Is a non-functioning car AC making your ride feel stuffy and uncomfortable?
Chances are your AC compressor in the cooling system has bid you farewell and needs to be swapped out.
Wondering whether the cost of a new AC compressor is even worth it?
We’ll answer all your questions about car AC compressor replacement costs. We’ll also go over the different AC compressor types and share tips for preventing AC system failure.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Car AC Compressor Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the AC Compressor?
- Signs You Need an AC Compressor Replacement
- How Long Do AC Compressors Last?
- What Are the Different Types of Car AC Compressors?
- How to Prolong the Life of Your Car’s AC Compressor?
- Should I Replace the AC Compressor Myself?
How Much Does a Car AC Compressor Replacement Cost?
Take a look at your possible expenses for replacing a faulty compressor:
A. Range
You’ll have to roughly spend around $900 to $1,180 to install a new AC compressor.
This cost covers:
- New compressor: $760 to $980
- Labor: $160 to $210
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Here are some other factors that can determine your final bill:
- Car size and design: Since vehicles differ in size and design, cars like the Honda Civic typically need a smaller compressor, while a Ford Fusion requires a bigger unit. The bigger the compressor, the pricier it can be.
- Compressor’s brand and type: High-performance compressors are costlier than standard ones. Similarly, purchasing compressors from a popular brand instead of any local make will increase your overall cost.
- AC system’s age: AC compressors in older vehicles will be difficult to replace, as the right replacement parts won’t be easily available. You may have to order the parts from specific shops or web stores, increasing your total expense.
- Refrigerant type: Vehicles with older system designs may only work with specific old refrigerants, which usually cost more.
- AC compressor’s location: If the mechanic has difficulty accessing the AC compressor due to the system’s complex design, your labor cost will increase.
- Additional services: A faulty compressor can also point to other malfunctioning parts, like the AC clutch. Replacing the AC clutch will cost you an additional $590 to $650.
Note: Your manufacturer’s warranty may cover the replacement of several AC components, including the compressor. So, before you opt for a replacement, check what your warranty covers.
Is It Worth Replacing the AC Compressor?
Yes, of course!
The AC compressor is vital for pressurizing the refrigerant. If it fails, the AC condenser and evaporator won’t be able to cool your cabin, and eventually, the vents will blow warm air.
Without proper cooling, the humidity in the cabin will increase, which can fog up the mirrors and reduce your visibility. It can also lead to mold growth in the cooling system, which is dangerous for health.
Besides the air conditioning system, a worn compressor can damage your car’s drive belt (serpentine belt), making it loose and slip off. If the belt slips, other engine parts like the power steering pump, alternator, and water pump will stop working too.
In addition to AC compressor issues, you may also notice a weak car battery, engine overheating, and power steering trouble.
So, to save your car from major damage, call an auto repair mechanic to replace the bad AC compressor immediately.
Signs You Need an AC Compressor Replacement
Watch out for these glaring signs that indicate a bad air conditioning compressor:
- Musty smell in the cabin due to mold growth
- Warm air blowing from the vents
- Noises from the engine block when the AC is turned on
- Refrigerant leak
- AC clutch failing to engage
- A damaged serpentine belt
- Finding contaminants in the AC system on visual inspection
How Long Do AC Compressors Last?
Compressors can last about 150,000 to 200,000 miles or 10 to 12 years.
However, some factors can damage your compressors faster, such as:
- Dirt and debris around the compressor
- Use of incorrect refrigerant that strains the compressor
- Hard braking, excess idling, and other bad driving habits
- Unnecessary use of the air conditioner on full-blast
- Using the car AC in extreme temperatures
What Are the Different Types of Car AC Compressors?
Here are some common variants of compressors you’ll find in the market:
- Scroll compressor: Also known as a rotary compressor, this compressor uses interwoven spiral scrolls to compress the refrigerant. It’s widely used in small modern cars.
- Rotary vane compressor: This variant pressurizes the refrigerant using a rotor with movable vanes (blade-like parts). It’s ideal for small to midsize cars.
- Reciprocating compressor: A reciprocating compressor pressurizes the refrigerant using pistons that move up and down. It’s also called a ‘piston compressor’ and is usually used in older heavy-duty vehicles.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Car’s AC Compressor?
Practice these tips to keep your compressor running smoothly:
- Monitor refrigerant levels to ensure there’s no leak
- Keep the air filters clean
- Turn on the air conditioner once in a while to maintain lubrication of the system parts
- Get the AC system charged (refilled with refrigerant) once a year
- Schedule regular services to check the AC clutch’s fuse, coil, and sensors
- Maintain the belt tension to make sure it’s tight enough to drive the compressor
Should I Replace the AC Compressor Myself?
No!
To replace the AC compressor, you’ll have to:
- Disconnect your car’s battery to avoid electrical mishaps.
- Remove the drive belt.
- Unplug the electrical connectors on the compressor.
- Use a wrench to disconnect the refrigerant hose.
- Detach the bad air conditioning compressor.
- Install the new compressor.
- Refill the system with fresh refrigerant.
These steps can be quite advanced for people with limited car repair experience. Moreover, the refrigerant mentioned above is highly toxic. So, for your well-being, you should seek help from a professional mechanic.
Restore Your Car’s Cooling with AutoNation Mobile Service
The AC components can’t cool your cabin without a functioning compressor. Once the cooling system fails, it can lead to unwanted mold growth, so you shouldn’t wait to replace it.
And if you don’t want to drive to the garage in a stuffy car, let AutoNation Mobile Service mechanics come to you. Our expert technicians can access and replace the bad AC compressor right from your driveway.
We offer mobile auto repair services and convenient online bookings. You’ll also get a 12-month | 12,000-mile warranty on all services, from AC condenser replacement to complete air conditioning system repair.
Contact us to get a quote.