Central air conditioning compressor

Question

AC just went out had service check on it and they say it is the compressor, ok "how Much" 3K, now I do not have the money to pay that much and I would like to replace it myself or have someone just install it for me, but "I" buy it. Now if I can replace it myself that is perfect. Any suggestions on how to? how hard? Where to find instructions?

I want to just replace, I do not have the money to pay someone 3K to replace it, or 5K for a whole new unit. I don’t have the money due to (you guessed it, high home loan)

Answer 1

Sorry to say Nick you can not change it yourself, to many EPA regulations and the equipment you need is not stuff you pick up at a rental yard, Your cost to replace the compressor should be some where around $700.00 to $1200.00 depending on the cost of the compressor, much cheaper than replacing entire unit, but depending on the age of the unit, an upgrade may be more cost efective in the long run.

Answer 2

Yes you an install yourself. Try here

http://www.acdirect.com/xcart/product.ph...

The new system is precharged. I four system is oder than 10years old, just get rid it and install the complete NEW system yourself. Just make sure the system has EASY s***w on connectors and not welding types. I have installed PRE charged units in the past and they work great. Good luck, let us know when done.

Answer 3

Im no expert but i have had some schooling in HVAC and have some experience working in the field and from what i know-unless you are very mechanically inclined and have some experience in this kind of work you really shouldnt try it on your own. First you are going to be working around 240volts. Second you are working with a system filled with refrigerant. You would have to know how to capture the refrigerant in your system and then recharge the system after you do the repairs. This takes the right training and quite a bit of expensive equipment. Gone are the days where you can just let refrigerant spew out into the air and then refill it yourself. You need a EPA certified Refrigerant License to handle or even just purchase the stuff these days.

Other than that it does sound like they are overcharging you quite a bit for this job. What i would do if i were you is just put it off for now. Summer is almost over. Save up some cash over the wintertime. Come next spring try to find someone who does HVAC work on the side to help you out, you probably could get a much better deal that way.

Answer 4

You really can't replace it yourself unless you have HVAC experience. My brother works in this field and sometimes you can get these repairmen to do a job on the side. Usually they can get the equipment at cost and then you could pay them in cash and they could actually do it for around a $1000.00 to 1500.00 so you could save half.  Also, sometimes when they say you need replacement, you really don't so get second opinion.

Answer 5

Wow, 3k for a compressor change out? sounds like you need a second opinion. Most reputable a/c companies will come out and provide one to at no charge.

Here is what you need to do.

first you need proof. Stand there with the next guy and ask him to tell you exactly what is wrong with the compressor. Not just that the compressor is bad. It can be any number of things and not the compressor. The trick is to rule out all other possibilities before jumping to conclusions! and if it is a compressor don't waste your time with a compressor relplacement, just buy a whole new condenser for less than you might think. And i'll tell you where in a moment.

1. if the compressor is old, it may have burnt wiring at the compressor terminal connections that in most cases be reconnected.

2. The compressor could be grounded if not then go to step 3

3. You could have a defective run capacitor or defective start gear. Ask the tech to check that in front of you and explain to you what type of reading he's getting on his meter. If it is a bad run cap or start gear these components can be replaced for a 150 or so

  

4. you could have a stuck contactor that is not pulling in. But you'll know right away because the condenser fan motor should be running when a call for cooling is made. if it isn't then have the tech check for 24 volts at the contactor coil and show you the reading on his meter. If the contactor has 24 volts at the coil and is still not pulling in, then you have a bad contactor. Assuming the tech reconnected the low voltage wiring back to the contactor.

5 if the contactor pulls in and the outdoor fan runs and you hear the compressor huming then the compressor is locked up and it'll need to be replaced but not for 3k more like 900-1,100 max

Or try this site where you can buy brand new Goodman a/c equipment, at great prices. They will even deliver to your home for free. It is acwholesalers.com it is a great site

goodluck

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Answer 6

That's sucks.There isn't much you can do short of borrowing the money or going without a/c.Good luck.

Answer 7

they may be telling you its the compressor,but it might not,how do you know its the compressor?.how old is the unit?it takes a lot for a compressor to go bad,try to get at least ten different opinions,and companys.to work on ac equipment requires knowledge,of freon,pressure evacuation,brazing copper pipes type l,and putting in the right amount of freon,unless you go to a hvac school you can not do it yourself,you could kill yourself.

Answer 8

they are just trying to sell you a new unit. you can just have the compressor replaced for less then $1000. the compressors are usually around $350-$400. and no you can not do it yourself unless you have a vaccuum pump,gauges,and freon. don't let them take advantage of you. ask for a new compressor instead,if they don't want to get another opinion.

Answer 9

I would like to suggest to try to get as much information as you could before making up your mind,here is a very resourceful one.http://home-mortgage.online-tips4u.info/...