, and Angi at $40 to $75. R-410A is being phased down, so Trane and Bryant expect prices to rise. It is not banned for existing systems. Bryant says existing R-410A systems can continue to be serviced, and Copeland says R-410A compressors remain available for repairs.
  • R-454B and R-32 (new systems since 2025). New residential AC equipment now uses lower-GWP refrigerants. These systems can't be mixed with R-410A parts. Bryant states that R-454B "is not a drop-in replacement for R-410A," and Copeland warns that R-410A components are incompatible with systems built for these newer refrigerants. Our sources don't publish per-pound prices for them. Systems this new are usually still under warranty.

In May 2026, EPA finalized a rule letting R-410A units built before 2025 be installed until existing supplies run out, NAHB reports. Some states, including New York, have kept stricter deadlines.

Labor vs. materials

Labor is a big share of this job. HomeAdvisor puts it at $300 to $900 (4 to 6 hours at $75 to $150 an hour), against a typical total of $800 to $2,300. This Old House reports an average flat labor fee of $600, or $113 an hour, on an average job of $1,550. HomeServe's labor line is $600 to $1,200. PickHVAC's tables show the installed price running about $300 to $900 above the part price at each tonnage.

We use a labor share of 40% in our state adjustments, which matches those sources. The compressor and refrigerant make up most of the rest. Refrigerant is the part most likely to push the materials share higher, especially on R-22 systems.

What drives the price up or down

  • Tonnage. A 5-ton compressor costs roughly double a 1.5-ton one (HomeAdvisor: $1,800–$2,600 vs. $700–$1,300).
  • Compressor type. Variable-speed compressors cost the most: $1,500 to $3,000 across our sources.
  • Refrigerant. R-22 at $100 to $250 a pound can add hundreds or thousands of dollars.
  • Warranty status. A covered compressor can cut your bill roughly in half.
  • Extra parts. A filter drier ($100–$200) and capacitor ($150–$400) are often replaced at the same time (HomeServe).
  • Season. HomeAdvisor says rates drop roughly September through March, and summer is the most expensive time.
  • Your contractor. This Old House found quotes for the same job in the same area can differ by as much as $800.

AC compressor replacement cost by state

HVAC labor rates vary widely by region, and so does demand in hot-climate states during summer. The table below starts from our national range, compiled from the sources above, and adjusts only the labor portion (40%) using the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities for each state.

Typical installed cost by state. Labor share 40% adjusted with BEA Regional Price Parities 2023.
StateTypical rangeAveragevs. U.S.
Alabama$960–$2,700$1,550-4.0%
Alaska$1,000–$2,800$1,600+0.7%
Arizona$1,000–$2,800$1,600+0.4%
Arkansas$950–$2,650$1,500-5.4%
California$1,050–$2,950$1,700+5.0%
Colorado$1,000–$2,800$1,600+0.6%
Connecticut$1,000–$2,850$1,600+1.5%
Delaware$1,000–$2,800$1,600-0.3%
District of Columbia$1,050–$2,900$1,650+4.3%
Florida$1,000–$2,850$1,600+1.4%
Georgia$990–$2,750$1,600-1.3%
Hawaii$1,050–$2,900$1,650+3.4%
Idaho$970–$2,700$1,550-3.4%
Illinois$1,000–$2,800$1,600-0.4%
Indiana$970–$2,700$1,550-3.1%
Iowa$960–$2,650$1,550-4.5%
Kansas$960–$2,700$1,550-4.0%
Kentucky$960–$2,700$1,550-3.8%
Louisiana$950–$2,650$1,550-4.7%
Maine$990–$2,750$1,600-1.2%
Maryland$1,000–$2,850$1,650+1.6%
Massachusetts$1,050–$2,900$1,650+3.3%
Michigan$980–$2,750$1,550-2.3%
Minnesota$990–$2,800$1,600-0.6%
Mississippi$950–$2,650$1,500-5.1%
Missouri$970–$2,700$1,550-3.3%
Montana$960–$2,700$1,550-3.9%
Nebraska$960–$2,700$1,550-3.8%
Nevada$990–$2,750$1,600-1.2%
New Hampshire$1,000–$2,850$1,650+2.1%
New Jersey$1,050–$2,900$1,650+3.6%
New Mexico$960–$2,700$1,550-3.8%
New York$1,050–$2,900$1,650+3.0%
North Carolina$980–$2,750$1,550-2.4%
North Dakota$950–$2,650$1,550-4.6%
Ohio$970–$2,700$1,550-3.3%
Oklahoma$950–$2,650$1,550-4.7%
Oregon$1,000–$2,850$1,650+1.9%
Pennsylvania$990–$2,750$1,600-1.0%
Rhode Island$1,000–$2,800$1,600+0.6%
South Carolina$970–$2,700$1,550-2.7%
South Dakota$950–$2,650$1,500-4.8%
Tennessee$970–$2,700$1,550-3.0%
Texas$990–$2,750$1,600-1.1%
Utah$980–$2,750$1,550-2.0%
Vermont$990–$2,750$1,600-1.4%
Virginia$1,000–$2,800$1,600+0.3%
Washington$1,050–$2,900$1,650+3.4%
West Virginia$960–$2,700$1,550-4.1%
Wisconsin$970–$2,700$1,550-2.8%
Wyoming$960–$2,700$1,550-3.7%

