The most expensive repair on an AC unit is a compressor replacement, typically costing $1,500 to $3,000 for a residential system in Los Angeles and $3,500 to $7,000 for larger commercial units. The compressor is the heart of your AC, it pressurizes refrigerant and drives the entire cooling cycle, so when it fails, the job involves recovering old refrigerant, removing the failed compressor, brazing in a new one, pulling a vacuum, and recharging the system with fresh refrigerant. That's usually 4 to 6 hours of skilled labor plus the part itself, which ranges from $800 to $2,500 depending on tonnage and refrigerant type. Many compressors carry a 10-year manufacturer parts warranty, so always verify coverage before approving the work, it can cut the bill in half. LA Heating and Air quotes compressor jobs flat-rate upfront. Call (818) 660-1062.
