Okay, we know this is an urgent, even alarming problem. When an air conditioning system’s compressor burns out, its AC can’t provide any cooled air. The compressor is what allows the AC to circulate refrigerant and move heat from inside the house to cool down. (A few months ago we wrote a blog post detailing exactly what a compressor does.) Without a working compressor, the air conditioner will only circulate room temperature air around the ventilation system.
What are your options when an AC compressor dies?
- Replace just the compressor: If it’s still under warranty, only replacing the compressor is a practical and cost-effective solution, especially if the rest of the system is in good shape.
- Replace the outdoor condenser unit: This includes the compressor, condenser coil, and fan, suitable if you’re on a tight budget and the indoor components remain sound.
- Replace both the condenser and indoor evaporator coil (full AC replacement): Ensures matched components, improved efficiency, and includes a fresh system warranty, usually the best choice if the compressor is no longer under warranty.
- Replace the entire HVAC system: If your heating system is also aging, replacing everything, the AC, air handler, and heater, at once can save time and money, especially if you’re transitioning to a heat pump.
You may have heard that replacing a dead compressor is so expensive that you’re better off having a complete air conditioning replacement. This is true sometimes, but not always. Below we’ll look at the different replacement options and help you think about the right choice for your situation.
What to Do When Your AC Compressor Dies: 4 Options
After you’ve determined that the problem is indeed an irreparably broken compressor (always call a technician to look into the issue to make sure repairs can’t solve it), you have four different options.
First, you can replace the compressor. It’s true that a compressor is an expensive unit since it’s the most powerful single component in an air conditioner. However, if the compressor is still under warranty, then take advantage of that. Check the manufacturer’s warranty to see if the compressor is covered and if the warranty is still in force. Most warranties cover 10 years parts and labor provided the equipment is professionally maintained each year.
Second, you can replace the condenser unit. The condenser is the outdoor cabinet, so this replacement includes the compressor, the outdoor fan, and the condenser coil. If you currently have a tight budget or the other parts of the AC are in excellent shape, this is a choice to consider. However, the next option may be the superior one …
Third, you can replace the condenser unit and the indoor evaporator coil. This is essentially installing a new air conditioner. The indoor air handler isn’t replaced, nor any part of the heating system. This is often the best choice for a dead compressor that’s no longer under warranty. Replacing the indoor and outdoor components means a system that’s matched for the highest possible efficiency, and it takes care of installation at once, rather than scheduling a second installation for the evaporator coil a few years down the road. You’ll also receive a new warranty for the air conditioner, giving you that important protection.
Fourth, you can replace the air conditioner, air handler, and heater—an entirely new comfort system. We recommend this if you have an aging furnace that will need a replacement within the next few years. Combining the AC and heater replacement into a single job saves you time and money and you arrange for some excellent system upgrades. If you’ve ever thought you wanted a heat pump for your house to handle both summer and winter weather, this is a great opportunity to have it done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: When an AC compressor fails, do I always need to replace the entire air conditioning system?
Answer: Not always. A failed compressor doesn’t automatically mean full replacement. You have several options depending on your system’s condition and warranty status.
Question: What options do I have if my AC compressor dies?
Answer: There are four possible routes: replace just the compressor (if it’s under warranty), replace the condenser unit, replace both the indoor evaporator coil and the condenser (essentially installing a new AC), or replace the entire HVAC system.
Question: Why might replacing both the condenser and evaporator coil be a good option?
Answer: This choice ensures that indoor and outdoor components are properly matched for optimal efficiency. It also comes with a full system warranty and avoids scheduling multiple installations.
Question: When should I consider replacing the entire HVAC system?
Answer: If the compressor isn’t under warranty and your system is aging or your heating system also needs replacement, installing a new HVAC system may offer the best long-term value.
If you need helping making a choice about air conditioning replacement in Brighton, MI, First Choice is the contractor to call. We’ll then take care of whatever replacement service you need.
First Choice Heating & Cooling serves Fenton, Linden, Holly, and the surrounding areas. If your home had a voice … it would call First Choice!