How to Replace Your Compressor HVAC Step by Step!

This video will show you how to replace your compressor to your condenser/ condensing unit beginning to end without all the extra talk!
Click now and don't forget to subscribe : )

[@RetiredToddler]

This video has been so helpful in teaching me that I don't want to/can't do this myself.

[@osvaldolagar2241]

Man you are an HVAC monster! Your directions are so clear and you take safety very serious. Excellent work.

[@jazzyboydc]

I give u guys credit for knowing how to fix these units. I'm just a guy from the general public. I dont have any hvac schooling or experience. I have an interest in these kind of things. I appreciate ur help in getting ppl's air working again

[@67-Mustang]

Best I ever saw. Wish you could come replace my entire system 55 years old. You also are a great Instructor and speaker.

[@FirstWorlder]

Thanks for great videos without blaring music, lengthy “branding” intro graphics and camera mugging. Great videos.

[@philindeblanc]

EXACTLY...So sick of videos with the music and all the dancing before and after.

[@terryharleyrides6109]

My total cost was $385 ,....Thanks just replaced mine and followed your steps and it’s been a week and no problems, thanks again.

[@linoramirez5292]

U did it your self

[@rubenclark8017]

How much for gauges and vacuum pump?

[@JeffPitman]

Including tools?

[@BossLevelPro]

Hey! Did it all work out in the end or what!?😅

[@SonicOrbStudios]

Plus $1500 in tools lol

[@Fireship1]

You’ve earned a sub, Sam. Been in the trades over 25 years and know a professional when I see one. You have a great channel and you are a good instructor!

[@JoseFlores-bc3cf]

what is the precaution before brazing or while brazing with nitrogen at so little pressure?

[@chyennecattleman869]

Wow just wanted to say watching your videos and a few others technicians videos have helped me out so much in the field. Your very thorough and easy to understand. Very good tech. Keep it up.

[@JA-sj3mb]

I needed a refresh since i havent changed a compressor in years. Very straight to the point,no bullshit, exactly what i like! keep up the great work!

[@ip5232]

Just wanto thank you and also add that is nice to see techs like ypur self ( have not seeing one) that still WILL do the repair and NOT tell the homeowner you NEED to replace the entire system,and then do it in a rush that will create issues, of course they will be on warranty but who wants to be in thw middle of summer waiting? I know many times is necessary and the only option but many the tech can do this, so thank you for been honest

[@FieldGuidetoDIY]

What a great video. I realized this was above my pay grade for the issue we're experiencing but I still enjoyed seeing the process the tech is HOPEFULLY gonna do today. Thanks so much for posting this.

[@leroywordlaw7077]

I need to get those gauges because the estimate for changing my condenser was over $10,000. I believe I can save money using your video.

[@coronavirus1774]

Always use a micron gauge when pulling a vacuum. When you use your gauges you have a potential for them to leak which will not allow you to pull down to the manufacturer recommended microns. Also put the micro gauge on the liquid line because it is the furthest point in the system which will allow a great vacuum for the whole system.

[@jollyscaria1922]

Gauge -30 mint vacom need must be fee al l guage fee systom vacuom --30 max om -20 .30 max om ..using systom

[@leong167]

I would add that leaving valve cores out, micron gauge on either side and two-hose to pump. No refrigerant hoses need to be used at all. Yea, using the analog gauges isn't a best practice. He had a 100% prior to this, so now I give him a 95% on compressor install.

[@azairman1]

Instead of sweating the old connection apart, just clean the area with sand cloth and cut the pipe gently with tubing cutters. Gives you a cleaner stranger bond as copper strength diminishes with excess heat. However sometimes you can’t get a small tubing cutter in position. Nice and thorough video! Good job!

[@luisaleman4008]

Don't do what he is saying, pure bs sweating is the way to go if u cut it, that means you will have to add more pipe

[@jimy5264]

been doing this for a LONG time. NO you 95% of the time DO NOT have to add pipe when you cut out a compressor and it is Highly recommended by compressor manufacturers to braze in clean pipe. cut all the way against the brazed joint the pipe will and can give the whole 1 inch to braze a clean part into the compressor.

[@azairman1]

@@luisaleman4008 ..... You clearly are not an experienced service tech. Been doing this for over 25 yrs and own an HVAC company for 18. This is the cleanest and best way to do it and No you will not have to add pipe to do it over 90% of the time.

[@29australia]

@@luisaleman4008 if you cut it ,risk of clogging the compressor by copper vibs due to the cutting tube

[@joeshumo9457]

If you sweat it it creates carbon inside the tube. HVAC copper is annealed soft copper to a kind cracking at the brazed joint. If you sweat it the copper will be hardened unless you anneal it. Pick your poison. I’ll be over here cutting and swaging while you’re dicking around sweating.

