Is $479 to replace a motor start capacitor a fair price?
Project Details
I found the same capacitor on Amazon for $30 and ordered it to have a spare for next time. The technician tried to scare me into getting a new compressor and fan motor, claiming the windings were weak, but I declined these additional services. The company responded quickly to send a technician in the middle of a heat wave. I was expecting to pay a premium but felt the price was a bit much. I went for it anyway because I work from home and was getting baked in my office. I feel ripped off, as I believe a fair price would have been under $200, considering the capacitor is a common part and the company charged $49 just to show up. The AC system is ten years old. I don't know how one determines if motor windings are weak; the technician only measured resistance as far as I could tell. The prices quoted for a new fan and compressor seemed extreme.
Quote Details
The technician replaced the motor start capacitor for my AC unit. - Service included: verifying power to the outside unit, changing the capacitor, and checking refrigerant pressure.- On-site time: approximately 20 minutes.
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More Details
Category
HVAC
Price
$479
Quote Date
July 30, 2025
Fuel type
Electric
System type
Air conditioner
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