How much does it cost to replace the outdoor part of a central AC unit?

[MX2]

I think its called the condensing unit? I think mine is broken

 

[Ronstang]

Depends on size but it is likely to cost at least $2K depending on what part of the country you are located.

 

[olds]

We paid $1800 2 years ago in CA

 

[MX2]

Originally posted by: Ronstang
Depends on size but it is likely to cost at least $2K depending on what part of the country you are located.

Ugh....really?

 

[dartworth]

if you do it yourself...depending on the size of the unit...

$400 - $1000

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Depends alot on the size and efficiancy

A 2 1/2 ton (small) 10sear (not very efficiant) should run $800-1000 installed

And they go up from there, for a high efficiancy unit for a larger house your probably more in the $2500-3500 range

 

[MX2]

Originally posted by: dartworth
if you do it yourself...depending on the size of the unit...

$400 - $1000

I am too little to do all that by myself

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: MX2times

Originally posted by: Ronstang
Depends on size but it is likely to cost at least $2K depending on what part of the country you are located.

Ugh....really?

Unfortunately, Ronstang's correct. Additionally, being that it's summertime (or almost depending on where you're at) expect a 40% "penalty fee" for needing AC during the summer. :roll:

Go with whatever fixit company offers the best warranty in writing. You can't live w/o AC.

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: MX2times

Originally posted by: dartworth
if you do it yourself...depending on the size of the unit...

$400 - $1000

I am too little to do all that by myself

Just wanted to put the cost of the unit into perspective...

why do you think it is dead?

 

[MX2]

Originally posted by: dartworth

Originally posted by: MX2times

Originally posted by: dartworth
if you do it yourself...depending on the size of the unit...

$400 - $1000

I am too little to do all that by myself

Just wanted to put the cost of the unit into perspective...

why do you think it is dead?

Last night it was sparking, so I shut it off until this morning when I could go out and see things better. I turned on the AC and the outdoor part didnt even come on

 

[GuitarDaddy]

First thing you should do is have a repair guy look at it. Many times the compressor is frozen (stuck) and the repair guy can bump it a few times with higher voltage and it will free up and start working again.

 

[nakedfrog]

You can't use a swamp cooler there?

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: MX2times

Originally posted by: dartworth

Originally posted by: MX2times

Originally posted by: dartworth
if you do it yourself...depending on the size of the unit...

$400 - $1000

I am too little to do all that by myself

Just wanted to put the cost of the unit into perspective...

why do you think it is dead?

Last night it was sparking, so I shut it off until this morning when I could go out and see things better. I turned on the AC and the outdoor part didnt even come on

Thats starting to sound like the fan motor, which is relatively cheap compared to replacing the compressor.

 

[MX2]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
First thing you should do is have a repair guy look at it. Many times the compressor is frozen (stuck) and the repair guy can bump it a few times with higher voltage and it will free up and start working again.

Yeah, I am definitely doing that, but I just wanted to know what the damage on worst case scenario would be.

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
You can't use a swamp cooler there?

I am spoiled with central air I gotta have it I tell you!

 

[MichaelD]

Sparking = sorta bad thing.

Sparking last night + won't turn on this morning + assorted bad smells = you need a new compressor and assorted shiny, expensive parts to go with it.

 

[dartworth]

It may just be the breaker or a fuse in the disconnect box located on your house next to the unit.

I would have a service man look at it and give you an estimate. Depending on the age of the unit and the damage, you may be better off just replacing it.

 

[MX2]

Yeah, the unit as about 8 yrs old.

 

[compnovice]

Wow...how big was the mouse....

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: MX2times

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
You can't use a swamp cooler there?

I am spoiled with central air I gotta have it I tell you!

I don't blame you
Don't even have an option here, A/C or nothing.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: MX2times

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
You can't use a swamp cooler there?

I am spoiled with central air I gotta have it I tell you!

I don't blame you
Don't even have an option here, A/C or nothing.

Come on down to Texas! Here it's A/C or die

And I ain't kidding, every summer we loose too many elderly because they can't pay their electric bill and try and tough it out with no A/C

 

[drnickriviera]

I'm not sure if it's nationwide, but in my area, they are phasing out 10 SEER units. most sell 12 & 13 now. So more $$$

Originally posted by: dartworth
if you do it yourself...depending on the size of the unit...

$400 - $1000

How are you going to buy one without an EPA license?

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: drnickriviera
I'm not sure if it's nationwide, but in my area, they are phasing out 10 SEER units. most sell 12 & 13 now. So more $$$

Originally posted by: dartworth
if you do it yourself...depending on the size of the unit...

$400 - $1000

How are you going to buy one without an EPA license?

It's 13 SEER here in CA as of the end of January.

You need a license to buy freon, not the unit.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: drnickriviera
I'm not sure if it's nationwide, but in my area, they are phasing out 10 SEER units. most sell 12 & 13 now. So more $$$

Originally posted by: dartworth
if you do it yourself...depending on the size of the unit...

$400 - $1000

How are you going to buy one without an EPA license?

I think they're doing the same here, although I did manage to get a 10 SEER installed this year.

 

[pnad]

I lucked out last time with a $25 part and a friend of the family HVAC tech. He told me you rarely need to replace the entire unit. The worst would be the compressor which for me would have been $400 plus labor.

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: drnickriviera
I'm not sure if it's nationwide, but in my area, they are phasing out 10 SEER units. most sell 12 & 13 now. So more $$$

Originally posted by: dartworth
if you do it yourself...depending on the size of the unit...

$400 - $1000

How are you going to buy one without an EPA license?

You don't need a license to purchase a unit.

However, I do have my license to purchase refrigerant.