Home Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement

air conditioner
  • 3-5 hours
  • Advanced
  • 750-1,500
What You'll Need
Compressor replacement
Screw driver
Refrigerant storage cylinder
What You'll Need
Compressor replacement
Screw driver
Refrigerant storage cylinder

The compressor will eventually need to replaced in a home air-conditioning system that is used often. If you're air-conditioning unit is having issues and you've diagnosed it as a problem with the compressor, you can replace it yourself with these steps.

How Compressors Work

The refrigerant gas, which was transformed into a high-pressure and high-temperature substance, will be transferred to the condensing coil. The condensing oil, in turn, cools the gas into a liquid state. The gas is cooled using a fan or blower inside the condensing oil. Another way to cool the gas is through the immersion of the coil into cold water.

Replacing the Compressor

Usually, compressor replacement is something that should be done by a professional. Although it is not your usual home-improvement project, it is possible to do it yourself, saving money in the process.

Step 1 – Determine Compressor Problems

Check whether the compressor is still capable of doing its job within the cooling system by checking the temperature of the air coming out from the air-conditioning system. If not, continue to replace the compressor.

Step 2 – Identify the Type

Before buying a replacement, make sure you identify the correct kind of compressor that you have because there are numerous types. Usually, the model type of the compressor is indicated in the manual.

Step 3 – Turn Off Electrical Supply

Warning: Failure to completely turn off the electrical supply can result in injury.

Before opening the air-conditioning system, you should cut off all power supply.

Step 4 – Remove Refrigerant

Next, open the cooling system and remove the refrigerant. The system should be ridden of all refrigerants. The latest environmental protocols require that, instead of releasing refrigerant outside, it should be captured and pumped into a storage cylinder.

Step 5 – Cut Refrigerant Lines

The line of the refrigerant should be cut. After this, take out the compressor. The area of the compressor is usually located outside, but you can use your manual to find where yours is specifically.

Step 6 – Unbolt the Compressor

Before replacing the compressor, you have to unbolt it first. When unbolting the compressor of the air conditioner, the hosing attached to it should also be removed. Usually, compressors come with a single bolt. This standard setup provides holding for both the low- and high-pressure lines. The compressor should be unbolted from this holding and the accessory bracket.

Step 7 – Replace the Compressor

The replacement compressor should be placed within the condenser unit with the mounting bolts. Connect the lines of the refrigerant once gain. Given that the refrigerant needs replacing, other controls or the coils should be replaced as well.

Step 8 – Assemble the Unit

Assemble the unit once again, and then connect it to the power source. Check to see if the air-conditioning system is now working properly.