An air conditioner’s capacitor, found in the outdoor unit, stores and releases electrical energy to power your AC’s compressor, fan motor, and blower motor. Most capacitors last for around 10–20 years, but they’ll eventually burn out. Replacing a capacitor is relatively inexpensive, costing as little as $80 or as much as $400. The capacitor itself can range from $8–$45, while labor costs are between $60 and $150 per hour. This guide breaks down all the information about AC capacitor replacement and pulls from our research into the best AC brands to help you get the best experience.
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What Is The Average AC Capacitor Cost?
Fortunately, capacitor replacement is a relatively inexpensive HVAC repair job. If you purchase a new capacitor and try to replace it yourself, you may be able to do it for as low as $80, though this isn’t recommended. If you hire a professional AC service and request a high-end capacitor, you could pay as much as $400. The average cost of capacitor replacement is around $175.
| Low-End | Average | High-End |
|---|---|---|
| $80 | $175 | $400 |
What Is an AC Capacitor?
An HVAC capacitor is an essential component of your air conditioning system’s electrical control system. You change the thermostat, and then the capacitor regulates electricity flow while storing energy for when your system needs a boost. Capacitors supply the initial surge of power to start the AC compressor, fan motor, and blower motor. Some units use a single capacitor for both starting and running, while others have separate capacitors for each function to improve efficiency.
Think of it like a car battery. If it dies, the car won’t start. Similarly, your AC relies on the capacitor to provide the electrical jumpstart needed each time it cycles on. Without a functioning capacitor, your air conditioner may struggle to run or fail entirely. Most capacitors last about 10–20 years, but environmental factors such as high temperatures and frequent use can shorten their lifespan. Since capacitors are relatively inexpensive, replacement is usually a better option than an AC repair.
How Much Does Each Type of Capacitor Cost?
Unlike an evaporator coil or the cost of an entire HVAC unit, the unit cost for the various types of capacitors is actually quite low—typically under $50 unless you seek out a high-end branded unit. Labor to replace the capacitor makes up most of the total cost.
- Run Capacitor Cost: Once the start capacitor has started the cooling cycle, the run capacitor sustains it. The run capacitor keeps the AC compressor, the condenser fan motor, and the blower motor operational whenever the air conditioner is on. These devices cost about $8–$30.
- Blower Capacitor Cost: It’s not just air conditioners that have capacitors. Furnace blower motors also need this part in order to circulate heat throughout a home’s air ducts. Your home’s HVAC system may use the same blower motor for both heat and cooling, meaning that this capacitor has to work year-round. Fortunately, the part is inexpensive at $9–$12.
- Start Capacitor Cost: As the name implies, an air conditioning unit needs a start capacitor to start up. Similar to a car starter, this device provides a burst of energy to begin a cooling cycle (one that might be too much for a home’s electrical system to handle on its own) and then turns off once the unit is running. Start capacitors typically cost $9–$25.
- Dual Run Capacitor Cost: Instead of having separate start and run capacitors, some systems have a single capacitor that takes care of both. These devices are larger and cost a bit more—usually $15–$45—but they can supply power to much larger HVAC systems. Unfortunately, if one part of this capacitor fails, you must replace the whole thing.
- Heat Pump Capacitor Cost: Heat pump systems can also be used to bring cool air into a house and in some ways, operate very similarly to traditional air conditioners. A heat pump capacitor usually serves the same functions as a dual-run capacitor and thus costs about $15–$25.
| AC Capacitor Type | Average Unit Cost | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Run capacitor | $8–$30 | $98–$230 |
| Blower capacitor | $9–$12 | $99–$212 |
| Start capacitor | $9–$25 | $99–$225 |
| Dual run capacitor | $15–$45 | $105–$245 |
| Heat pump capacitor | $15–$25 | $105–$225 |
What Are Factors That Impact AC Capacitor Costs?
While replacing an AC capacitor may seem straightforward, several factors influence the overall cost. Here’s what to consider.
HVAC System Size and Type
Larger-sized HVAC systems require capacitors with higher voltage ratings, measured in microfarads, which can increase costs. Mini-split ACs and window units typically use smaller capacitors, making their replacements less expensive.
What to expect: A capacitor for a furnace blower motor may cost less than one for a central AC unit. An improperly sized capacitor won’t provide the necessary power, so find the right fit.
