“If an HVAC system has been diagnosed with a faulty compressor or evaporator coil and its age and condition make repairing it unwise, we recommend considering a replacement,” suggests Pritchard.

We surveyed mechanics nationwide to help you get a better idea of what fixing your car’s AC might cost you, whether you need a simple recharge or a full compressor replacement. The quotes we ...

The compressor is the power unit of the air-conditioning system that puts the refrigerant under high pressure before it pumps it into the condenser, where it changes from a gas to a liquid.