Right Away Heating and Air Right Away Heating and Air Proves It Before
American Standard condenser set level on a raised deck.
AC Compressor Replacement Near You With Proof of Failure, a Warranty Check and a Side-by-Side Price Against a New System
Right Away Heating and Air Proves It Before You Pay
Updated November 2026
Right Away Heating and Air handles AC compressor replacement near you only after proving the compressor failed. Many "bad compressor" calls turn out to be a $150 capacitor or a burned contactor, so we test those first.
We provide AC compressor replacement in Ladson, SC and across the Charleston area from one local shop.
AC compressor replacement typically runs $1,200-$5,000+. Single-stage compressors sit at the low end, and variable-speed compressors at the high end. If your part is under warranty, you pay labor and refrigerant. Get a free second opinion on any compressor quote. Call 843-996-8904.
- American Standard Customer Care Dealer
- SC License CLM.119013
- 20+ Years Lowcountry HVAC
- Free Second Opinions
- 0% Financing for 12 Months
Editor view: the real Duda form sits in its own block and moves here on Preview and the live site.
$50 off any repair is applied to your ticket automatically.
Ladson, SC 29456
Signs Your AC Compressor Is Failing or Failed
Listen and Feel
Signs your AC compressor is failing include warm air with the outdoor fan running, loud banging or grinding from the outdoor unit, a breaker that keeps tripping and an outdoor unit that clicks but won't start.
| Sign | Could Be the Compressor | Could Also Be |
|---|---|---|
| Fan runs, no cooling | Yes | Capacitor or contactor |
| Clicks, won't start | Yes | Capacitor or hard start need |
| Breaker trips at startup | Yes, shorted compressor | Wiring or breaker |
| Loud bang or grinding | Yes, internal failure | Fan motor bearings |
| Very high power bills | Worn compressor | Dirty coil, low charge |
Is It the Compressor or the Capacitor?
It's often the capacitor, not the compressor. A weak capacitor stops the compressor from starting, and a $150-$400+ capacitor swap fixes it. We test both before quoting a compressor.
- Capacitor tests low: replace capacitor, retest.
- Capacitor fine, compressor windings shorted: compressor has failed.
- Compressor locked: a hard start kit may revive it for a while.
Listen and Feel Written prices, $50 off any repair and free second opinions.
How Much Does AC Compressor Replacement Cost?
$1,200-$5,000+ Installed
AC compressor replacement typically costs $1,200-$5,000+. Single-stage compressors run about $1,200-$3,500+, while two-stage and variable-speed compressors run $2,500-$5,000+.
| Compressor Job | Typical Lowcountry Price Range |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic and compressor testing | $80-$150+ |
| Single-stage compressor, out of warranty | $1,200-$3,500+ |
| Two-stage or variable-speed, out of warranty | $2,500-$5,000+ |
| Compressor under warranty (labor and refrigerant) | $900-$2,500+ |
| Hard start kit to revive a locked compressor | $150-$350+ |
Prices are typical Lowcountry ranges for planning. Your written estimate is the final word.
Why Is Compressor Replacement So Expensive?
Compressor replacement is expensive because it takes the most labor of any AC repair. The system has to be opened, emptied and rebuilt.
- Recover all the refrigerant.
- Unbraze and remove the old compressor.
- Braze in the new compressor and a new filter drier under nitrogen.
- Pressure test, deep vacuum and recharge.
$1,200-$5,000+ Installed Written prices, $50 off any repair and free second opinions.
Should You Replace the Compressor or the Whole AC?
Age and Warranty Decide
Replace just the compressor when the system is under 10 years old and the compressor is under warranty. Replace the whole AC when it's 12+ years old, the compressor is out of warranty or the system uses R-22.
| Your System | Our Usual Advice |
|---|---|
| Under 10 years, compressor under warranty | Replace the compressor |
| Under 10 years, out of warranty | Compare prices closely |
| 10 to 12 years, out of warranty | Lean toward a new system |
| 12+ years or R-22 | Replace the system |
Does My AC Compressor Have a Warranty?
