The average cost for an air conditioner condenser replacement is $636, including $288 for parts and $348 for labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle’s year and model.

While the total cost of parts might start with a new AC condenser, it may extend to a new compressor, condenser fan, and hose as well. As for the labor costs, it takes around 3.0 hours for a certified mechanic to inspect your vehicle, diagnose the problem, and then replace the AC condenser.

Here’s how much you’ll pay to replace the AC condenser for some popular vehicle models:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 21, 2024	Kate, 27 Charleston, SC	GMC Jimmy	$516	$202	$314	2.4 Hours
April 14, 2024	Floyd, 39 Tampa, FL	Cadillac SRX	$444	$170	$274	2.4 Hours
April 12, 2024	Susie, 43 Oxford, MA	Mitsubishi Outlander	$478	$202	$276	2.4 Hours
April 12, 2024	Peter, 42 Salem, MA	Subaru Outback	$411	$170	$241	2.4 Hours
April 11, 2024	Edgar, 45 Camden, NJ	Saturn Vue	$448	$170	$278	2.4 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

What parts do you need for an AC condenser replacement?

Your car’s AC consists of a condenser, expansion valve, evaporator core, and compressor, among other parts. A loop of pressurized refrigerant connects every part of the system.

When the refrigerant is at its coldest (around the evaporator), it absorbs the moisture from the air being blown into the cabin. And when it’s at its warmest, it’s already on its way back to the compressor and condenser.

If your AC unit is on the fritz, the total parts bill could include:

A new air conditioning condenser ($70-$880): The condenser looks like a miniature radiator. The warm, liquid refrigerant passing through its coils sheds its heat before moving through the expansion valve or orifice tube.

A new

air conditioning expansion valve or orifice tube

($2-$270): The AC expansion valve (or orifice tube) removes pressure from the cool, liquid refrigerant before it passes to the evaporator.

A replacement air conditioning evaporator core ($2-$415): Relieved of pressure, the cooled refrigerant can now expand into a gas and absorb all the heat from the air passing through the evaporator on its way to the vents in the cabin.

A new

air conditioning compressor relay

($30-$4,100): At its last stop in the cycle, the warm cloud of refrigerant flows into the AC compressor to be pressurized and forced back into a liquid state.

Keep in mind: Fixing your vehicle’s AC might call for a new AC condenser, expansion valve (or orifice tube), evaporator core, and compressor relay.

Top brands for AC condensers, expansion valves or orifice tubes, and evaporator cores include UAC, Spectra Premium, and TYC. For compressor relays, brands known for their reliability include ACDelco, Standard Motor Products, and Bosch. You can purchase all these parts for your car from retailers such as AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, Amazon, and RockAuto.

Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket AC condenser?

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts have a higher cost range, but they often include better a better manufacturer’s warranty. A Toyota AC condenser costs more money than a generic one, but it includes a 24-month/25,000-mile warranty (if a Toyota mechanic installs it). The luxuriousness of a brand—think Audi or Mercedes-Benz—is another cost factor. That being said, some aftermarket performance parts manufacturers offer just as much, if not more, quality as OEM parts.

Where can I buy parts for my AC condenser replacement?

You can buy replacement parts at auto body and parts shops, such as AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Advance Auto Parts, or online, on Amazon and RockAuto. If you prefer OEM parts, you can also try your vehicle manufacturer’s official website. Honda, Ford, and just about every other car maker sell OEM parts online. Check your owner’s manual for any crucial specifications so you don’t buy the wrong part.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my AC condenser replaced?

Do you feel a little apprehensive when it’s time to take your car to the mechanic? How do you find someone who’s reliable, trustworthy, and affordable?

Luckily, we’ve got your back. Download Jerry's

GarageGuard™

app for all the fair pricing estimates you want but didn’t think you could get.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ connects you with a network of over 2,500 vetted car repair shops across the country. View installation costs—including real hourly labor rates and diagnostics fees—before you make your decision, or browse verified user reviews to find an experience you like.

Download the app to find quotes from vetted shops like the ones below!

138 Reviews

Fort Worth Auto Garage

8851 West Fwy Suite 105, Fort Worth, TX

AC Condenser Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$521

(Parts - $291, Labor - $230)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$95

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (817) 818-8385

153 Reviews

Uncle Ed's Oil Shoppe

49830 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, MI

AC Condenser Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$377

(Parts - $291, Labor - $86)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

156 Reviews

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center - Fort Wayne (W. Jefferson Blvd.)

