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An AC capacitor will overload when you try to draw too much power than its capacitance can provide. For example, if you use a lower-rated capacitor than the AC requires. Working with AC parts—or any electrical components—can be extremely dangerous. A capacitor can shock you, leak toxic liquids, or even burst and cause serious injury. Hiring an HVAC contractor ensures the job is done safely and correctly.
It can also be difficult to tell from just a click or a hum which capacitor within a unit may be struggling. While humming or clicking are both signals homeowners should be aware of, an HVAC professional should make the final diagnosis. The following table shows the average cost to replace the capacitor in a home AC unit. An AC capacitor is a component of an air conditioner that helps power the blower, fan, and compressor. Without a properly working AC capacitor, your HVAC system won’t work optimally, and you’ll need to replace it. When a capacitor fails you will experience a breakdown of your heating or cooling system.
$100 – $250 average cost to replace
Mid-range air conditioners typically cost between $6,200-$9,500. When you consider an air conditioning replacement, you're probably not thinking about your furnace. But if you’re only replacing your air conditioner, you’ll likely need to match your new air conditioner to your current heating system. Freon alone isn’t cheap and costs about $125 to $150 per pound. Once labor is added to the equation, homeowners typically pay between $200 and $400 to have their AC units recharged. Know the signs of a failing capacitor and catch the problem early.
Capacitors are fairly affordable, averaging between $9 and $45. Even though replacement can be quick , the necessary knowledge and skill required to safely complete the job means contractors can charge a higher labor fee. HVAC techs recommend replacing the capacitor whenever the condenser fan motor is replaced. An AC run capacitor costs $5 to $50 on average for the part alone. The run capacitor delivers a continuous supply of electrical energy to the motor to keep it running smoothly. The compressor, condenser fan motor, and blower motor use run capacitors.
How Much Does an AC Capacitor Cost to Replace?
AC capacitor prices are $10 to $50 for the part alone, plus $90 to $200 for the labor to replace. An HVAC unit's furnace, heat pump, or compressor motors and fans use start capacitors and single run or dual run capacitors. When one starts to fail, it can trigger a domino effect that, if ignored long enough, can lead to the entire unit needing to be replaced.
But replacing your current system involves more than just replacing the unit itself. Once the leak is found and the problem is diagnosed, the cost of parts and labor is added in. One reason fixing an AC leak in a home can get so expensive is because of how long the job can take. For leaks that are difficult to detect or when repairs are in hard-to-reach places, the job can take up to 8 hours. Luckily, there are plenty of warning signs a unit will give if the capacitor is struggling. For example, it may begin to make a humming or clicking sound when firing up.
A/C Installation Costs & Considerations
But as a result, variable-speed systems typically offer the most control over your system. Because of these factors, there will never be a "one size fits all" solution for every home, even some that are the same size. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Confirm whether the malfunctioning part is covered under the AC manufacturer's warranty. Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available.
There are some options that are as much as $200, but that is mostly unnecessary and avoidable. Finally, if you live in an area with a higher cost of living, you can expect to pay more for both labor and parts. Here is a list of the type of symptoms you may face if your capacitor is going bad. If this happens, first check your breaker panel to see if a breaker has tripped, then take a walk outside to your condenser and see if it running. Pay particular attention to the fan blade, and if they are spinning. Product manufacturers will occasionally have product rebates available.
Total Cost of an Air Conditioner Replacement
Having an AC unit checked before demand increases can catch problems early and potentially reduce replacement costs, if repairs are necessary. But when an AC capacitor is showing signs of wear and tear, it’s likely that other components within the unit are starting to break down as well. These devices are also used to provide additional energy throughout that cooling cycle.
Air conditioning capacitors come in all shapes and sizes, some specific to particular air conditioning units or heat pumps. Because of this, the cost of having one replaced can also vary quite a bit, but you can expect most capacitors to cost under $50. The remainder of the $170 to $400 price is the labor cost of your HVAC technician.
A home’s geographic location also affects the cost of an AC capacitor replacement. In highly populated areas, like cities, the average cost of living is higher. This equates to HVAC contractors charging more for their services. Labor for AC capacitor installation costs $90 to $200 on average, depending on the system type, location, and accessibility. HVAC manufacturers typically require professional replacement for capacitors under warranty. Both air conditioners and heat pumps require capacitors to run.
As a result, you could end up paying more than you planned to. The capacity, or “size,” of your air conditioner affects its ability to meet your cooling needs. The cost of an AC leak in a house depends on the HVAC location, how bad the leak is, how the issue is diagnosed, and how much replacement parts cost. This needs to be addressed immediately to prevent further damage to the unit and other components.
If your system is over 10 years old and you have not replaced the capacitor it is wise to do this proactively to avoid any problems. That way you will not have to deal with an outage, and as stated above most outages happen at the hottest or coolest times of the year. If you’re interested in financing your new air conditioner, there are many options available for you with approved credit. Partial payment of cash/check and balance with financing can be an option as well. Depending on the complexity, electrical modifications can add between $100-$600 to the overall cost of an installation.
The cost for the AC capacitor itself is $50, and it is another $100 for the labor. However, if you decide to install it yourself, you will only pay about $50. The capacitor stores electricity that it discharges to give the AC whenever the AC starts up. If the capacitor has malfunctioned, the AC will have to draw power from the mains during start-up. It will translate into higher-than-usual power consumption and charges.
Between choosing a capacitor with a lower or higher voltage, it’s recommended to exceed the voltage of the unit. For example, a 400-volt capacitor is ideal for a 370-volt AC unit. While proper maintenance and cleaning can’t prevent a capacitor from failing, they can slow down the aging process. Routine maintenance can help catch a failing capacitor before it causes a negative domino effect of failing components within the unit. One of the biggest signs that would prompt a homeowner to check out their capacitor is when their AC unit isn’t blowing cool air.
Without a thorough understanding of how to handle a charged capacitor, serious injury can occur. Reach out to an HVAC specialist near you if a DIY approach isn’t safe. Replacing an AC capacitor DIY-style can certainly be the more affordable option. If homeowners decide to tackle the replacement themselves, they’ll eliminate the cost of labor, but that doesn’t make it free. Should a homeowner decide to replace their AC capacitor without the help of a professional, they can expect to pay between $9 and $45. This is for the part only, and they’ll have to know where to buy air conditioner capacitor parts and how to install them.
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