Your AC compressor may have a warranty if the system was registered with the manufacturer. Many compressors carry 10 years of parts coverage when registered.
- Find the model and serial number on the outdoor unit label.
- We look up the warranty with the manufacturer.
- Labor is usually not covered unless you bought a labor plan.
Age and Warranty Decide Written prices, $50 off any repair and free second opinions.
Why AC Compressors Fail Before Their Time
Usually Something Else First
AC compressors usually fail early because something else went wrong first: a weak capacitor, a refrigerant leak, a dirty coil or electrical damage from a storm.
- Weak capacitor: hard starts overheat the compressor.
- Low refrigerant: the compressor runs hot without enough cooling.
- Dirty outdoor coil: high pressures strain it every hour it runs.
- Burned contactor: chatter and arcing damage windings.
- Storm surges: lightning and outages hit electrical parts.
- Wrong refrigerant charge: too much or too little shortens its life.
Usually Something Else First Written prices, $50 off any repair and free second opinions.
How Right Away Heating and Air Replaces a Compressor
Usually One Day
An AC compressor replacement from Right Away Heating and Air usually takes one full day once the part arrives.
- Confirm failure with winding, amp and pressure tests.
- Check warranty and order the part.
- Recover refrigerant and remove the old compressor.
- Braze in the new compressor and filter drier under nitrogen.
- Pressure test and deep vacuum.
- Recharge and start up, then test cooling.
Usually One Day Written prices, $50 off any repair and free second opinions.
Compressor Replacement Financing and Specials
Spread the Cost
Compressor replacement financing from Right Away Heating and Air includes 0% for 12 months on approved credit. The same financing applies if a new system makes more sense.
| Offer | What You Get |
|---|---|
| 0% Financing for 12 Months | For compressors or new systems, on approved credit |
| Free Second Opinion | On any compressor or replacement quote |
| $50 Off Any HVAC Repair | Applies to qualifying compressor repairs |
Restrictions apply.
Where Right Away Heating and Air Provides AC compressor replacement
Close to Home
When you book AC compressor replacement, the tech who comes out starts the day at our Ladson shop on William Aiken Avenue, central to all three counties we serve.
Right Away Heating and Air in Ladson, SC
Right Away Heating and Air in Ladson, SC is where owner Blake Miller runs the shop, and where every AC compressor replacement van restocks between calls.
Service Areas for AC compressor replacement
Summerville, Goose Creek, North Charleston and Hanahan sit closest to our shop. We also cover Moncks Corner, Daniel Island, West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Awendaw, Hollywood and Ravenel.
Island and coastal calls include James Island, Johns Island, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Edisto Island, Meggett and Yonges Island.
Close to Home Written prices, $50 off any repair and free second opinions.
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Compressor Replacement
Quick Answers
How Do I Know My Compressor Is Bad?
A tech confirms a bad compressor by testing the windings, measuring amps and ruling out the capacitor and contactor.
How Long Do AC Compressors Last?
Compressors usually last 10 to 15 years with good maintenance.
Can a Compressor Be Repaired Instead of Replaced?
Rarely. Compressors are sealed. The parts around them, like capacitors and contactors, can be repaired.
Is It Worth Replacing a Compressor on a 10-Year-Old AC?
Sometimes. If the compressor is under warranty and the system is healthy, yes. If not, compare with a new system.
How Long Does Compressor Replacement Take?
Usually one day once the part arrives.
Does Insurance Cover a Compressor?
Homeowners insurance sometimes covers lightning damage. Check your policy.
Do You Offer Second Opinions on Compressor Quotes?
Yes, free.
Can I Finance a Compressor Replacement?
Yes. 0% for 12 months on approved credit.
Reviewed by Blake Miller, Owner, Right Away Heating and Air
Get an AC Compressor Diagnosis From Right Away Heating and Air
Proof Before Price
Right Away Heating and Air will prove what failed, check your warranty and price both options. Call 843-996-8904.
9565 William Aiken Ave, Suite 104, Ladson, SC 29456