5625 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN

AC Condenser Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$621

(Parts - $291, Labor - $330)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$75

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (260) 436-5378

189 Reviews

Cornerstone Automotive - Round Rock

2225 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX

AC Condenser Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$664

(Parts - $291, Labor - $373)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$139.95

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (512) 582-0079

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic do an AC condenser replacement?

Replacing an AC condenser requires some special equipment and mechanical expertise. During a condenser repair, your mechanic will:

Disconnect the car’s battery

Unseal the car’s air conditioning system

Inspect the condenser for cracks, leaks, or grime, and inspect the entire AC for other problems (such as a faulty fan motor, a broken capacitor, busted evaporator coils, etc.)

Remove all refrigerant with an evacuation machine

Unmount and remove the faulty condenser, capping any refrigerant lines

Install a new condenser and reconnect all the supports and refrigerant hoses

Remove any remaining refrigerant, add fresh fluid, and replace the air filter (if your car has an HVAC system)

Reconnect the car’s battery

Test the airflow of your car’s AC

Can I drive my car with a bad AC condenser?

You can drive with a bad AC condenser because it’s not an essential function of your car, but we wouldn’t recommend it. A broken condenser sets you up for further trouble down the road, including:

A busted AC: Your car's condenser forces liquid refrigerant to shed heat before it goes to the evaporator. If the condenser doesn’t work, the expansion valve and evaporator core are both at risk of overheating.

Leaks: If there’s a leak in your condenser, you’ll want to address it right away, because refrigerant can be flammable and corrosive.

Discomfort: Without a working condenser, you can’t cool down the cabin. Never leave any food, aerosol cans, lotions, and other heat-sensitive items in a car on a hot day.

What is an AC condenser replacement?

An AC condenser unit replacement involves inspecting the condenser, finding out if it is faulty, and replacing it with a new one. There’s no such thing as a condenser coil replacement—you’ll need a brand-new unit. Because the condenser cools the refrigerant that cools the air in your car’s cabin, your car’s air conditioning unit won’t work until you complete this service.

How do I know if my AC condenser is bad?

If your car's air conditioning isn't blowing as cold as it should be or doesn't work at all, you should get it inspected. A functioning AC system increases the value of your car and keeps everyone comfortable. Some cars combine hot and cold air to reach the temperature set by the driver, so if the AC fails, the entire temperature system goes down.

How long do AC condensers last?

The lifespan of an AC condenser could stretch as long as 8–10 years with proper maintenance. Regular vehicle maintenance is essential, including AC system checks, flushes, cleanings, and filter replacements. Regular inspections can also help you detect refrigerant leaks early.

Can I replace my AC condenser myself?

We recommend skipping a DIY AC condenser replacement. The repair service requires specialized equipment, personal protective gear, and extra care handling refrigerant. It’s toxic, flammable, corrosive, and could even asphyxiate you if you work in a garage with poor ventilation.

Explore Popular Repair Services

Reverse Light Bulb Replacement Cost Estimate

Evaporation Vent Solenoid Replacement Cost Estimate

Fuel Gauge Sender Replacement Cost Estimate

Brake Pads Replacement Cost Estimate

Sway Bar Replacement Cost Estimate

Door Lock Relay Replacement Cost Estimate

FAQs

Is it worth replacing the AC condenser in a car?

If you live in a warm climate and wish to preserve your car’s value, it's worth replacing a bad condenser. Driving at high temperatures can impair your ability to concentrate or make you more irritable or sleepy. Weigh what a condenser unit costs against your comfort and how much use you want from your car.

What causes a condenser to fail?

Corrosion, age, dirt, blockage, a lack of maintenance, or damage to the front of the car can cause a condenser unit to fail. To keep it working at its best, you should perform a regular tune-up, including cleaning and flushing the AC system once in a while.

How do you unclog a car AC condenser?

clean a car’s AC condenser

, you’ll need a screwdriver, wrench, shop vac, garbage bags, painter’s tape, condenser coil cleaner, and a spray bottle with water. Don’t forget your gloves and safety glasses either! Let your car cool, then remove the front bumper, apply coil cleaner to the condenser, and then rinse it off.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.