The short answer to our headline question is yes. The more complete answer is yes, just like you can repair anything if you’re willing to spend enough money. The compressor is the heart of an AC unit. Located in the outdoor unit, the air conditioner compressor is what allows the transfer of heat that keeps your Steger, IL or Crown Point, IN home cool. It’s also a part of the system that can fail because of the stress it goes through which often leads to an AC replacement. That’s because replacing an AC compressor is a time consuming and expensive repair.
Avoiding Compressor Breakdowns
At the risk of stating the obvious, you should do everything possible to avoid those expensive repairs. Merts Heating & Air Conditioning has some suggestions to help.
- Air conditioner maintenance—Poor maintenance is one of the leading causes of compressor failure. Bad maintenance can lead to running the AC unit without the correct refrigerant charge. Over or under charging puts undue stress on the compressor. Regular air conditioner maintenance by the pros from Merts will assure this doesn’t happen.
- Improper installation—Merts has always said installation day is the most important day in the life of an AC unit. A bad installation means the air conditioner compressor is under added stress from day one. This inevitably leads to problems.
- Father time is undefeated—This saying, popular in the sports world, also applies to your air conditioner compressor. Eventually your AC unit is going to wear out and compressor failure is one of the consequences. When it happens it’s a sign you will want to consider an AC replacement.
Let’s Talk Bottom Line
When an air conditioner compressor fails, Merts is often asked if it’s better to repair the AC unit or do an AC replacement. To be very clear, this article is no place for cost estimates because every AC compressor replacement is unique, but there are some general guidelines that are helpful. Depending on the size (tonnage rating) of your air conditioner or heat pump, the replacement compressor can cost between $1,200 to $3,000, industry average. Again, this does not include the extensive labor needed to complete the repair.
Merts Can Help You Decide
Only you can decide if it makes sense to replace your broken air conditioner compressor or if buying a new AC unit is the best choice for your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home. Merts Heating & Air Conditioning is always ready to help with quality and honest advice just as we have been doing since 1952. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great HVAC information.