How Much Does an AC Capacitor Cost to Replace? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $100 - $250
Replacing an AC capacitor costs about $180
on average. Prices usually range from $100
to $250
depending on the type of capacitor and system you have.
AC capacitor costs are $180
on average, including the price of the capacitor plus the cost of labor. However, the total price you pay could be as low as $100
or as high as $250
, depending on the type of AC capacitor and labor costs. Explore AC capacitor replacement costs and determine when it’s time to consult a professional AC installer.
AC Capacitor Cost
Labor
A local HVAC expert will charge between $60 and $200 to replace your capacitor. Keep in mind that many professionals will charge a flat rate for an AC capacitor replacement. A more common cost range to expect is $120 to $250.
AC Capacitor Cost by Unit Type
How much an AC capacitor costs to replace depends on the exact type of AC capacitor unit you need. There are several types of AC capacitors, and run, start, and blower capacitors tend to be the least expensive. Dual-run and heat capacitors could cost an extra $20 or more. Here’s a breakdown of AC capacitor prices by type:
AC Capacitor Type | Typical Cost Range |
---|---|
Run Capacitor | $8 – $30 |
Dual-Run Capacitor | $15 – $45 |
Start Capacitor | $9 – $25 |
Blower Capacitor | $9 – $12 |
Heat Pump Capacitor | $15 – $25 |
AC Capacitor Cost by Type and Purpose
AC units have different types of capacitors, depending on their design and function. Choosing a new capacitor can be difficult because you may not know which capacitor has malfunctioned or what type you need to buy. A professional technician can test your unit and provide more specific answers. Some capacitors cost more to replace than others, so let’s look at each one and their associated costs.
Type of Capacitor | Cost Range |
---|---|
Start capacitor | $100–$220 |
Run capacitor | $100–$230 |
Dual-run capacitor | $100–$250 |
Blower capacitor | $100–$200 |
Heat pump capacitor | $105–$225 |
Start capacitor: This capacitor holds a small charge and waits for the unit to turn on then releases the charge like a trigger to give the system enough power to start. It’s a less expensive part, costing between $100 and $220 including professional installation.
Run capacitor: The run regulates electrical current, preventing any unexpected spikes and adjusting voltage to the level the unit needs. It’s a vital part of the AC unit and larger than the start capacitor. It costs between $100 and $230.
Dual-run capacitor: Some AC units have a dual-run capacitor that acts and the start and run capacitor, saving space. They are the most expensive capacitor to replace at $100 to $250 on average.
Blower capacitor: The blower capacitor is a separate capacitor that powers the nearby fan systems to circulate cooled air. These are the least expensive capacitors in the AC system, costing between $100 and $200.
Heat pump capacitor: A heat pump is similar to an air conditioner but can reverse the process to heat air for a home. Heat pump capacitors cost between $105 and $225 to replace.
AC Capacitor Cost Factors
Here are the most important factors to consider for AC capacitor replacement pricing.
System Size
There are many AC unit sizes based on the square footage of your house or number of rooms. The larger the system, the more current it needs and the more important it is to regulate that current, so capacitors tend to be larger and more expensive.
Unit Location and Accessibility
HVAC technicians may charge extra if the air conditioner unit is in a particularly hard-to-reach spot. This isn’t often a concern for residential homes, but you may encounter extra fees if the pros need to clear away bushes to work on the AC unit or move aside clutter to access indoor units. Ensure your AC units are clear before a technician visit to avoid extra charges.
Voltage
Voltage and size are closely related. If a capacitor needs to manage higher AC voltage, which means it’s powering a larger unit connected to a more powerful system. So, it will cost more to replace. The same is true of overall power management: The more complex the system and the more carefully the capacitor needs to regulate current, the more expensive the replacement.
Product Manufacturer or Brand
Some air conditioner brands tend to cost more than others based on quality, materials, and other factors. Trane and Lennox units tend to be most expensive, while Goodman and York are more budget-friendly picks. Capacitors for higher-cost brands will be more expensive as a result.
Location
Location tends to affect labor costs, and unit costs to a lesser extent due to factors like shipping, local availability, and similar factors. Your home’s location will impact component costs like new capacitors, too. However, we encourage you to get a few different quotes from contractors in your region to compare fees.
Additional Costs to Consider
Some AC capacitor projects will involve more than replacement parts and labor. Your system may have other problems you’ll need to address, and factors like warranty coverage and seasonality also affect costs.
Warranty
Warranty coverage for AC capacitors varies. Capacitors are relatively affordable and usually don't have their own warranty. However, the manufacturer's warranty for your entire AC unit might cover capacitor replacement. Alternatively, if you have a home warranty that covers your AC unit, it may be less costly to submit a claim than to pay for the replacement yourself.
