A compressor should last about 10 to 15 years but may have a reduced lifespan if you use your air conditioning system frequently. If your air compressor is going bad, you need to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop to have it replaced.
With proper maintenance, a car AC compressor can last an average of 10-15 years.
Replacing a car AC compressor can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000, but the final price depends on several factors: Car model: Luxury cars typically require more expensive compressors than standard vehicles. Vehicle age: Older vehicles with hard-to-find parts may be more expensive to fix due to the rarity of the parts.
Although the average lifespan of a car AC compressor is between 10 and 12 years, the compressor clutch could fail earlier than that. Unfortunately, a failed clutch means you need a whole new compressor—they're inseparable.
While it's technically possible to drive with a bad A/C compressor, it's not advised due to potential risks to other components of the car, not to mention uncomfortable driving conditions.
Replacing the air conditioning system means putting in a condenser and a new indoor evaporator coil, while leaving the rest of the HVAC system in place. This is the most common choice when a compressor that's no longer under warranty dies.
A functioning AC compressor is necessary for a vehicle's air conditioning to perform at its best. Although replacing a faulty compressor can be expensive, having a professional perform the job and properly charge the system is always a good idea.
With the AC off, the clutch does not spin. When you turn the AC on, the clutch can make a momentary click and starts spinning with the belt and pulley. If the clutch does not engage, or if it makes a screeching or whining sound when it does, the compressor needs to be serviced.
A larger unit is harder to remove and replace quickly when it needs to be repaired. As a result of these factors and others, it's safe to say that replacing your car's AC compressor is likely to take at least three hours and at most, as long as six hours.
The Answer Is Seldom A Simple One
It entails removing and disposing of any remaining refrigerant, disconnecting and removing the old compressor, installing the new one with proper fittings, and recharging with refrigerant. Add it all up and it typically takes four to six hours.
We recommend getting a quote from a reputable mechanic or auto shop before having your car's A/C system inspected. The average costs for common A/C car repair services are: A/C Repair – $384 to $445. A/C Compressor Replacement – $1,546 to $1,705.
The humidity and heat can be overwhelming, and if your car's AC compressor is failing in such situations, it can make summer a lot less bearable. The car's AC compressor is one of the most important components in a vehicle's air conditioning system. So if it fails, the entire system will not work.
To sum up, the high price of car AC service is an outcome of the complexity of the system, high demand in the summer, and ignorance of preventative maintenance. Drivers can avoid the irritation and expense of a failing AC system by having the system serviced at regular intervals and taking proper precautions.
If you own a brand new vehicle your refrigerant gas will last 3-5 years without you running into any major issues as long as you maintain a yearly car aircon service such as a 24-point diagnosis and Performance Check.
Replacing an A/C compressor can be a complex task, so it's generally recommended to seek professional help.
Driving with a broken A/C compressor isn't ideal and can become unsafe if ignored. Every mechanism within your car is essential to your vehicle's overall efficacy and safety.
Your air conditioner compressor is making unusual noises: If your compressor is making a loud rattling, grinding, or clicking noise, this could be an indication that a piece has broken inside it. If it is more of a grinding noise, the compressor bearings might need to be replaced.
Compressors generally last the lifetime of a car, or approximately 12 to 15+ years depending on how well the car is looked after.
Generally speaking, to have a shop properly change an AC compressor and related components, flush, and re-fill the AC system will run between $750 – 1500.00. Depending on the model and cost of the parts in general, this cost could be even higher.
Before you replace the AC compressor, it is important to have a professional evacuate the AC system. This step safely removes refrigerant and adheres to environmental laws, ensuring a safe and compliant process. Proper evacuation ensures no illegal release of refrigerants into the atmosphere.
A new A/C compressor will typically last longer than a used one, but with proper maintenance and care, a used A/C compressor can still provide many years of reliable service. Choosing between a new and used A/C compressor for your car is a decision that depends on a variety of factors.
Usually, replacing a compressor takes an hour or two, with additional time required to evacuate and recharge the A/C system.
The following are common causes of compressor burnouts: Poor maintenance of the HVAC system, leading to damaging buildup on the compressor. Power surges causing electrical failures to burn out the compressor. Excess moisture causing chemical reactions to form acid byproducts, eating away the compressor.
Depending on your car's age, you may need to have the compressor oil changed once every few years. If you hear humming sounds, smell a burning odor, or see smoke when you turn on the air conditioning in your vehicle, you may need to get your compressor oil changed.