Car Air Conditioner Condenser Replacement
Get quotes from specialists near you
Australia's #1 booking site for car services & car repairs
Book now, pay later Interest-free payments
Transparent prices no surprises
*Available at select service providers. T&Cs apply.
Average rating for Air Conditioner Condenser Replacement
4.7 • based on 115 reviews of 80 businesses
Car Air Conditioner Condenser Replacement
How much does a car air conditioner condenser replacement cost?
A car AC condenser replacement usually starts around the $500 mark, and depending on the vehicle and location of the condenser, this can increase to $1000+
The main reason for the condenser to fail is through impact damage. Rocks and road debris can puncture and damage the condenser, causing the refrigerant to leak out.
They can also block up due to other air conditioning component failures – such as compressor failure. If this is the case, you may need to replace other components to bring your air conditioning system back to the correct operating condition.
What is an air conditioning condenser?
The best way to think about the air conditioning condenser is just like the radiator for your engine's cooling system – as they perform a very similar function.
Instead of having coolant flowing through it, the condenser cools the refrigerant gas coming from the air conditioning compressor and returns it to liquid form. This liquid then travels through into the cabin, where it provides cool air for the occupants inside.
What are the symptoms of a faulty air conditioning condenser?
A couple of things to look out for when you think your car's AC condenser needs to be replaced are:
- The air conditioning is not as cold as normal
- The air conditioning is not working at all or blowing air but not cold
- Air conditioning refrigerant leaks
Is replacing a car air conditioning condenser hard?
The condenser will undergo an inspection to identify any potential leaks or physical damage that might affect its performance. Following this, the pressure within the air conditioning system will be checked to ensure it is within the optimal range. Should the inspection reveal that the condenser needs replacing, all existing gas in the system will be removed to prevent leakage.
In many cases, the front bumper will need to be removed to provide access to the condenser and other components. Once access is secured, the old condenser will be removed and replaced with a new unit. This replacement process will also involve installing new ‘O’ rings to prevent future leaks.
After the new condenser has been installed, the air conditioning system will be evacuated to remove any air or moisture and the new refrigerant gas will be injected into the system. Finally, a test will be conducted to verify that it’s correctly operating.
How many years does a car AC condenser last?
A car AC condenser installed by skilled professionals and regularly maintained can last as long as the air conditioning system itself. However, the most common cause of an AC condenser failure is impact damage, which unfortunately can happen at any time.
How important is replacing your air conditioning condenser?
Having a fully operating air conditioning system not only adds to your comfort inside the cabin but also provides additional safety as it is used for window demisting when the conditions are not great outside.
Some vehicles with climate control require hot and cold air entering the cabin to regulate the temperature, so you may end up with just heat – which will make the interior of your car feel like an oven!
If you think your AC condenser needs to be replaced, get a free quote from a specialist today!
