How Much Does a Refrigerator Compressor Cost to Replace?
A refrigerator compressor costs $700 to $1,250 to replace — $200 to $400 in parts, the rest labor. Often close to half the price of a new fridge.
What a compressor replacement costs, by situation
Representative types, not specific listings. Installed prices; the unit alone is cheaper.
Replacing a refrigerator compressor costs $700 to $1,250 on average (Angi; HomeGuide) — $200 to $400 for the part, $500 to $850 for labor. That is a wide enough range, on a fridge old enough for the compressor to be the problem, that it is worth checking the whole-fridge math before you pay it.
How much does it cost to replace a refrigerator compressor?
$700 to $1,250 installed, split roughly:
| Cost component | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Compressor part | $200–$400 |
| Labor | $500–$850 |
| **Total, out of warranty** | **$700–$1,250** |
Sources: Angi, HomeGuide. The compressor type moves the part price within that band — a basic piston compressor runs toward the low end, a scroll compressor (common in newer, higher-end fridges) toward the high end.
What affects the price?
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| **Warranty status** | If the compressor is still covered, you only pay labor — $500-$850 instead of $700-$1,250 |
| **Compressor type** | Scroll compressors (common in current mid-to-high-end fridges) cost more than older piston designs |
| **Brand and fridge size** | Larger or higher-end units generally take a larger, pricier compressor |
| **Region / local labor rates** | Compressor work needs refrigerant handling, which is a licensed-technician job — rates vary by area |
Is the compressor under warranty?
Check the install date before paying for anything. Compressor coverage often outlasts the rest of the fridge's warranty — Samsung, for example, covers the compressor part for up to 10 years, on top of a shorter general parts warranty and full coverage in year one (Bob Vila). Under warranty, you're only on the hook for the $500-$850 labor bill, not the part.
The install date is on the same sticker as the serial number — inside the fresh-food compartment. Decode it with our refrigerator age tool if you don't have the original paperwork.
Should you replace the compressor or buy a new refrigerator?
Replace the compressor if the fridge is under warranty, or under roughly 10 years old with nothing else wrong.
Buy a new refrigerator instead if any of these is true:
- The fridge is past 10 years old (see the full lifespan breakdown) — the same threshold that applies to any major repair on an older unit.
- The repair quote is close to half the price of a comparable new unit — with a new fridge running $800 to $2,500 installed, a $700-$1,250 compressor job on an aging unit is often right at that line (the 50% rule; Forbes Home notes a major-component repair is often reason enough to consider replacing outright).
- Anything else has needed repair recently — a compressor failure on a fridge with a history of issues is a sign the rest isn't far behind.
A new refrigerator also comes with a fresh warranty and a more efficient compressor from day one, which a repair on an old unit can't give you.
How long does a compressor replacement take?
Typically a few hours for a straightforward swap, plus time to recover and recharge the refrigerant — refrigerant handling requires an EPA-certified technician, so this isn't a DIY repair the way a gasket or a water filter is. A same-day job is normal if the shop stocks the part; a less common compressor can take a few days to source.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a refrigerator compressor?
$700 to $1,250 on average (Angi; HomeGuide) — $200 to $400 for the part, $500 to $850 for labor. The exact price depends on the compressor type and your fridge's brand and size.
Is it worth replacing a refrigerator compressor?
Depends on the fridge's age. Under warranty, or on a unit under 10 years old, yes — a $500-$850 labor bill is far cheaper than a new fridge. On a unit past 10 years old, a $700-$1,250 compressor job is close enough to half the price of a comparable new unit ($800-$2,500) that replacing the whole fridge is usually the better spend (Forbes Home; the 50% rule).
Is a refrigerator compressor covered under warranty?
Often, yes, for longer than the rest of the fridge. Samsung, for example, covers the compressor part for up to 10 years, though labor is typically not included past the first year (Bob Vila). Check your model's warranty terms and the install date — [our age tool](/tools/appliance-age-calculator/refrigerator/) reads the date from the serial number.
What causes a refrigerator compressor to fail?
Age is the biggest factor — compressor and sealed-system failures typically start appearing in years 11-15, which is also where the 13-year average lifespan falls. Dust-clogged condenser coils that force the compressor to run hot, and a refrigerator that never gets to rest between cycles, both add to the wear.
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does a Refrigerator Compressor Cost? — total replacement $700-$1,250 on average; parts $200-$400 depending on brand, size and compressor type
- HomeGuide — How Much Does a Refrigerator Compressor Cost? — total $700-$1,250; parts $200-$400; labor $500-$850
- Forbes Home — How Much Does Refrigerator Repair Cost? — if the problem involves the compressor or another major component, the repair cost may be significant enough to consider replacing the refrigerator instead
- Bob Vila — Solved! Should I Repair or Replace My Refrigerator? — the 50% rule; Samsung warranty example — parts/labor covered year 1, specific parts to 5 years, compressor to 10 years
The Refrigerator Series
- 1How Old Is My Refrigerator?Decode the serial number and see where it sits against a typical lifespan.
- 2How Long Does a Refrigerator Last?The failure timeline by age, what shortens it, and when age alone says replace.
- 3How Much Does a Refrigerator Compressor Cost to Replace?You’re here — this article.
- 4Should You Repair or Replace a Refrigerator?The decision, in one place — with the age line and the cost line that settle it.