How Much Does it Cost to Replace My Heat Pump Compressor?

When your heat pump’s compressor breaks down, you’ll need to invest in a replacement. Otherwise, you’ll be without heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Knowing what factors affect heat pump compressor costs can help ensure you get a good deal.

For almost two decades, our technicians at Monkey Wrench have repaired and replaced heat pump compressors all over Los Angeles and the surrounding cities. Throughout this time, we’ve seen what pricing factors come into play when homeowners are looking for a heat pump compressor replacement. 

The price of a heat pump compressor can vary from company to company, but one thing that is consistent is the factors affecting the final cost. The pricing factors include, 

• Type of heat pump compressor 
• Heat pump brand and model compatibility 
• Heat pump compressor warranty 
• Type of refrigerant 

Once you’ve learned about how all of these factors impact the final price of a heat pump compressor, you can work with different companies to find the best offer for your heat pump. 

Let’s get started!

Heat Pump Compressor Replacement Cost

Replacing a new heat pump compressor can cost between $2,500 and $5,000. On average, a professional technician can complete the job in a couple of hours. 

Labor costs, which range from $100 to over $250, also factor into the price of a heat pump compressor replacement. The type of heat pump compressor also plays a role in the pricing.

Type of Heat Pump Compressor

Since heat pump compressor replacements aren’t precisely a one-size-fits-all, you’ll need to make sure you obtain the correct type of compressor.

The main types of heat pump compressors are as follows:

• Single stage heat pump compressor: These entry-level heat pumps have compressors that run at 100% capacity when they’re running. Single stage compressors tend to cycle on and off more frequently than others, leading to higher energy consumption.
• Two-stage heat pump compressor: Two-stage compressors have a high and low setting. They can run at 100% but have a lower capacity available at 65 to 70% to provide heating and cooling efficiently. 
• Variable speed heat pump compressor: Also known as variable stage compressors, these heat pumps have multiple capacities to provide more efficient cooling and heating, humidity control, and energy efficiency. 

When comparing their prices, variable-stage heat pump compressors tend to cost the most, whereas two-stage compressors cost less but are priced higher than single-stage compressors, which are the lowest in terms of pricing. 

As you identify the type of heat pump compressor you have, you should note the brand and model of your heat pump.  

Heat Pump Brand and Model Compatibility 

Your heat pump system model and brand can all affect the price of a heat pump compressor replacement. Many heat pump manufacturers have proprietary designs for their units’ compressors, while some use third-party compressors. The difference in price between brands can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. 

The most common heat pump manufacturers are Trane, Carrier, Lennox, and Goodman, among others. Regardless of what brand you have, most heat pumps provide similar benefits for you and your home. 

Each heat pump manufacturer offers specific compressors for its different series of heat pumps. The more bells and whistles a heat pump has, the higher the price may be for a heat pump compressor replacement. 

One factor that can make the difference between paying full price or paying for labor only is whether your heat pump compressor is covered under warranty.

Heat Pump Compressor Warranty

Because they’re crucial in the heating and cooling process, most heat pump compressors are backed by a 10 year warranty. This means that the manufacturer will cover the heat pump replacement part if it fails due to a defect. 

Instead of the thousands of dollars a heat pump compressor can cost, the manufacturer will cover the costs. Still, you’ll still have to pay for the labor in most cases. 

The technician working on your heat pump can submit warranty claims. They can communicate with the manufacturer’s tech support and submit pictures of the issues, along with proof that the heat pump has been maintained. 

Manufacturers will not approve a warranty claim for a heat pump compressor if it breaks down due to negligence. A warranty claim can be denied for other reasons, which are usually listed in the warranty terms and conditions of your heat pump. 

Another minor but still important factor to take into consideration is the refrigerant your heat pump uses.

Refrigerant for Heat Pump Compressor

Refrigerant costs are factored into the final price of a heat pump compressor replacement. New refrigerant can cost a few hundred dollars.

Unlike your car’s AC refrigerant, which you can refill yourself, a certified technician should only handle heat pump refrigerant under federal environmental laws. The refrigerant needs to be replenished whenever a heat pump compressor is replaced. 

A few heat pump systems use an older, less environmentally friendly refrigerant, R-22 freon. This refrigerant has been phased out since 2020, and some technicians may charge extra for using more environmentally friendly freon like R-32. 

Is It Worth to Replace a Heat Pump Compressor

There’s no denying the importance of a compressor when it comes to providing cooling and heating from your heat pump. So when it’s time to replace one, it’s good to have an idea of how much it costs so you know you’re getting your money’s worth. Now that you know how much a heat pump compressor costs, you can confidently know when you’re overpaying for a heat pump compressor. 

At Monkey Wrench, we’ve seen how a failing compressor can make it nearly impossible for a heat pump to provide sufficient heating and cooling for homes. That’s why our technicians work with the top brands in the industry to learn more about why heat pump compressors may fail sometimes and what the best ways to repair and replace them are. We’ve replaced hundreds of heat pump compressors throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. 

If your heat pump’s compressor fails and needs to be replaced, contact us using one of the buttons below. We serve many communities within and near Los Angeles.