Repairing an air conditioner (AC) condenser typically involves replacing or fixing one or more parts that make up this complex component. Depending on the nature of the problem, the cost can range from $150 to more than $1,000. Homeowners can repair some minor AC condenser issues themselves, while some major issues require a professional to install a completely new AC unit. Below is an in-depth look at AC condensers and how to get them in shape. An AC unit has several main components, including a condenser, a compressor, an evaporator and an expansion valve. The AC condenser is the exterior component of the overall AC system, which means you’ll typically find it outside your home. This part plays an important role in heat transfer and is responsible for the AC unit’s cooling process. Essentially, an AC condenser converts refrigerant gas into liquid form. It does this by facilitating a state change and cooling the gas with the help of a high-powered fan that passes air over a condensing coil.

Once cooled, the liquid refrigerant moves along within the AC system to cool the building’s interior. Because the condenser and the compressor sound similar, homeowners sometimes confuse these two components. They have very different functions, though. The compressor serves as the heart of the AC unit, pumping pressurized gaseous refrigerant to the unit’s evaporator. All of an AC unit’s parts work together seamlessly to make this complex machine function. Though the AC condenser is considered a single component, it’s made up of several parts. The AC condenser’s coil, motor, fans, tubes and circuit board can all fail individually or together. They can also fail suddenly or slowly over a long period. Here are some of the most common problems you’ll run into with an AC condenser. Because most home AC units’ condensers reside outside, it’s not unusual for the condenser or some of its parts to attract dirt and debris. It’s also relatively common for grass, brush and other plant matter to grow around the unit, surrounding it and preventing it from working properly.

If you notice that your AC unit isn’t cooling your home like it should, first check the condenser’s exterior condition to be sure it’s reasonably clean. Leaks within faulty tubes and seals are common reasons for condenser failure. The component’s tubes can rupture, get punctured or become brittle and break apart. The seals can wear and break down after extensive use. heating cooling package unitsWhile these parts can fail as the result of an impact, they typically fail due to regular, ongoing wear.how many air conditioning units do i need Need to find a pro for your air condenser?who makes best ac units Particles and debris can accumulate within the AC unit and lead to blockages, ultimately causing condenser failure.

While some of this debris might be external, it’s more often the result of metal particles that have flaked off the condenser itself. This essentially leads to the condenser self-destructing, and it’s usually the result of age or poor maintenance. The AC condenser’s run capacitors energize the component’s fan motors. A run capacitor that’s gone bad will cause a jump but won’t actually start the motor. There’s a good chance the condenser’s run capacitor is bad when the motor won’t start anymore. Run capacitors can decline gradually or go out suddenly. The condenser fan relay switch is the critical part of the condenser that switches the fan on and off when you turn the AC unit on and off. Without a functioning fan, the condenser and the larger AC unit won’t work effectively. The condenser’s control board is the circuit board that communicates between the various parts. When the control board is faulty, communication breaks down. Critical parts like the fan motor and the coil don’t function or switch on or off like they should, which compromises the entire component.

A damaged coil is one of the most severe problems an AC condenser can have. A variety of things, including debris, impact and corrosion, can damage a coil. Because this is such an integral part of the overall component, a damaged coil instantly compromises the entire AC unit. When the condenser’s motor starts to go, it’s often a gradual process. Instead of flaming out in a dramatic fashion, the fan motor will start to move more slowly, working much less effectively over time. Condenser motors typically fail as the result of stress and poor maintenance over a long period. When you’re determining whether to repair or replace your condenser, consider your AC unit’s age. Technological advances for AC units roll out every few years, so you might benefit from simply replacing the condenser or the entire unit if it’s more than 10 years old. Even if a repair would fix the problem, installing a newer and more efficient unit could save you money in the long run. There’s much more to an efficient and fully functional AC unit than just the condenser, compressor, evaporator or other primary components.

You might notice that your home doesn’t cool properly even when the AC unit runs smoothly. If this happens, consider other factors within the AC system. Most AC condenser issues require professional help, but with a little know-how, the average homeowner can tackle basic condenser maintenance. The average cost for an AC unit repair is about $200 to $600 per fix. Some homeowners spend as little as $100 for basic maintenance or a quick part swap, while others spend as much as $1,000 for more complex jobs and parts. No matter how extensive the work, make sure the contractor you hire offers a warranty lasting for at least one year. This is important for guaranteeing the contractor’s work and ensuring you’re getting what you’ve paid for. Cleaning and maintaining the condenser and the surrounding area typically doesn’t require parts. Most contractors will charge for labor only, which starts at about $50 per hour. A leaking condenser requires a complete replacement.

The average cost for a new condenser is about $1,750. It’s possible to keep an AC unit running despite a blockage, but a repair like this requires extensive work and multiple parts. Plan on replacing the condenser, compressor, receiver dryer and tubes, or simply replace the entire AC unit. A new condenser typically costs about $1,750 to replace, while a new compressor costs about $2,000. Depending on the size of your home, a new AC unit might be less expensive than replacing these major components. This is one of the cheaper repairs you can have done. Depending on where you live, you can typically pay a pro $150 to $275 to install a new run capacitor for you, which will get your fan moving and your condenser working again. This is another inexpensive AC condenser repair. A professional will charge an average of $175 to $275, depending on your location. This typically costs $150 to $400 to fix, depending on the AC unit model and the control board’s complexity. A coil replacement is one of the most significant AC condenser repairs.

Not only is this a very expensive part, but some coils can also be hard to get, depending on the model. Replacing the coil also requires extensive labor. The condenser coil usually costs about $400 to $1,200 to replace. Because the condenser motor is a complicated and important part, it can be somewhat expensive to repair or reinstall. You can expect to pay at least $350 to $575 to replace a burned-out motor, but keep in mind that you’ll need to replace the run capacitor as well, which usually costs an extra $150 to $275. Also note that some motors are much more expensive than others. High-efficiency condensers might come with two-stage motors, which can be costly. To keep your AC condenser running at top efficiency, perform routine and standard maintenance. If you’re a DIY enthusiast and familiar with the condenser’s many parts, it might be worthwhile to take on basic repairs as they arise. Because many condenser equipment failures require replacing parts or the complete unit, though, don’t hesitate to call in an AC pro for help.