The compressor is the heart of an air conditioning or heat pump system. It is part of the outdoor unit that pumps and circulates refrigerant. The compressor maintains adequate pressure to cause refrigerant to flow in sufficient quantities to reliably cool your home in the summer, and if you have a heat pump system, heat your home in the colder months.
The refrigerant enters the compressor as a low-pressure gas. The compressor compresses it into a high-pressure heated gas and moves it through the discharge line and over to the condenser.
The condenser is also located in the outdoor air conditioning unit or heat pump. The refrigerant enters the condenser as a gas and passes through the condenser coil which condenses the gas to a vapor and then to liquid form and releases heat into the outside air.
Because the compressor has such a vital job, if something goes wrong, replacing it can carry a hefty price tag. It will depend on the unit’s capacity, but replacement can cost between $900 and $3,000. If you have an older unit and the compressor is failing, you may want to opt to replace the whole unit.
Read our Repair or Replace Guide for more information.
The condenser coil is the outdoor coil found in your cooling system. It works together with the evaporator coil to complete the heat exchange cycle by providing a means for heat to be released.
The portion of your HVAC system located outside, oftentimes on the side of your home.
Connect with our Customer Care team about your products, warranties, and dealer concerns.
Available Monday – Friday from 7am to 5pm CST
A phone
Dealers can answer questions, help you find the right products for your home, and repair your system.