Is Replacing My Central AC Compressor Worth It?

There are a lot of problems that may develop with your home cooling system. From refrigerant leaks to failed capacitors and even damaged ductwork, there is no shortage of potential AC repair needs. But one problem that you really don’t want to encounter is a broken down compressor, especially if that compressor is beyond the point of repair.

With most air conditioning components, replacement is an option well worth your consideration. The question that a broken down compressor raises, though, is whether or not your entire system should be replaced at once. It’s a serious consideration, and one that our team of Goettl experts can help with. 

Why Replace the Entire System?

Before replacing your AC compressor or system, ensure you’re working with expert professionals who can accurately diagnose air conditioning problems.

The compressor, which compresses the refrigerant in your AC system, happens to be one of the most commonly misdiagnosed components. It is also one of the most expensive parts to replace, which is why a full-system replacement may be more cost-effective.

One factor to consider is whether or not your compressor itself is still under warranty. If so, you won’t have to pay for the compressor, but only the labor required for the replacement. The likelihood of a compressor breaking down entirely while still under warranty is fairly slim, but if this happens to you, make sure you know whether your compressor is covered.

If the compressor is not under warranty, you may still choose to replace it. However, you should probably opt to replace the entire outdoor unit at the same time. In most cases, this will cost only marginally more than replacing an out-of-warranty compressor alone.

Which brings us to our main point: a full replacement. You’ll have to consider your budget and other factors, but in the long run, replacing the entire system at once, rather than a single indoor or outdoor unit, is the best choice. These units are made to interact with one another, and will accrue wear and tear in tandem. Pairing an old evaporator unit with a new condenser or compressor unit can lead to operational problems in the long run.

Call Goettl Today

So, when it comes down to fixing your AC, you might be wondering if it’s worth just changing the compressor or going all out and replacing the whole system. At Goettl, we’ve got your back. Our crew of pros knows their stuff, and we’re here to help you make the right call.

Compressors can be tricky to diagnose, and they’re not cheap to replace. If yours is still under warranty, you might luck out and only have to pay for the labor. But if it’s not, well, it’s decision time.

Sure, you could just swap out the compressor, but here’s the deal – if it’s out of warranty, replacing the whole outdoor unit might not cost you much more. And here’s the real kicker: we’re suggesting you go big and replace the whole system. Yeah, it might hit your budget a bit, but trust us, it’s the smart move.

These units are like dance partners—they work best when they’re in sync. Mix and matching old and new components? That’s a recipe for long-term AC trouble.

So, when you’re thinking about keeping cool, think Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We’re not just fixing ACs; we’re making sure you stay cool and comfy the right way, not the easy way.®