Treat these as starting points. Emergency and peak-season calls can cost more than the table shows, especially in the South and Southwest.

Replace the compressor, the condenser or the whole system?

A new compressor goes into your old outdoor unit, so the rest of the system stays as old as it was. Use these rules of thumb:

  • The 50% rule. If the repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, replace the unit. This Old House and HomeServe both cite it.
  • The $5,000 rule. Multiply the system's age by the repair quote. If the result tops $5,000, replacement is usually the better value (PickHVAC). For example, a $1,800 compressor job on a 12-year-old system scores $21,600, a strong sign to replace.
  • Age. This Old House recommends repair for units under 10 years old with repairs under $1,000, and says full replacement may be smarter once a system passes 12 to 15 years. HomeServe and Today's Homeowner also point to 10 years as the tipping point.
  • R-22. If your system uses R-22, a compressor failure is usually the time to replace the system.

Replacing the condenser (the whole outdoor unit) costs $1,200 to $4,200, averaging $2,700, according to This Old House. That average is about $1,100 more than our $1,600 compressor average, and it buys a new outdoor coil, fan motor and warranty. Before you choose this, check the refrigerant. A new outdoor unit built for R-454B can't be paired with an old R-410A indoor coil (Copeland). That can turn a condenser swap into a system replacement. A new central AC system costs about $4,000 to $8,000. Our HVAC replacement cost guide covers full systems. If you're replacing anyway, consider a heat pump, which our heat pump installation cost guide covers.

Can you replace an AC compressor yourself?

No. Replacing a compressor means recovering and recharging refrigerant. Under the Clean Air Act, anyone who maintains, services, repairs or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerant must hold EPA Section 608 certification. The job also involves brazing refrigerant lines and working on high-voltage electrical parts. Hire a licensed, Section 608–certified HVAC contractor. A DIY attempt will also almost certainly void the warranty.

How to save money

  • Check the warranty first. Find the serial number on the outdoor unit and contact the manufacturer. A covered compressor can cut the bill by roughly half.
  • Confirm the diagnosis. A failed capacitor or contactor can look like a dead compressor and costs far less to fix ($150–$400 for a capacitor, HomeServe). Ask the technician what tests showed the compressor has failed.
  • Get at least two or three quotes. This Old House found up to $800 difference between quotes for the same job.
  • Book outside peak season when you can. HomeAdvisor says September through March is cheaper.
  • Don't count on a tax credit. The federal 25C credit doesn't apply to equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025, according to the IRS. A compressor repair wouldn't have qualified anyway. If you replace the system, check the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder for utility rebates.
  • Ask about an extended labor warranty. This Old House puts extended warranties at $200 to $400 up front.

How to compare quotes

A fair compressor replacement quote should list:

  • The compressor's make, model, type (single-stage, two-stage or variable-speed) and whether it is OEM or universal.
  • Refrigerant type and the number of pounds being charged, with the price per pound.
  • Recovery, evacuation (vacuum) and leak testing.
  • A new filter drier, plus any capacitor or contactor replacement.
  • Labor hours or a flat labor price, and the labor warranty.
  • What the manufacturer warranty covers, and who files the claim.

