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What an AC capacitor replacement costs, and why

The capacitor is one of the smallest parts in the outdoor unit and one of the most often replaced. Most of the bill is the visit, not the part.

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The short version

What sets the price
The service call, the diagnosis and the time of day.
What it fixes
A unit that hums but will not start, or a fan that will not spin.
Ask first
Whether the diagnosis fee is credited toward the repair.

Ask before the visit

  • What is the charge to come out and diagnose?
  • Is that fee credited if I approve the repair?
  • Is the price for the part and labor given before work starts?
  • Is there a warranty on the part and the labor?

What moves the price

  • Evening, weekend and holiday calls.
  • A dual capacitor serving both compressor and fan.
  • Other worn parts found during the visit.
  • A maintenance plan that changes the rate.

What is inside the bill

  • The service callTravel, the truck and the technician's time to find the fault. It is charged whether or not the part is replaced.
  • The partA capacitor stores the jolt that starts the compressor and fan motors. It is inexpensive next to the rest of the bill.
  • The laborPower is cut, the old part is discharged safely and replaced, and the system is tested under load.
  • The check that followsA failed capacitor can be a symptom. A good visit includes testing the motors it serves.

How the visit usually goes

  1. The technician confirms the capacitor has failed with a meter.
  2. You are given the price before the repair.
  3. The part is replaced with one of the same rating.
  4. The system is run and the motors are checked.

A capacitor can hold a dangerous charge with the power off. This is why it is not a do-it-yourself part, however simple the swap looks in a video.

Related guides

Sources

  • US Department of Energy
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