Does it seem like your vehicle’s air conditioning unit is acting up on you while you drive? Maybe it’s because it is too hot outside? Or maybe your car has not paid a visit to the auto shop for a long time? Whatever the reason may be, we are sure that your AC needs a fix soon.
First, let us discuss the possible root causes to this problem could be. The air conditioning unit is a system consisting of many parts, so you have to identify which ones need the repair or replacement so that you could avoid the danger of touching those that are not damaged.
Most commonly, though, the one that needs the attention is the AC compressor. Now if it is, then you are in for quite a surprise with regards to the cost of repair or replacement.
So now the main concern, like always, is how much you will need to spare from your budget. How much does it cost to replace car ac compressor?
On average, the cost of air conditioner compressor (the parts alone) starts from $190 and could go up to $750. If you add the fees for labor, it will amount to a total of around $350 to $1,000.
So the answer to how much does it cost to replace car ac compressor may vary depending on the car model and the degree of damage or the difficulty level of the work that needs to be done.
How an AC compressor works and fails
According to swtc.edu’s article on auto parts, compressor’s job is basically “to circulate the refrigerant in the system under pressure, this concentrates the heat it contains. At the compressor, the low pressure gas is changed to high pressure gas.”
A vehicle owner would usually identify that there is something wrong with the ac compressor when they hear a certain noise on its mount and drive. When you hear this, one quick fix that can be done is adjusting or changing the belt. If this does not work, you may also want to try out tightening the mounts or adding idlers and see what happens.
There are also other early signs that you can watch out for to avoid possible wear and tear in the future. One of the most common signs is the change in cabin temperatures. When the AC compressor is failing, the temperature is usually higher than normal.
Another notable one is when your clutch is not moving. According to an article from Your Mechanic, “the clutch on the compressor is what allows the pulley to engage and disengage it from engine power.” So when the clutch stops moving entirely, the compressor stops receiving engine power.
Once these alternative steps work, you will no longer have to worry about the ac compressor replacement cost.
Factors to be considered for repair or replacement
Before making the call of having your air conditioning unit fixed, you must know the exact problem with it. There are several possible scenarios that you should be ready for. The usual “master mind” of the failure is the compressor, which is the heart of the entire unit.
If the compressor is damaged, you will have to check for the individual parts that surround it. If these other parts need fixing too, the mechanic may quote a higher repair cost. So practically speaking, it would be best to have an entirely new ac compressor installed, if what you are after is saving up a few bucks. It will be a very complex task to do this on your own anyway.
An ac compressor replacement cost can be lessened depending on the repair shop that you consult with as well. These stores charge differently and offer distinct promos and discounts in different seasons, so it is only a matter of picking the right option.
Where to shop for parts or ask for repair or replacement
Your Mechanic is one of the most trusted automotive repair shops nationwide. For an AC compressor problem, the cost of air conditioner compressor (the parts alone) can start from as low as $60 and could go as high as $2,800.
Of course, this rate depends on the specific brand you choose. The expensive ones bear the most famous brands. Also, if you compute for it, you will realize that their offer could be two times less the charges of your car dealer.
Your Mechanic gives out a 12-month and 12,000-mile warranty for their repair or replacement services. If you want to get a quotation prior to the actual work, you may ask for one when you sign up on their website or call up their hotline ([844] 249-6752).
Meanwhile, there is Pep Boys’ store that also offers great deals for most of their heating or cooling parts and repair services. On average, they charge $380 to around $1,800 for the parts only. This range comes with a warranty of 6 months.
The good news with Pep Boys is that they are currently offering a 20% off discount for their accessories and parts if you purchase them online. Also, if your order totals more than $50, they will have it shipped or delivered to your doorstep for free.
Some specialty stores also sell AC compressor parts on selected branches if you are planning to do the repair on your own. Walmart, for instance, sells them on some of their selected branches in the different states. Although limited, they still offer a good deal compared to other repair shops. They charge only around $120 to around $300 for the parts.
If you are after the convenience of shopping, you may opt to order everything individually online. Amazon offers good deals together with discounts for shipping too. For a limited offer and with a 6-month warranty, you may buy the AC compressor parts for only around $170 to around $550. It is a tad bit pricier but a lot easier to deal with because you can have them delivered right at your doorstep.