[@Alco16-251F]

Great Job! I watched this video while replacing my AC Compressor, and it worked perfectly! Thanks so much.

[@juanreveles3866]

I love this video. you keep it simple. I've worked with techs that try way to hard. I agree with some of the post about you going into teaching. guys that are just starting need someone like you.

[@IDAHOJAKE]

Good info I’m a home appliance tech. I’ve done many compressors and over 700 LG compressors in 7years. So this will be simple brazing. HVAC work is similar. Just larger capacity. Wanted to make sure I’m on same right track Thanks

[@zproxiimiity7733]

I know how to do this, but I cant stop watching your videos!

[@ba177ba18]

This is one of the best hvac channel. Thank you

[@peterrivas08]

Awesome video. I've learned a lot. The only suggestion I could make is to also use nitrogen when you're un-brazing the old compressor out.

[@rbnjr]

Please come to Florida and replace my compressor, you do a excellent job.

[@domenicdalleva1045]

You are. Good, you should be teaching in school, I am a retired HVAC person👍

[@thatvrguy470]

98PM 78

[@jamesmiller6990]

So you dont do a flush on the old condinser and line set to remove contaminated oil before installing the new compressor???

[@akroppoli]

@@jamesmiller6990 the old compressor was still running and not burned out. New filter dryer and a good vacuum after installation would be fine.

[@MO-ur5gw]

I will never in my life attempt to do this but I found myself watching the whole video

[@deconteesawyer5758]

Ditto on will never attempt, and no knowledge of air conditioning, but watched the whole thing so I could criticize and point out how he should have done it. Those facts make me a fully qualified youtube commenter.

[@nathang.1744]

I’m 15 and I’m highly considering getting into hvac

[@deconteesawyer5758]

@@nathang.1744 At 15, you probably will not be hired in hvac, but the Hyundai automotive plant is hiring children for 10 hour shifts.

[@holdway73]

@@deconteesawyer5758 I don’t think Nathan G was expecting to get hired tomorrow. My interpretation of his comment was HVAC is a field he’s thinking about making into a career. Obviously, after he has the proper training, internships, shadowing, learning, more training, more learning, more apprentice level work alongside more veteran technicians, etc, etc. He likely knows he’ll need several more years of hard work and learning for low pay before he’ll actually be hired. I doubt he stumbled across this video, watched it 3 times and now expects to be hired next week. Who knows, I could be wrong.

[@deconteesawyer5758]

@@holdway73 Most of us of in the built back better America of retirement age face more years of hard work and learning for low pay too. We don't expect to be able to survive on our devalued savings and pensions. Who knows, we could be hired tomorrow.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

I thought you did an excellent job. You have the ability to instruct - that's hard to come by. Thanks.

[@polarbear2469]

Pretty straight forward, semi easy job, the hardest part is brazing the lines. If your a DIY, can you call out an hvac guy to evacuate the system so you can work on it? And then have them come back and service it when finished?

[@hailthesuccubus5764]

Thanks for the video! I’m In school for HVAC/R and I gotta admit you taught me more then the school 😂

[@MoreThanMaintenance]

Honestly alot of guys I know who went to school tell me that school is good to learn how to read controls and schematics... however when your in the field... you learn by experience and troubleshooting with your hands. Thank you for your input 🙂

[@hailthesuccubus5764]

That is true dude! Most of us learn better hands on then what a book tells us. But with schematics and blueprints then yeah school comes in handy.

[@SimpsonPlumbingServi]

Great job at explaining the proper steps on doing a change out, It shows that you take pride in your work, keep up the good work.

[@MoreThanMaintenance]

I appreciate the support from viewers like you 🙂

[@AandFFitness]

Hi Thanks for your fantastic video. Would you please tell me how you purge the system when you want to change the compressor? Where do you install the nitrogen inlet? and how it can be flowed while the compressor discharge valve is close? I mean there is no way for nitrogen flow through the compressor and it will be blocked inside the compressor?

[@buddyfrederick4618]

I can only "DITTO" what others have already stated! One of the best instructional videos I've come across - very informative, very easy to understand, good camera work, even emphasis on SAFETY! Good on ya! Would also have liked to see the actual brazing technique. Question: did you have the line set isolated when running nitrogen through the compressor brazing points - or did you allow it to fill the system? Seems like you would waste a lot of Nitrogen if you did not isolate. Thanks - GREAT JOB!

[@jaimegonzalez6926]

Good work.. well explained you're awesome you are a real tech thanks for your time

[@MoreThanMaintenance]

No problem thank you for watching I appreciate it! :)

[@rodgraff1782]

Filter drier is the last component that should be installed. It’s taking on moisture while your messing with the compressor. Good job

[@sortom2766]

Thank you. Sam for taking your time to help new technician like me your videos are great and helpful

[@mychoclabwinston]

Good video, I’d invest in better gauges where you can use phone or tablet, it’s great having all the information stored stored, pressure test, vacuum, start up numbers, good for the warranty, and customers that may question something.