Seasonality
During the summer months, when the weather warms up, many turn on their AC and discover they have problems. This leads to a higher demand for HVAC technicians, who increase their maintenance and repair rates in response. Call an AC repair company in the spring before demand increases to catch problems early and save on labor.
Additional Repairs
If your AC capacitor has problems, it won't be long before other parts in your AC unit begin to fail as well. HVAC repairs cost much more when multiple parts must be repaired or replaced. Some common AC repairs include:
Damaged compressor: $750–$2,000
Thermostat replacement: $150–$350
Fan coil replacement: $600–$2,000
Burnt-out motor: $200–$700
Have your HVAC system inspected regularly and replace a damaged capacitor right away to avoid the higher costs of additional repairs.
Cost to Replace an AC Capacitor Yourself
If you pride yourself on being handy, you can test an AC capacitor and replace it yourself for around $60 to $100, including the cost of the unit and the tools you’ll need for installation. This can potentially save you around $60 to $200 in labor costs, but taking matters into your own hands requires preparation and extreme caution.
For those who don’t already have the tools tucked away in the garage, you should budget around $50 in addition to your air conditioner capacitor cost. It’s important to ensure that everything you use is insulated, as you’ll be working with electricity. Below are the basic tools you’ll need for the task.
Tools Required | Average Cost |
---|---|
Insulated Screwdriver | $15 |
Nut Driver | $5 |
Safety Glasses | $10 |
Electrical Gloves | $20 |
Aside from that, your only other expense is the time it takes you to research AC systems, prepare, and carry out the work yourself.
The AC capacitor could also leak toxic liquids or burst, causing serious injury. At the very least, you might damage your HVAC system if you aren’t sure what you’re doing.
Contact a local air conditioning repair specialist to save time and eliminate possible risks.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
Buying and replacing a capacitor is not a DIY project, even for handy homeowners. Working with HVAC systems requires professional tools and involves serious electrical hazards, and mistakes can permanently damage the system. Also, without professional knowledge of the unit and testing, you may not know which capacitor has malfunctioned or the location of the problem. You should hire a local AC installer to replace your AC capacitor to guarantee high-quality results.
Tips to Save on the Cost to Replace an AC Capacitor
Replacing an AC capacitor is a relatively inexpensive HVAC job. That said, there are some tips you can follow to make sure you get the best price possible and avoid overpaying.
Financing: Ask your contractor if they offer payment plans. This can help you avoid credit card interest and develop financial trust with a local pro.
Maintenance: Following your AC manufacturer’s regular maintenance requirements will keep your unit running longer and help you catch problems before they get expensive.
Don't wait: Call a pro soon as you see signs that your capacitor is failing. Running a faulty AC unit can create more expensive problems.
Shop around for parts: Look for deals on AC capacitors from contractors, stores, or manufacturers. Some may offer discounts and rebates.
Get multiple quotes: Prices vary by HVAC pro, so get a few quotes to find the right balance between cost and experience.
Alison Kasch contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
When the capacitor fails, the AC unit can’t operate at all. The most common sign is the thermostat forcing the blower to turn on, but it only blows cold air and the air conditioner doesn’t make any noise or indication it’s on. Sometimes, components like the compressor will hum or attempt to work, but without any results.
Leading up to a full shutdown, a fault capacitor can often cause an air conditioner to take a long time trying to turn on, or lead to an AC unit suddenly shutting down in the middle of a cooling cycle.
Yes, you can potentially save $60 to $200 by handling your own air conditioner capacitor installation. However, capacitor replacement comes with the risk of electric shock. Only attempt this if you have the knowledge and protective gear to carry it out safely. Otherwise, we recommend hiring an HVAC pro with the experience to properly diagnose the issue and avoid damaging other parts of your AC unit.
Your AC capacitor should last throughout the life span of your HVAC system, or around 20 years, but a few factors can cause it to fail prematurely. For example, if the capacitor's voltage rating doesn’t match the AC’s needs, it’ll likely be kaput before its time. It also helps to keep outdoor units out of direct sunlight, as prolonged heat exposure might cut your capacitor’s life span short. Stay proactive with an annual tune-up from an HVAC company for the health of your entire system.
A trained HVAC professional with experience takes about an hour to replace the capacitor on an AC unit. If you're attempting to replace your AC capacitor as a DIY project, especially for the first time, expect it to take longer. Remember that you won’t be able to use your AC to cool your house during this time.
The safest option is to let a technician conduct the inspection. However, if you are certain that the capacitor failed and you take all precautions to avoid electric shock like shutting down power to your AC system, you can take a look yourself. Usually, you can open the front panel of the unit and use a flashlight to find the small capacitor cylinder. It should have a sticker on it that provides its product number, capacity, and similar information that you can note when talking to a contractor.