Red flags: no refrigerant amount on the quote; a technician who won't say how the compressor was tested; pressure to buy a full system without explaining why; offers to top off an R-22 system with a "drop-in" substitute without discussing the trade-offs; or anyone who doesn't hold Section 608 certification.

Hidden costs people forget

  • Diagnostic and service-call fees, sometimes charged even if you decide not to repair.
  • Refrigerant leaks. If the old compressor failed because of a leak, the leak must be found and fixed first, or the new refrigerant will escape too.
  • Filter drier and capacitor: $100 to $200 and $150 to $400 (HomeServe).
  • Electrical repairs: $100 to $300 if wiring contributed to the failure (HomeServe).
  • System testing and optimization: $100 to $200 (HomeServe).
  • After-hours or emergency rates during a heat wave.

Bottom line

An out-of-warranty central AC compressor replacement typically costs $1,000 to $2,800, and about $1,600 is a realistic national average. A compressor still under warranty cuts that to roughly $600 to $1,200 in labor and refrigerant. Before you approve the job, apply the 50% and $5,000 rules and check your refrigerant. On a system older than 10 to 12 years, or any system that uses R-22, a new condenser or system is often the better use of the money. Only an EPA Section 608–certified technician may do the work.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth replacing an AC compressor?

It is usually worth it when the system is under about 10 years old, uses R-410A, and the compressor is still under warranty. This Old House and HomeServe both cite the 50% rule: if the repair tops half the price of a new unit, replace the unit. On older or R-22 systems, a new condenser ($1,200–$4,200, This Old House) or system is often the better value.

How much does an AC compressor cost under warranty?

When the manufacturer covers the compressor, you typically pay $600 to $1,200 for labor, refrigerant and related parts, according to HomeAdvisor. Warranties generally cover parts but not labor. Check your unit's serial number with the manufacturer before approving the work.

Can a compressor be replaced on an AC unit?

Yes. A licensed HVAC technician can remove the old compressor, braze in a new one, replace the filter drier, pull a vacuum and recharge the refrigerant. The job usually takes 4 to 6 hours (HomeAdvisor). The technician must hold EPA Section 608 certification because the work involves recovering refrigerant.

How much does a 3-ton or 5-ton AC compressor cost to replace?

HomeAdvisor and Angi put a 3-ton compressor replacement at $1,000 to $2,100 and a 5-ton at $1,800 to $2,600. Add $100 to $350 for refrigerant on an R-410A system, and more for R-22. The compressor part alone runs about $700 to $1,200 for 3 tons and $1,200 to $1,800 for 5 tons (PickHVAC).

Can I replace an AC compressor myself?

No. Under the Clean Air Act, technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerant must be EPA Section 608 certified. The job also involves brazing and high-voltage work, and a DIY attempt would likely void the manufacturer warranty.

Is a home AC compressor the same price as a car AC compressor?

No, they are different parts and different jobs. This guide covers the compressor in a home's outdoor central AC or heat pump unit. Car AC compressors are priced and serviced by auto shops and are not covered here.

Can I still repair an R-410A or R-22 air conditioner in 2026?

Yes. Bryant states R-410A is not banned for existing systems and they can continue to be serviced, and Copeland says R-410A compressors remain available for repairs. R-22 systems can still be serviced with recovered or reclaimed refrigerant, but Trane puts R-22 at $100 to $250 per pound installed, which often makes replacement the better choice.

Sources

We compared these sources to build the QuoteRuler range. State figures adjust the labor portion (40% of the total) using the BEA Regional Price Parities.

