AC Capacitor Replacement Cost Calculator

Here the part is cheap and the visit is not. The average AC capacitor replacement cost is about $175 to $180, with most bills between $100 and $400. The capacitor itself usually costs less than $50.

What does AC capacitor replacement cost, part by part?

The calculator adds the part price to a service call and up to an hour of labor. Most swaps take 30 to 45 minutes, and technicians charge $60 to $150 an hour.

High-capacity or brand-specific parts cost more, up to $90 for a dual run capacitor and $80 to $180 for some start capacitors. The HVAC capacitor replacement cost a contractor quotes is therefore mostly the service call: $75 to $150, with an average around $129.

How do I know the air conditioner capacitor is failing?

Three symptoms are typical: the AC takes a while to start, the outdoor unit hums without starting, or you smell burning. There is a visible one too: a swollen or domed top on the capacitor means it has failed.

How long does a capacitor last?

Most last 10 to 20 years, though some fail after as few as 5, and a 10-year average is a fair expectation.

Can I replace it myself?

The cost to replace a capacitor on an AC unit yourself is just the part, but it is not a job we recommend. Capacitors store electricity even when disconnected from power, and a screwdriver is not the proper tool for discharging one.

What else might be on the bill?

An evening or weekend call

An after-hours visit can add $50 to $200 or more, or 1.5 to 2 times the normal labor rate. Our estimate adds a flat $50 to $200 when you tick it.

The AC contactor

A contactor replacement costs $100 to $450 as a complete job that includes the visit. Done on the same call as a capacitor, you would pay for one visit rather than two, so the combined bill should come in under the two totals added together.

A hard start kit

The kit itself costs $15 to $75, and $135 to $250 installed. We found only one published price for this part, so treat it as a rough guide.