AC condenser replacement cost
Replacing an AC condenser, the outdoor unit, costs $1,200 to $4,200 out of warranty, about $2,900 on average. Replacing only the condenser coil costs $900 to $2,300. Under warranty, labor runs $300 to $1,200.
Quick answer
$1,200 – $4,200condenser unit, installed
Expect $1,200 to $4,200 for a new condenser unit. A coil-only replacement starts at $900, and large high-efficiency condensers reach $5,600.
Cost by size
| Size | Unit price | Total replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 tons | $850 – $1,100 | $1,200 – $2,300 |
| 2 tons | $950 – $1,300 | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| 2.5 tons | $1,000 – $1,700 | $1,300 – $2,900 |
| 3 tons | $1,100 – $1,900 | $1,400 – $3,100 |
| 3.5 tons | $1,200 – $2,200 | $1,500 – $3,400 |
| 4 tons | $1,300 – $2,500 | $1,600 – $3,700 |
| 5 tons | $1,600 – $3,000 | $1,900 – $4,200 |
Cost by brand
| Brand | Total replacement |
|---|---|
| Carrier / Bryant / Heil | $1,200 – $3,700 |
| Goodman / Amana | $1,200 – $3,900 |
| Rheem / Ruud | $1,300 – $3,700 |
| Lennox | $1,500 – $3,700 |
| Coleman / York | $1,700 – $4,200 |
| Trane / American Standard | $1,200 – $4,200 |
Coil-only replacement
| Coil type | Price |
|---|---|
| Fin-and-tube (most common) | $850 – $1,300 |
| Spine fin (Trane, American Standard) | $1,400 – $2,700 |
| Micro-channel | $2,500 – $5,500 |
A leaking condenser coil can sometimes be replaced alone, but on older systems it often makes more sense to replace the whole outdoor unit.
Condenser only or the whole system?
If the AC is more than 10 years old, replacing just the condenser can create a mismatch with the indoor coil (especially with new A2L refrigerants), reducing efficiency and voiding warranties. In that case a full AC replacement ($5,000 to $8,300) is usually the better value. A permit for condenser replacement typically costs $25 to $200.
How to get a fair quote
- Get at least three written quotes that list the brand, model number, size (tons or BTU) and efficiency rating.
- Ask whether the price includes permits, removal of the old unit, refrigerant, a new thermostat and any duct or electrical work.
- Ask for a load calculation (Manual J) instead of matching the old unit's size by default.
- Compare labor warranties (1 to 10 years) as well as the manufacturer's parts warranty, and register the equipment.
- Schedule non-urgent work in spring or fall, when contractors are less busy and more willing to discount.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace an AC condenser?
About $1,200 to $4,200, with an average near $2,900. The coil alone costs $900 to $2,300.
Can I replace just the outdoor AC unit?
Sometimes, if the indoor coil is newer and compatible. With older systems or a refrigerant change, the indoor coil should be replaced too.
What's the difference between a condenser and a compressor?
The condenser is the whole outdoor unit; the compressor is the pump inside it. A failed compressor alone costs $1,800 to $2,800 to replace.
Sources
Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your home, region, equipment and contractor, so get several written quotes. Heat & Air Costs is not an HVAC contractor; read our disclaimer.