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Compressors are the most expensive component in an A/c, but even still they are not that expensive. A 3-3 1/2 ton, 12 SEER compressor costs a repair person [who buys wholesale] about $350-$450 (typical 3 ton COPELAND compressor used by most AC units). You often replace the dryer on the unit too (the big round tube soldered in on the line), that's another $50-$80, and usually the thing that causes your compressor to go bad is the condensor fan is not cooling the unit properly... that's another $50 - $100.
The controller boards and caps usually aren't replaced during a compressor replacement, but the sales person will talk you into it. Don't do it until they can prove those components are bad.
I'm not an HVAC person but I have replaced my own compressor, fans, caps, etc. The compressor requires freon which means you'll be REQUIRED to get a qualified HVAC guy to cycle your lines (3 times) after the compressor is installed.
Installing a compressor yourself:
Buy the same brand compressor, makes life a lot easier with the wiring and copper tube connections.
Use MAP gas and 50% silver solder, do not use flux. The soldering technique is the same for copper water pipes, no different.
Total cost to replacement pump, fan, and drier: $723. Average cost of a quote I received: $1900. THe unit cost $2600 and is 7 years old. Stupid, huh? If you want a higher SEER A/c, simple... SEER is rated at the PUMP, not the coil.. so, install a better pump with a higher SEER! Ta-da...
Best tip anyone can give you when it comes to an A/c unit: Change your condensor fan every 5 years no matter what. They are cheap motors and take about 30 minute to install. You can also just take them apart and clean the insides... all of them are brushless, they tend to go bad because dust and grim get in them.. 4 screws hold it together, remove them, pull the spindle out, wipe it off, put a little grease on it, put back together... you're good for another 5 years. If you can pump gas in your car, you can replace the condenser motor AND replace the capacitors... they are, in reality, no brainers.
I have been in the industry for more than 15 years on the Gulf coast and i totally disagree. Not just anyone can replace a compressor. First how do you know it's the compressor? Second, what caused the failure? Was it a burnout? Why would I need to know if it was a burnout? What must I do if it was a burnout? Not to mention the possibility of electrocuting yourself. Next you use 15% silver solder not 50%. What are the dangers of soldering? What happens with oil residue in the refrigerant lines? What happens when flame is introduced to freon and freon residue in the lines? Ever heard of phosgene gas? What about the Oxygen Depletion Potential of freon? You know suffocating? What about how inhaling freon causes heart arrhythmia? Frost bite? What about refrigerant recovery and disposal? What about evacuating the system? A/C systems, are very susceptible to moisture and other non condensibles. Next freon. What type? How are you going to purchase replacement freon with no EPA certification? What about the life threatening dangers of freon? How much freon do you add? You just can't go by the factory charge on the nameplate. You have to take into account many factors and then calculate your super heat and subcooling in order to achieve a proper charge.
There are so many things to consider before trying to tackle something like this. If injury or death doesn't deter you, then the fact that you did it yourself will probably void any warranty that come with your $1000 compressor should. I can look up how to do an appendectomy online and get step by step instructions but I'm pretty sure most people would agree to just get someone who has been properly schooled and trained to do it. This is not like changing a fuse or the oil in your car. You could die or even possibly kill someone else many different ways if you don't know what you are doing and I would never recommend a compressor change out as a DIY project for a novice.
how big of a compressor do i need to cool 1900 square feet
By yesterday's standards, a 2ton unit would probably be OK. By today's standards there no telling without a physical inspection of the home. Calculating a house for A/C requires a Manual-J worksheet.
There are a lot of factors that are used in the calculation- # of doors and windows. Type of construction. Wall construction and insulation. Insulation in attic; compass direction (solar gain), etc.
Then there's the Manual-D for the duct system. and finish all your calculations with a Manual-S.
Today, there is no reason to guesstimate. By doing a thorough calculation you will have a system that works at peak performance with minimal operating expense.
A The compressor requires freon which means you'll be REQUIRED to get a qualified HVAC guy to cycle your lines (3 times) after the compressor is installed.
Actually a license is only required if your system uses R22 freon, which of course most old systems do. If you have or are replacing with system with a R410-A refrigerant, no license is required. So long as your not touching a R22 system, your fine. If your replacing a R22 system with a R410-A system you need a licensed HVAC contractor to recover the R22 refrigerant from the old system before removing it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ComfortZone1971
Not to mention the possibility of electrocuting yourself.
If you haven't mastered the mysteries of the circuit broker or equipment disconnect, you probably shouldn't be doing anything yourself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ComfortZone1971
If injury or death doesn't deter you, then the fact that you did it yourself will probably void any warranty that come with your $1000 compressor should.
Pretty much anything you touch now a days voids the warranty. I wouldn't mass with the R22, but I wouldn't let a little thing like voiding the warranty stop me from working on it.
Last edited by TechGromit; 02-07-2012 at 10:01 PM..
If you have or are replacing with system with a R410-A refrigerant, no license is required.
WHAT?
I know the EPA would love to talk to you!
You are required to have an EPA Section 608 Type II or Universal certification license to handle R-410A but no license is legally necessary for purchase.
"to handle"- means working on systems that support R-410a refrigerant.
WHAT?
I know the EPA would love to talk to you!
You are required to have an EPA Section 608 Type II or Universal certification license to handle R-410A but no license is legally necessary for purchase.
"to handle"- means working on systems that support R-410a refrigerant.
I stand corrected, I assumed since no license is required to purchase it, no license is required to install it.
I just replaced a five ton ac today. They customer did not want to replace the unit ...OK I am retired and was looking to make an extra dollar. The unit was out of freon and circuit breaker was tripped . One pound of brazing rod cost 125 dollars.. My mc tank needed a refill . that was 27 dollars. My trip to the job cost ten dollars in fuel. The unit holds ten pounds of freon. The cost of freon is 400 dollars for thirty pounds. The replacement compressor Scroll single phase was 840 dollars. The suction filter, liquid line drier , relay and dual cap cost another 125........I spent a day checking supply houses for parts....r22 replacements are not that well stocked any more..That was more gas wasted.... quotes are not given over the phone .All the supply houses had new hires I did not know them and they did not know me either. My certification was on file and that was the only reason they dealt with me...repairing the leak took all my skill . replacing the electric was not easy due to the age and rust on the connectors .I also was asked to look at another unit that needed a three phase disconnect box replaced . I HAD DOLLAR BILL SIGNS IN MY EYES WITH ALL THESE REPAIRS....I was lucky to collect for the material after showing receipts ....That is something I should not have done but i did not want to get stiffed ......I am lucky to still have my shirt on my back ......
It would be good to know how or why it failed. Also think about replacing the entire condensing unit.
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DEaler not compling with warranty
