HVAC Capacitor Replacement Cost

The cost of AC capacitor replacement will vary based on the unit’s price and installation labor. On average, an AC capacitor costs $180, including labor. It’s your AC capacitor that stores energy to give the unit a jump start whenever it’s time to start a new cool air cycle. The good news is replacing a capacitor is quite inexpensive compared to other AC repairs and replacements.

What Is An HVAC Capacitor?

An AC Capacitor is a cylinder-shaped unit responsible for working like a battery. It stores energy for your unit to utilize when it needs to make a temperature change inside the home.

Simply put, the capacitor sends signals to the AC unit’s motor in order to help it start when adjustments are made to the thermostat. The AC capacitor is small in size but a vital component to the cooling system overall.

How Much Does An AC Capacitor Replacement Cost?

While costs depend on unit pricing and amount of labor for the installation, the average cost to replace the capacitor is $180. Prices will typically range from $70-$350, according to Angi. If issues arise with the capacitor, your entire unit might quit at an inopportune time. Thankfully, though, this is a relatively inexpensive replacement, as mentioned above.

Here are the average AC capacitor replacement costs:

• Lowest Cost: $70.
• Average Cost: $180.
• Highest Cost: $350.

AC Capacitor Costs By Unit Type

Exact costs will depend on the specific type of AC capacitor unit needed. There are several types of AC capacitors, with run, start and blower capacitors being the least expensive. Heat and dual-run capacitors can cost an extra $20 more.

Here are typical AC capacitor costs by unit type:

• Run Capacitor: $8-$30.
• Dual-Run Capacitor: $15-$45.
• Start Capacitor: $9-$25.
• Blower Capacitor: $9-$12.
• Heat Pump Capacitor: $15-$25.

AC Capacitor Cost Factors

There are a few factors that can cause the price of your capacitor replacement to either increase or decrease. Let’s look at these factors below.

Tools And Materials

You will not need to pay for many materials outside of the capacitor itself. The installation, however, will require a few tools if you choose to perform this repair as a DIY project. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $8-$45 for the unit plus an additional $50 for any needed tools.

Labor

An HVAC professional is likely to charge between $60-$200 for this installation. Many professionals will charge a flat rate for the replacement. Common costs range from $120-$250.

Additional Cost Considerations

Some AC capacitor replacement projects call for more than just replacement parts and labor needs. Your system may have other issues to address. Other factors, such as seasonality and warranty coverage, can affect overall costs.

Seasonality

When the weather warms up outside, many turn on their AC unit for the first time in a long time and discover issues. This ultimately leads to a higher demand for HVAC technicians. Of course, this may also lead to higher replacement and repair rates. It’s recommended to contact a professional for maintenance during the spring rather than the summer.

Warranty

AC capacitor warranty coverage will undoubtedly vary. Capacitors are generally affordable and don’t come with their own warranty. However, the manufacturer’s warranty for the entire AC unit may cover a capacitor replacement. A home warranty that covers an AC unit may also save you money as submitting a claim may be cheaper than paying for the replacement.

Other Repairs

If the capacitor has issues, it likely won’t be long before other AC parts begin to fail, as well. HVAC repairs cost much more when multiple parts call for repairs/replacements.

Here are some common AC repairs and their typical price tags:

• Damaged Compressor: $750-$2,000.
• Thermostat Replacement: $150-$350.
• Burnt-Out Motor: $200-$700.
• Fan Coil Replacement: $400-$1,500.

It’s recommended to have your HVAC system inspected regularly and replace a damaged capacitor as soon as possible.

AC Capacitor Replacement DIY Cost

It is possible to test and replace an AC capacitor for $60-$100, if you know what you are doing when it comes to this task. However, taking matters into your own hands requires extreme preparation and caution. You can also add an extra $50 for this DIY task, assuming you don’t already have the necessary tools.

It is always recommended to contact an HVAC professional for this job. During installation, you could cause toxic liquids to leak or burst, resulting in serious harm.

Here’s a breakdown of average DIY capacitor replacement costs:

• Lowest Cost: $60.
• Average Cost: $80.
• Highest Cost: $100.