Labor and Service Call Fees
Labor costs vary widely based on location and the complexity of the job. HVAC contractors typically charge between $90 and $200, with some companies adding a flat service call fee. If the capacitor is difficult to access, labor costs may increase.
What to expect: The average HVAC service call costs around $129, but the total price to replace a capacitor—including parts and labor—can reach up to $300.
Climate and Seasonal Demand
In hotter climates where AC units run more frequently, capacitors tend to wear out faster. Additionally, HVAC repairs are often more expensive in peak summer months when demand for technicians is high.
What to expect: Systems that cycle on and off evenly tend to have longer-lasting capacitors. However, exposure to extreme heat and humidity can shorten their lifespan.
Should You DIY vs Professional AC Capacitor Replacement?
Although some homeowners may be tempted to save on labor costs, replacing your air conditioner’s capacitor isn’t a do-it-yourself (DIY) job. In fact, most HVAC repairs are not DIY jobs. Jim Fuson, owner of 21st Century Home Inspections, says DIY repairs often lead to code violations, voiding the unit’s warranty or seriously threatening a homeowner’s well-being. Learn more about your options below.
Professional AC Capacitor Replacement
This isn’t even a job most contractors or handypeople can do. Professional HVAC contractors must be licensed in order to install or repair air conditioners, and it takes a great deal of education and training to receive a license. Here are the general steps an AC service professional will take to replace a capacitor.
- Open the AC unit and locate the old capacitor.
- Carefully remove and discharge the capacitor using a grounded screwdriver.
- Use the same screwdriver to drain the residual charge from the wires.
- Test the capacitor with a digital multimeter.
- Potentially remove the bleeder resistor to test the capacitor with an analog meter.
- If the capacitor is below the rated energy value, replace it with a new one.
A pro can complete the job quickly and efficiently, sometimes within half an hour. HVAC companies also typically offer a warranty on their work should further AC problems develop.
DIY AC Capacitor Replacement
You risk serious injury by trying to replace a capacitor yourself. That’s because capacitors are high-voltage devices that store electricity even when disconnected from power. You should also be careful when dealing with refrigerant lines, as the material is toxic, and a leak should be diagnosed, repaired, and recharged by a licensed pro. You can save yourself a lot of time and effort by hiring a professional from the start and using your time for other home improvement jobs.
How Can You Save Money on AC Capacitor Replacement?
Even though you should hire a pro for this job, you can still save some money with the following tips.
- Purchase your own replacement capacitor and hire an HVAC technician to install it. However, make sure you purchase the correct size, voltage, and type.
- Recognize the signs of a failing capacitor early and shut off your AC unit immediately. Continuing to run it could cause much more substantial damage to other system parts.
- If possible, have your AC serviced in the off-season when contractors are less in demand.
- If you need more than one HVAC service, ask the company about package deals or discounts.
- Keep up with regular HVAC maintenance and cleaning to ensure your system is working as efficiently as possible.
Our Conclusion
Although the capacitors themselves are relatively cheap, you’ll need to pay an HVAC professional to replace one or more of your air conditioner’s capacitors. Don’t take chances with your safety and your family’s comfort—have a licensed AC technician diagnose and repair this problem. If you don’t have a trusted HVAC repair company, we recommend getting quotes from at least three contractors before making your choice.
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FAQ About Replacing an AC Capacitor
How do I know if my AC capacitor is blown?
Here are the telltale signs of a broken or failing capacitor.
- Your AC takes a while to turn on.
- Your AC doesn’t turn on at all.
- Your AC doesn’t stay on long enough to cool your home.
- Your energy bills increase unexpectedly.
- You hear unusual humming noises from the outdoor condenser unit.
- You see smoke or smell a burning odor coming from the outdoor unit.
- Your AC isn’t blowing cold air
How long do AC capacitors last?
Most capacitors will last up to 20 years, though some may begin to fail after 10 years. If your air conditioning system is older, it’s a good idea to have an HVAC repair professional check the capacitor if the system isn’t working properly.
What causes an AC capacitor to fail?
Your air conditioner’s capacitor works by storing energy and then releasing it when the thermostat tells the system to turn on. Over time and with heavy use, the capacitor will burn out. Power surges like lightning strikes or power grid fluctuations may also cause an old capacitor to fail.
How many capacitors are in an AC unit?
Typically, your air conditioner will have either one dual run capacitor or both a start capacitor and run capacitor. Some furnace systems may also have a capacitor to power the blower fan motor.