AC Condenser Replacement Cost by Unit Size

Safety first. Replacing a condenser or its coil involves refrigerant and high-voltage wiring. Both are work for a licensed HVAC technician.

AC condenser replacement cost by size

People use the word condenser for two things: the whole outdoor unit, and the condenser coil inside it. The table covers the whole outdoor unit, with figures published by This Old House.

Unit size	Unit only	Unit and installation	Source
1.5 tons	$850–$1,100	$1,200–$2,300	This Old House
2 tons	$950–$1,300	$1,300–$2,500	This Old House
2.5 tons	$1,000–$1,700	$1,350–$2,900	This Old House
3 tons	$1,100–$1,900	$1,400–$3,100	This Old House
3.5 tons	$1,200–$2,200	$1,500–$3,400	This Old House
4 tons	$1,300–$2,500	$1,600–$3,700	This Old House
5 tons	$1,600–$3,000	$1,900–$4,200	This Old House

The same source lists HVAC technician labor at $75–$125 per hour.

Condenser coil only

If only the coil is damaged or leaking, it can sometimes be replaced without changing the rest of the outdoor unit. This Old House lists the condenser coil at $850–$2,700 for the part. Its AC repair guide lists condenser coil replacement at $1,000–$2,700 or more with labor.

Because the coil is such a large share of the outdoor unit's cost, the price of a coil-only job often comes close to a whole new condenser. Ask for both prices. A dirty coil is a different matter: cleaning is listed by This Old House at $100–$400 and may be all the unit needs.

What moves the price

Tonnage. Larger units cost more, as the table shows.
Efficiency and compressor type. Higher SEER2 units with two-stage or variable-speed compressors cost more than basic single-stage models.
Refrigerant. The new unit has to use a refrigerant compatible with your indoor coil and line set. If it does not match, the indoor coil has to change too.
Warranty. A unit under a manufacturer warranty can leave you paying installation only.
Site work. A new pad, a new electrical disconnect or a longer line set adds to the job.

If the outdoor unit has simply stopped, the cause may be something far cheaper. See outside AC unit not running for the safe checks and the likely faults.

Condenser only or the whole system

The outdoor unit and the indoor evaporator coil are designed as a matched pair. Putting a new condenser on an old coil can work if the two are compatible, and it can also reduce efficiency or cause warranty problems if they are not.

This Old House notes that when a condenser is more than 10 years old, technicians may recommend replacing the whole system, and that full replacement may be more cost-effective for a unit more than 10–15 years old or one needing a major component repair. The repair or replace calculator lets you test the numbers for your own unit.

What a quote should include

Ask for the model number of the new condenser and written confirmation that it is an approved match for your indoor coil. The quote should separate equipment, labor and refrigerant, and say whether the line set is flushed or replaced, whether a new filter drier, pad and disconnect are included, and what the parts and labor warranties are. Get the same scope priced by at least three contractors. The other HVAC cost guides cover the related parts.

Common questions

How much does an AC condenser unit cost?

This Old House lists the full condenser unit at $850–$3,000 for the equipment, and $1,200–$4,200 with installation. The figure depends mostly on tonnage, from 1.5-ton units at the low end to 5-ton units at the top.

Can I replace only the outside AC condenser?

Yes, if the new condenser is compatible with your indoor coil and uses the same refrigerant. Ask the contractor to confirm the match in writing. If the two are not compatible, the indoor coil has to be replaced as well.

What does condenser coil replacement cost?

This Old House lists the condenser coil at $850–$2,700 for the part, and its AC repair guide lists $1,000–$2,700 or more with labor. Compare that with the price of a whole new outdoor unit before you decide.

How long does an AC condenser last?

This Old House says a well-made, high-efficiency condenser can last 15–20 years and gives 12–15 years for air conditioners overall. Keeping the coil clean and the area around the unit clear helps it last.

Sources

AC condenser replacement cost