Question : How much does it cost to replace a home A/C compressor (in Houston)?
My home A/C compressor (in the condenser unit that is outside the house) has gone bad. I had a couple of reputed companies send their technicians, and they both independently diagnosed the problem to be a bad compressor.

I bought a new house in 2002, so the compressor is 8 years old, and is under warranty. It uses R-22 refrigerant. I received a quote for $ 1200.

The other company said I could replace everything (condenser unit, evaporator, furnace) for $ 6800. They would install the new R-410 system which is more energy efficient.

1) If I simply want to change out the compressor (which is under warranty), how much should I be expect to pay.
2) Or should I go with a new condenser (R-22). How much would that cost.
3) I could also opt in for a condenser + evaporator, since the evaporator is also 8 years old.

I think #2 or #3 may not qualify me for a government tax credit though. I may have to change the furnace too.

4) What would be a reasonable price for an R-410 system: condenser + evaporator + furnace.

I live in Houston, TX. Thanks.

- Andy
houston home warranty

Best answer:

Answer by gagootza
i’m not sure how much it would cost to replace the compressor but 1200 seems kinda steep.eventually everything is going to go to 13 seer which will be r410a freon. their weeding out the r22 like they did the r12 years ago.by the time 2012 gets here the only r22 that will be availble will be whats in stock,it won’t be manurfactured anymore.so somewhere down the road your going to have to go that route.if it were me and i had the money i would get at least 3 or 4 estimates of what it will cost to replace everything which includes the furnace ,the 13 seer condensor and the line sets.i think the cost will be cheaper now before it all gets written in stone and you have no choice