I had a new Central AC unit installed in June 2023, and then I replaced my furnace in November 2024 with the same company. When I turned on the AC this year, it showed a blown fuse indicator outside. After replacing the fuses, the AC still isn't working. I contacted the company that did the installation, and after paying a $100 service fee, they informed me that I need to replace both the capacitor and the compressor. They mentioned that the parts are covered under warranty, but since I haven't had them service the unit, labor costs wouldn't be covered. They quoted me $2,234 for the repair, which includes recovering refrigerant, installing a new compressor and capacitor, cleaning the outdoor coil, and charging the system. I'm frustrated with these costs given the unit's age, so I want to know if this quote seems fair for the Cincinnati area, especially since I performed regular maintenance myself. Am I being overcharged, or is this a legitimate quote?
4 Answers
That quote sounds about right, unfortunately. HVAC repairs can get pricey, especially when it comes to the compressor, which is a critical part. How old is the rest of your system? That might help evaluate the situation better.
You should check if your warranty covers both parts and labor. Also, what do they mean by not servicing the unit? Have other companies worked on it? Make sure to clarify if it's the compressor or the capacitor that needs replacement because those are quite different costs to manage. Might be worth looking for a second opinion!
The classic advice here is to get a couple more quotes before deciding. It's odd for the compressor to fail so soon, though. Did they confirm that the compressor is actually bad?
Yes, they confirmed that the compressor is shot. It's strange considering how new it is, right?
A compressor failing in under 2 years is definitely unusual. I'd say definitely get a second opinion!
Everything in the system was replaced only 2 years ago. The furnace was done last November, so all parts are pretty new.