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$750 to replace 3 working capacitors...
Posted on 9/23/25 at 11:41 am
Posted on 9/23/25 at 11:41 am
moved recently into an older home with two AC units. both units about 25 years old but blowing super cold. I could tell they hadn't been cleaned in years. The guys came out and cleaned em and checked the refrigerant levels. All good. But they said my capacitors were looking rusty so I ok'd replacing them.
I was stuck when they quoted me because they were relatives of an important business partner so it was better in the long run to pay than say no.
Do these charges sound reasonable? If not I'll never use them again, let alone recommend them to anyone.
I was stuck when they quoted me because they were relatives of an important business partner so it was better in the long run to pay than say no.
Do these charges sound reasonable? If not I'll never use them again, let alone recommend them to anyone.
16
Posted on 9/23/25 at 11:49 am to TigerGman
I just paid 1700 to have my blower motor, blower wheel, and capacitor replaced.
Doesn't feel good.
Doesn't feel good.
Posted on 9/23/25 at 11:50 am to TigerGman
A capacitor is about a $30 part.
Posted on 9/23/25 at 11:55 am to TigerGman
quote:
Do these charges sound reasonable? If not I'll never use them again, let alone recommend them to anyone.
That's a bit high but I know an HVAC tech will charge about $200 to replace one of those. Capacitors can work but still be marginal, I test mine in-use to get the best idea of how healthy they are and write the MFD reading I got from my tester when new on each one. They drift more than 10% then time to replace. Keep several spares handy, $100 and I have condenser and blower capacitors for both systems. TITAN HD or Amrad...both US made.
This post was edited on 9/23/25 at 12:00 pm
Posted on 9/23/25 at 12:03 pm to TigerGman
I usually pay $135 for a capacitor change from my guy.
Hate to say it, but they probably replaced them with cheap Chinese made units that don't last long.
Hate to say it, but they probably replaced them with cheap Chinese made units that don't last long.
Posted on 9/23/25 at 1:26 pm to Clames
quote:
That's a bit high but I know an HVAC tech will charge about $200 to replace one of those. Capacitors can work but still be marginal, I test mine in-use to get the best idea of how healthy they are and write the MFD reading I got from my tester when new on each one. They drift more than 10% then time to replace. Keep several spares handy, $100 and I have condenser and blower capacitors for both systems. TITAN HD or Amrad...both US made.
Ok thanks. Feel better about it now
Posted on 9/23/25 at 2:36 pm to TigerGman
$65 for the part and labor but was replaced in conjunction with a summer maintenance package. $235 for both units.
Posted on 9/23/25 at 2:42 pm to TigerGman
quote:
$750 to replace 3 working capacitors...
quote:
The guys came out and cleaned em and checked the refrigerant levels. All good.
so how much did you pay on top of $750 to clean and check levels?
Posted on 9/23/25 at 5:19 pm to Chad504boy
quote:
so how much did you pay on top of $750 to clean and check levels?
Good question. I'll check tonight when I get home
Posted on 9/23/25 at 7:57 pm to TigerGman
Capacitors cost between 30 and 70 bucks
Takes all of 15min from start to finish assuming you have disconnects next to the units
Takes all of 15min from start to finish assuming you have disconnects next to the units
Posted on 9/24/25 at 2:04 pm to TigerGman
i almost hate posting this.
We have two units, replacing capacitors takes about 5 minutes and costs about $20 on our carrier units. The worst thing about a capacitor is when they go out over the weekend. Learn how to swap them out, buy one to have as a spare. Mine lasts about 3 or 4 years.
We have two units, replacing capacitors takes about 5 minutes and costs about $20 on our carrier units. The worst thing about a capacitor is when they go out over the weekend. Learn how to swap them out, buy one to have as a spare. Mine lasts about 3 or 4 years.
Posted on 9/24/25 at 4:34 pm to Boomer88
Changing a cap is a very easy job but when you consider the time to travel, mileage, and the cost of the part along with other parts of doing business like invoicing, insurance, salaries that aren’t on payroll, etc… that’s why the bill is high. If they charged $50 to do it that’s not a good recipe for staying in business.
Posted on 9/24/25 at 9:17 pm to TigerGman
Those maintenance packages are scams in my opinion. The capacitor change shouldn’t be that ridiculous for 3. If it was one. Maybe $250 would be ok. $99 for the call. $99 for one hour of work. $50 for part. But for 3, I’d never call them again. Get the capacitors for your units and put them in a closet. Change them yourself when they fail. You almost don’t need to store them anymore. I diagnosed my employees capacitor issue the other day and Amazon same day delivered the part. Saved him $200
Posted on 9/24/25 at 9:18 pm to diat150
quote:
when you consider the time to travel, mileage, and the cost of the part along with other parts of doing business like invoicing, insurance, salaries that aren’t on payroll, etc… that’s why the bill is high.
The amount that needs to be charged to keep a van on the road and an employee and their benefits around would surprise most everyone who hasn't ventured into owning a business.
That said, $750 is too high. They were already there so its just one trip. $350-$450 job.
Maybe if they had to make 3 separate trips/appointments it could be justified......
Posted on 9/25/25 at 8:47 am to Boomer88
There has been seasonal advice from posters here to find out what kind of capacitors your a/c system uses and keep spares. This thread re-confirms to me that this continues to be good advice.
Posted on 9/25/25 at 9:40 am to Boomer88
quote:
Learn how to swap them out, buy one to have as a spare.
They are very inexpensive compared to what a repairman charges and extremely easy to change. Know how to isolate power from you unit (fuse box and/or disconnect right by your unit), then a quick youtube on where the 3 wires plug in.
Posted on 9/25/25 at 10:57 am to TigerGman
A capacitor cost on the high end $25 each. They are money makers and always over charged.
Posted on 9/25/25 at 10:58 am to ItzMe1972
I think all Capcitors are Chinese made now. Even the cheap ones.
Posted on 9/25/25 at 11:06 am to Napoleon
The board favorite seems to be AMRAD...American made.
Posted on 9/25/25 at 6:12 pm to Boomer88
quote:
The worst thing about a capacitor is when they go out over the weekend. Learn how to swap them out, buy one to have as a spare.
And a contactor. Find out which one your unit uses and buy a spare. You definitely won't be finding one of those on a Saturday evening somewhere.
Now a capacitor, If you happen to still have an Ace Hardware around, they have a pretty good selection in house and on hand.
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