Expect to spend anywhere from $900 to $2,500, depending on the type of system, the age of the unit, and–frankly–who’s doing the work. That’s the quick answer. But before settling on any service, it’s worth understanding why the range is so wide and where you might land within it.

For older systems–say 10+ years–the internal parts may no longer be available, or compatible upgrades might require extra labour. That pushes the bill higher. If your unit runs on R-22 refrigerant, that’s another factor. It’s being phased out, so anything connected to it tends to be more expensive to service or swap.

Now, if your cooling system is under warranty, you might only be on the hook for labour, which usually runs between $400 and $800. But it really depends on how accessible the outdoor unit is. Tight spots or roof-mounted installations can easily double the time–and cost–of the job. And in some cases, installers might recommend replacing more than one component, even if only one has failed. That’s not always upselling; sometimes it’s a genuine concern about compatibility or future failure.

We’ve heard from a few customers around the Beltline and Mount Pleasant neighbourhoods who were quoted above $3,000, which surprised them. But those were mostly high-end, multi-zone systems with specialized parts. In contrast, a single-zone residential unit in a bungalow in Southwood, for instance, might come in much lower.

Is it worth repairing, or is it time for a new system? That’s the harder call. If you’re dealing with repeated failures or steadily rising energy bills, it might be smarter to upgrade. Still, we’ve seen well-maintained systems last 15 years or more–so don’t let one quote push you into a bigger decision too quickly.

Average Price Range for AC Compressor Replacement by Vehicle Make and Model

Expect to pay between $950 and $1,500 for compact sedans like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. Labour tends to be less intensive, and parts are generally more accessible for these models. Still, if you’re dealing with a hybrid, like the Prius, the price might push toward the higher end – parts aren’t always in stock, and installation can be trickier.

For SUVs and crossovers, think Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, or RAV4 – the range climbs to $1,300–$1,900. In some cases, particularly for newer models with integrated climate systems, the job takes longer than you might expect. Sometimes it’s not even the unit itself, but the mounting or belt configuration that eats up hours.

Luxury vehicles are a different story. BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes-Benz often land in the $1,800–$2,500 bracket. Not necessarily because the parts are that much better – often they’re just harder to get at. Add diagnostic time, extra disassembly, and proprietary components, and the bill adds up fast. I’ve seen cases where the part was available, but only through a dealer, adding days to the repair and a few hundred more to the final number.

Trucks like the F-150, Silverado, or Ram 1500 vary more than you’d think. Most sit around $1,400–$2,000, but if you’ve got a diesel model or something heavily customized, the price jumps. Some older trucks are actually cheaper to sort out – fewer sensors, less electronic interference. But newer ones? Whole different story.

Electric vehicles are… complicated. Not always more expensive, but more unpredictable. A Nissan Leaf might sit under $1,700, while something like a Tesla? You might not get a straight number unless you go through their service network. And good luck finding a local shop that’s equipped for it – some just won’t touch them.

In short, pricing really swings with make, model, and how the system is built. If I had to guess, most people are surprised not by the part itself, but by how much time the job eats up. And that’s what really moves the needle on cost.

How Labor Costs and Shop Rates in Calgary Impact Your Final Bill

Get a written estimate before approving any work. This might sound obvious, but many shops still give ballpark numbers over the phone. In Calgary, hourly rates for HVAC work vary wildly–some independent techs might charge around $90 per hour, while established companies with larger teams and overhead often bill closer to $140–$160. The difference adds up fast, especially if the job takes longer than expected.

Now, how long should it take? A straightforward job could run two to three hours. But nothing’s ever guaranteed. If access to the unit is tricky, or if something’s corroded or seized, that could stretch into five hours or more. Multiply that by shop rate, and you’ll see where this is going.

Flat-rate pricing sounds like a safer bet–until you realize it’s padded to cover worst-case scenarios. Some companies use it to simplify billing, but that doesn’t always work in your favour if the task ends up being simpler than expected. On the flip side, hourly billing gives you transparency, but only if the technician actually works efficiently. So it’s not just the rate–it’s how long they take, and how honest they are about it.

Look beyond the hourly rate

A lower hourly rate doesn’t mean a lower final amount. Someone charging $100/hour but dragging out the work might cost more than a well-trained team finishing the same task in half the time at $150/hour. Ask how long they expect the work to take. Ask who’s doing the job. Apprentices? Journeymen? It matters.

Ask about minimum charges

Many shops in Calgary have a one-hour minimum, even if the work takes 30 minutes. Some also charge for travel time. If you’re outside city limits or in a tight downtown spot with bad parking, that could creep onto your invoice. Always ask what’s included, and what’s not.

And one last thing–don’t assume the bigger companies are always more expensive. Sometimes they’ve streamlined things so much that the job gets done faster and cleaner. But yeah, double-check the quote either way.

When It’s Cheaper to Replace the Entire AC Unit Instead of Just the Compressor

If your cooling system is over 10 years old and has already needed a few fixes here and there, it’s probably smarter to upgrade the whole setup. Swapping out just one part might seem like the easy route, but when the outdoor coil is worn or the refrigerant type is outdated (especially if it’s still using R-22), the numbers start leaning heavily toward a full change.

I’ve seen cases where someone replaces a single part, only for the blower motor to go a few months later. Suddenly, the combined bills aren’t far off from what a new unit would’ve cost. Not to mention–mixing old and new components can create efficiency mismatches. You end up paying more on your power bill, every single month. Over time, that adds up.

If the cooling capacity is no longer keeping up–say, your home just doesn’t stay comfortable on warmer days anymore–it could be that the system is undersized or losing its punch. At that point, you’re not just dealing with one worn-out piece. The entire setup is lagging behind modern standards.

On the other hand, if the indoor parts are still in great shape and the issue is isolated, a targeted fix might make sense. But if you’re facing a large quote and the warranty’s long gone, it’s usually not worth throwing more money at something that’s already nearing the end of its run.

Contact “Calgary Air Heating and Cooling Ltd” For More Information:

Address

95 Beaconsfield Rise NW, Calgary, AB T3K 1X3

Phone

+1 403 720-0003

Hours of operation

Open 24 hours 7 days a week

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