  1. How Much Does a Home AC Compressor Replacement Cost? — HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.). Used for: Average $1,200, typical $800–$2,300; by tonnage: 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; in warranty $600–$1,200, expired $1,300–$2,500; warranties 10–15 years, parts not labor; labor $75–$150/hr, 4–6 hours, $300–$900; refrigerant $100–$350; by type: single-stage $250–$1,200, two-stage $1,000–$2,000, variable-speed $1,500–$2,800, scroll $500–$1,500, reciprocating $400–$1,000; brand switch $100–$500; rates drop roughly September–March. Title references 2025 data; no specific update date..
  2. How Much Does an AC Compressor Cost? — Angi. Used for: Same tonnage table, average ($1,200) and warranty ranges as HomeAdvisor (same parent company, not counted as an independent source); DIY parts $400–$1,600; labor flat fee $300–$900. Labeled 2025 data..
  3. How Much Does an AC Compressor Cost? (2026 Guide) — This Old House. Used for: Updated August 31, 2026. Average replacement $1,550; by tonnage 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); compressor part $950+; labor $113/hr or $600 average flat fee; quotes for the same job can vary by up to $800; extended warranty $200–$400; repair if under 10 years and under $1,000; replace if repair exceeds 50% of new unit price or system over 10 years; full replacement smarter past 12–15 years..
  4. How Much Does an AC Compressor Cost? — Today's Homeowner. Used for: Updated February 23, 2025. Compressor replacement $1,500–$3,000, average $2,000; central air $800–$2,700; single-stage $500–$1,500, two-stage $1,000–$2,500, variable-speed $2,000–$3,000; under warranty installation $300–$600; labor $150–$600; refrigerant $100–$350; home warranty $45–$65/month; compressor is 25%–45% of system cost; consider a new system past 10 years..
  5. How Much Does It Cost to Replace an AC Compressor? — HomeServe USA. Used for: Dated June 27, 2025. Compressor $400–$1,300; labor $600–$1,200; refrigerant recharge $200–$800; filter drier $100–$200; capacitor $150–$400; electrical repairs $100–$300; testing $100–$200 (line items sum to $1,300–$3,500, used for our national high); warranties often 5–10 years; replace if system over 10 years or repair approaches 50% of replacement value..
  6. AC Compressor Prices and Installed Cost (By Ton and By Brand) — PickHVAC. Used for: Dated June 24, 2025 (2024–2025 data). Compressor part only by ton: 1.5 ton $400–$800, 2 ton $500–$900, 2.5 ton $600–$1,000, 3 ton $700–$1,200, 3.5 ton $800–$1,300, 4 ton $900–$1,400, 5 ton $1,200–$1,800; installed figures match HomeAdvisor; out of warranty $1,300–$2,500; $5,000 rule (age × repair cost); new central AC unit $2,500–$7,500+..
  7. How Much Does an AC Condenser Replacement Cost? — This Old House. Used for: Updated March 16, 2026. Condenser replacement $1,200–$4,200, average $2,700; under warranty $300–$1,200; replace whole system if condenser over 10 years or AC over 10–15 years..
  8. AC Refrigerant Recharge Pricing — Trane. Used for: Last modified February 2, 2026. R-22 $100–$250 per pound installed; R-410A $40–$90 per pound installed; 2–4 lb per ton; only Section 608-certified technicians may handle refrigerant..
  9. How Much Does R-410A Refrigerant Cost per Pound? — Angi. Used for: R-410A $40–$75 per pound; average 3 lb per ton (used to size the R-22 calculator option). Labeled 2026 data..
  10. What Is R-22? — Trane. Used for: Last modified June 1, 2026. EPA ended R-22 production and import January 1, 2020; existing systems can be serviced with recycled, recovered or reclaimed refrigerant by a Section 608-certified technician..
  11. R-410A Refrigerant: Understanding the Phase-Out and Your Options — Bryant. Used for: R-410A is not banned for existing residential systems, which can continue to be serviced; R-454B (GWP 466 vs 2,088) is not a drop-in replacement for R-410A; R-410A cost may rise as supply tightens..
  12. Repair or Replace? How to Advise Homeowners on the Shift to A2L Refrigerants — Copeland. Used for: Dated July 8, 2024. R-410A compressors remain available to repair existing systems; R-410A components are incompatible with A2L (R-454B, R-32) systems and vice versa..
  13. EPA Finalizes Refrigerant Rule Update to Allow Older HVAC Unit Installation — NAHB. Used for: May 26, 2026: EPA final rule (effective July 27, 2026) allows R-410A units made or imported before January 1, 2025 to be installed until supplies are depleted; New York kept the January 1, 2026 deadline..
  14. Section 608 Technician Certification — U.S. EPA. Used for: Section 608 regulations require certification for technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants..
  15. Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit — IRS. Used for: Section 25C credit does not apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2025..
  16. Regional Price Parities by State, 2023 — U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Used for: state cost adjustments.

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