If your air conditioner has stopped working or keeps running without cooling your home, those are two clear signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced. The cause of overheating may be a mechanical failure or insufficient coolant levels in the evaporator. Either way, it will need repairs to function properly again.
It's important to be aware of how long air conditioners last, so you don't get the unwelcome surprise of a broken air conditioner in the peak of the summer heat. In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.
The average cost to replace just the outdoor AC unit is around $6,000, but the price could be as low as $4,000 or as high as $15,000 to $20,000.
Outside AC Unit Maintenance Frequency
To keep your outdoor air conditioning unit running well, you should do regular maintenance once a year. This is usually in the spring, before it gets hot. You'll need to clear debris, clean parts, and check for problems.
If your AC is running but not cooling, it could be due to a dirty air filter, incorrect thermostat settings, a malfunctioning thermostat, a refrigerant leak, dirty condenser coils, blocked vents or ducts, a faulty compressor, frozen evaporator coils, or electrical issues.
In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.
A sure sign of a bad AC capacitor is a humming sound from within the access panel. Any humming noises indicate a problem with the air conditioning system or the components of the AC unit. Try turning the power on and off again to see if it was a one-time issue with the motor or a recurring problem.
Signs of a bad or failing AC compressor include warm air blowing from the vents, strange noises, and visible leaks. To fix these issues, a professional HVAC technician may need to repair or replace the compressor, recharge the refrigerant, and address any underlying problems such as leaks or electrical issues.
On average, AC compressor costs range from $800 to $2,300, with most folks paying $1,200 for a new one. However, your price will vary depending on factors like the size and brand of your compressor. Before you schedule your replacement, read on to learn about all AC compressor cost factors.
If your outside AC unit is not turning on, one of the most common (and simplest) reasons is an electrical issue like a tripped circuit breaker cutting the power to the unit. Other potential reasons with simple fixes include the thermostat being set incorrectly and the unit being low on refrigerant.
FIND THE RESET BUTTON
In most cases, the small red reset button is inside the AC's compressor. If unsure, you can always refer to the user's manual to find the exact location.
Shut off your system by hitting the isolation switch, wait 30 to 60 minutes and then turn it back on. This manual reboot fully disconnects your AC unit from power, allowing all electrical components to reset.
When you notice that your air conditioner isn't cooling, your first action should be to turn it off. This might seem counterintuitive—after all, you want your home to be cool. However, continuing to run an AC that isn't effectively cooling can cause further damage to the system.
Check these issues when the unit won't kick on: Check the thermostat and adjust the settings if it isn't set to Cool and an appropriate temperature setting to call for cooling. Examine the house circuit breakers for the AC unit and reset any tripped breakers. Check the air filter and replace the filter if it's dirty.
Unlike furnaces, air conditioners are often outdoors and exposed to extreme temperatures throughout the year, which shortens their life expectancy. Modern air conditioners can last between 15-20 years, and older air conditioners last around 10-12 years.
Your Warranty Might Be Voided
This could mean the difference of your manufacturer covering the cost of replacement or repair down the road versus you footing the entire bill. To summarize so far, the answer to “can you replace just the outside AC unit” is: not unless you want major issues.
Air conditioning experts recommend a comprehensive service at least once every 12 months. The best time of the year to service your air conditioner is just before the change of season. If you have a cooling-only unit, spring is the perfect time to service the unit so it is all set for the summers.