Home AC Compressor Replacement: A Complete Guide on Cost

Air conditioning systems are staples in Singapore homes as they provide cool air during warm days. Most Singaporeans have at least one air conditioner in their home, which is why it is important to know air conditioner maintenance. This is especially true for the most essential component of any air conditioning system: the compressor.

Diagnosing a Faulty Air Conditioning Compressor

#1 Compressor is Making Loud Noises

Compressors may make low, whirring noises due to its moving parts, but loud noises coming from your AC compressor indicates a problem with the unit. A hissing, screaming, or squealing noise is most likely coming from the compressor unit, and is emitted by a failing compressor that is struggling to keep its components moving.

#2 Air Conditioner Won't Work

The compressor connects to the entire AC system's lines, so a failed compressor may cause the unit to stop working. Compressors are the hearts of AC units, and without them, the entire cooling system cannot function at all.

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How to Replace an AC Compressor

Step 1: Determine If Compressor Can Be Replaced

First, determine if you're willing to replace an AC compressor instead of replacing the entire AC unit as the cost to replace a compressor may cost more than simply buying a new air conditioner. Not all compressors can be replaced as well, depending on the damage on your AC unit's components and parts.

Step 2: Contact an HVAC Technician

Contact an experienced HVAC technician to do the compressor replacement process as this deals with mechanical, electrical, and chemical portions of the AC unit that only a licensed HVAC technician should handle. The technician may also provide advice on either replacing, repairing, or completely overhauling the air conditioner compressor.

Step 3: Identify the Type of Compressor

The technician will most likely cut the power to the air conditioner, and open the housing to the compressor located at the outdoor unit. They will take note of the compressor type and model to find a suitable replacement for the AC compressor, and install the correct unit for your AC system.

Step 4: Drain the Refrigerant Lines

Next, they will drain the refrigerant lines. AC compressors deal with refrigerant gas, which may be hazardous to come in contact with. Do not attempt to handle the refrigerant yourself if you are untrained, or if you have little experience with air conditioners and its parts.

Step 5: Cut the Connections

The technician should then cut off all connections to the air conditioner's compressor, which includes the refrigerant lines, the electrical wiring, and any other components. This will completely cut off the bad AC compressor from the rest of the unit.

Step 6: Remove Old Compressor

Remove the old compressor from the AC system by unlocking the bolts, and set it aside. The technician should then give the outdoor unit a good cleaning before proceeding to place the new compressor into its housing.

Step 7: Install Compressor Replacement

The technician should place the new compressor into its housing, and bolt it down to secure the unit. They will then work on connecting the wires and refrigerant lines to the new compressor using the same connections as the old unit.

Step 8: Close the Unit

The technician should secure the new AC compressor, and close the housing of the outdoor unit. They may then clean up the unit to keep it in good condition, and bring the power flow back to the air conditioning compressor.

Step 9: Test Out the Unit

The last step is to test out the AC compressor repair. If the replacement is a success, then the air conditioner should function properly without any loud noises, short-cycling, or other faults. If the replacement failed, then there may be a problem with the air conditioning system entirely, or the compressor may not have been installed properly.

AC Compressor Replacement Cost

An AC compressor replacement costs as much as a new air conditioner on average, which is why many technicians advise to replace the entire AC unit instead of just the compressor. Just how much can an AC compressor cost? An AC compressor costs upwards of $1,500 on average, with the cheapest models priced at $80o.

This is exclusive of the labor costs in installing air conditioner compressors, which adds another $400 to $1,200 to your bill. Unless it is completely necessary, you may be better off with a new air conditioning system.

Where to Buy a Replacement AC Compressor

AC compressors are relatively difficult to find as few people purchase replacement parts. Contact us at Luce Aircon for purchasing assistance, and our technicians will be able to advise you on the best option for your air conditioner. We can also tap into our wide catalog of air conditioner replacement parts to find you a proper replacement for your AC's compressor.