AC Condenser Replacement Cost

The AC condenser takes the AC gas and converts it to a liquid form by cooling it down. This creates the refrigerant that the AC system needs to operate properly. Once this component begins to malfunction, the entire AC state will stop working the way it should.

To have the AC condenser replaced you will pay anywhere between $450 and $950, depending on where you go to have the work done and what kind of cars you have. The labor costs vary based on the kind of car you have, with prices starting at $130 and going up to $350. The parts will cost between $250 and $400.

AC Condenser Replacement Cost Comparison

Your Mechanic

 

Work	Warranty	Price
Parts & Labour	12 months	$428-$914

 

Midas

 

Work	Warranty	Price
Parts & Labour	12 months	$440-$945

 

Mr. Tire

 

Work	Warranty	Price
Parts & Labour	12 months	$411-$1014

 

NAPA

 

Work	Warranty	Price
Parts & Labour	24 months	$404-$1119

 

Walmart

 

Work	Warranty	Price
Parts	Limited	$261-$559

 

Amazon

Work	Warranty	Price
Parts	Limited	$245-$603

What Is AC Condenser Replacement?

If your AC condenser is not working properly, then it is either blocked or leaking. In either case, you will need to get a new condenser, because the problem will have damaged it so severely as to make it unusable, but if the issue is a blockage (usually from metal parts), then you will likely need to replace several surrounding parts of your AC system as well. That can make for a much more expensive repair.

Benefits of AC Condenser Replacement

Without the AC Condenser working as it should, the AC system won’t be of much use to you. The sooner you get it fixed, the better. By having it replaced, you can enjoy cool air whenever you need it. It can even save your life if your car breaks down in a warm environment. A functioning AC system also helps to moderate the temperature in the car, preventing parts of the car from warping and overheating.

What Is Done during AC Condenser Replacement?

The technician will start by checking the pressure of the AC system. He will look for leaks and determine if there are any blockages. Essentially, he is trying to determine what caused the problem with the condenser and how extensive the damage is. It may be necessary to replace other parts of the system and not just the condenser.

If the technician determines the condenser is bad, he will remove all the refrigerant from it and then take out the condenser. The entire AC system will have to be evacuated and recharged before it can be expected to function normally.

Once the new condenser is installed and the other parts of the AC system have been checked and put where they belong, the technician will inspect for leaks. Once he is satisfied that nothing is going to leak out, he will test the AC system, sometimes performing a road test as well as a car test to ensure that the entire system is functioning as it should under normal conditions.

When to Get AC Condenser Replacement?

Your first indication that the condenser is not working right will likely be the leaking coolant fluid. If you see that, you don’t necessarily have to assume that the condenser is the problem, but you should  have the system checked out to see what the issue is.

You may also notice a change in the temperature of the AC system. It may not produce air that is as cold as it used to, or it may produce far colder air than it should. Either of these is an indication that something is wrong with your system and it needs to be checked out.

How to Save on AC Condenser Replacement

The AC condenser isn’t a part that most people can replace on their own. Not only does it require tools that most casual car owners won’t have, but it also calls for an extensive knowledge of the parts and the AC system as a whole. The technician has to be careful about not damaging the other components and has to be able to check for damage to the other parts to see how extensive the repairs need to be. In other words, this is something that you probably don’t want to try to do on your own, just to save money, if you don’t have previous experience with AC condenser replacement.

You may be able to save money by comparing estimates from a few different mechanics. Not all them are going to charge a flat rate for labor or parts, so it’s in your best interests to compare what’s available to find the best deal.

You may be tempted to find a replacement part on your own, but it’s usually not a good idea to get a used condenser, especially since it takes a trained eye to determine if there is a problem with the replacement part. You are better off letting a professional handle the entire replacement, as that will likely save you money in the long run.

Sample AC Condenser Replacement Costs

Model	Labor	Parts	Total
Ford F-Series	$245 – $370	$304 – $411	$549 – $780
Chevrolet Silverado	$245 – $370	$331 – 437	$576 – $807
Ford Focus	$245 – $370	$304 – $411	$549 – $780
Toyota Camry	$245 – $370	$301 – 450	$546 – $780
Toyota Corolla	$245 – $370	$301 – 450	$546 – $780
Nissan Altima	$245 – $370	$289 – $465	$565 – $835
Honda CR-V	$245 – $370	$320 – $499	$465 – $869
Honda Civic	$245 – $370	$320 – $499	$465 – $869
Honda Accord	$245 – $370	$320 – $499	$465 – $869
Ford Fusion	$245 – $370	$304 – $411	$549 – $780