Short answer: If your AC is 10 to 15 years old or more, replacing the whole system is often the better choice. If it is under 10 years old, or the compressor is still under warranty, replacing just the compressor can make sense. Call us and we will walk you through your options before any work starts.
Is this the right page for you?
This page is for DeSoto homeowners who have been told the compressor on their AC has failed, or who think it has. The first sign is often that the AC stops blowing cold air.
The compressor is the part in the outdoor unit that moves refrigerant through the system. It is one of the most important parts of the AC, which is why the decision is a big one.
Replace the whole AC when
- The system is 10 to 15 years old or more. Compressors typically fail toward the end of an AC's life, so a new compressor in an old system may be followed by other breakdowns.
- The compressor repair would cost nearly as much as a new unit and there is no warranty.
- The system runs on old refrigerant such as R-22. That makes repairs more expensive and less efficient. See our R-22 AC replacement page.
- The AC and furnace are both near the end of their lives. See AC and furnace replacement.
Replace only the compressor when
- The system is under 10 years old.
- The compressor is still under warranty.
- The rest of the system is in good shape.
Even then, the cause of the failure has to be found first, or the new compressor can fail the same way.
Why compressors fail
A failing compressor usually means something else went wrong first. Causes include:
- Dirty condenser coils
- Low refrigerant from a leak, which makes the compressor run almost nonstop
- Overcharging
- Electrical faults
- Lack of lubrication
- Blocked or damaged suction lines
A good diagnosis finds the cause before you decide to repair or replace.
What the job involves
- Call us and tell us what your AC is doing. Tell us how old it is and what you were told.
- We confirm the details and book a time.
- We look at your system. We check the outdoor unit and the rest of the system.
- We walk you through your options before any work starts. You decide before we begin.
- If a replacement makes sense, we remove the old unit and set the new one, then test it before we leave.
If you choose to replace
If you replace just the outdoor unit, it generally works only if the indoor coil is in good condition and compatible. See AC condenser replacement. If you want to compare efficiency ratings, see high-efficiency AC replacement.
Not sure yet? Our repair or replace checklist can help.
Questions
Should I replace the compressor or the whole AC?
It depends on the age of the system. If it is 10 to 15 years old or more, replacing the whole system is often the better long-term choice. If it is under 10 years old, or the compressor is still under warranty, replacing just the compressor can make more sense.
Why do compressors fail?
A failing compressor usually means something else went wrong first. Causes include dirty condenser coils, low refrigerant from a leak, overcharging, electrical faults, lack of lubrication, and blocked or damaged suction lines. The cause should be found before you decide.
Is a new compressor in an old AC a good idea?
Compressors typically fail toward the end of an AC's life, so a new compressor in an old system may be followed by other breakdowns.
What if my AC uses R-22?
A system on old refrigerant such as R-22 makes repairs more expensive and less efficient. R-22 production and import ended in 2020, so only reclaimed supply is left.
Compressor failed? Let us talk it through.
Call us, tell us what you were told, and we will walk you through your options.