[@jjsiegal1]

EXCELLENT Video....Thanks for Sharing. QUESTION: Bout how much time should it take a PROFESSIONAL to change a compressor like this?

[@newtong579]

Great video. Very helpful. As a new technician I would like some clarification..At what point do you use the nitrogen. I noticed you did not use it when removing the compressor but used it for installing the new one. Thanks for your help.

[@sassoscrib]

I believe you want an nitro in the system before you start brazing in the new compressor. The purpose of nitro is to prevent oxidation inside the pipes.

[@wildman8601]

Most techs will just cut the pipes off first close to valves depending on if theres extra play to clean the cuts and then put them back in valves to be re grazed while running nitrogen through the pipes at 3psi to stop oxidation from forming in n out of pipe which can cause damage to the compressor and also clog the screen in a txv etc blablabla after brazing is all done then you fill nitrogen in system to leak test after that put vacuum on n let it pump down and remove moisture n any lil dust debris and then let it all hold in vacuum to test for any leaks while it's in a vacuum if no leaks then bam feed system refrigerant process

[@wildman8601]

Brazed not grazed

[@toantran1]

Hi Sam, I like you got the new compressor exactly the same old one so you didn't have to modify anything and the job looks nice and neat. Thanks.

[@ocsrc]

I purchased a Goodman 30,000 BTU split system. The compressor unit like this one is outside and the copper lines run to an A coil inside the furnace. When I purchased it they said it came with a 10 year warranty. It is only 8 years old and has stopped blowing clod air It is blowing hot air. I don't know what is wrong I moved 6 years ago, I have a modular home and the unit came with me and has not given any trouble for 6 years. Will the warranty still be in effect even though I moved and how do I go about contacting Goodman to have the warranty honored and have the compressor replaced if that's what is wrong ? The fan on the outside unit is spinning like it always does but I'm not sure if the compressor is actually working I have a set of gauges and if I hook up to the high side and low side what should I be looking for in the way of reading to tell me if the compressor is not working ? Would a hard start capacitor make any difference ? I did replace the capacitor 4 years ago with the exact same model and that was the only issue I've ever had with it I'm really happy with the unit and if I can get even the compressor paid for and have to pay for the labor I would be satisfied with that If I have to buy a new compressor what should I expect to spend and what should I expect to spend for the labor to replace it ? Thanks for your help Bill In Pennsylvania

[@briangilstrap5244]

Great video, about 1 min in I knew this was not a job I would be doing myself 😂

[@hunterriley9904]

Very good job ! This video reminds me of when i did heating & ac for 2 years. Thats not alot but i learned alot during that time. Very professional. We changed out a bunch of units and a few compressors. He never used that gel always a wet rag. That gel looks like it does the job well. Great job !👍

[@rawaaminn]

Did you vacuum condenser and lines or did you shout off the service valve the you did the vacuum only lines and A Coil?

[@DanielLopez-ln4qx]

Did you replaced the dry filter as well?

[@truckinforever985]

Good Video Sam What are the more common bolt sizes for residential compressors

[@boleromientay3769]

Very useful video, explanation slow, step by step, understandable, thank you so much!

[@tommiebright4414]

Excellent work! Very good teacher also.

[@r.goetsch1006]

Thanks,,,,Great Info video

[@techbullet1020]

I see that you retrofit R22 with NU22B. How did it go? Were you able to tune the system? Was there any temp glide? How about the SC and SH levels and did you also tune/adjust the TXV? I'm thinking about retrofitting it on my R22 System, but not comfortable doing it. Thanks.

[@nydrell1969]

This is a very well detailed vdo,and I don't even have an ac issue 😂

[@gabrielmerza6904]

Hi I have a question , how much it coast in today 2022 to change the compressor with all labor? I live in Arizona.

[@29australia]

hi mate good job , do you think will be a good idea to clean the circuit(liquide line and suction line) with netrogene before you charge the system . thanks

[@michaelc1063]

Those king valves got the bukaki treatment

[@robeddy9381]

Did you check whether a filter drier was installed inside near the evaporator before adding one outside?

[@munawarsoomro6207]

Hi. Thanks for cool video. Question. With king valves closed how are you putting nitrogen to brazing connections at the compressor?

[@mark.r8900]

Hi, after replacing compressor do you open both suction line and liquid line service valves when doing vacuuming? Thanks

[@alexgonzalez7395]

Can a propane make enough heat to melt the silver?

[@callmebackfriday2]

The compressor so heavy, how did you pull the bad one out and put the good one in, you need to lift at least 3 feet on a odd position. You must be very strong. Thanks for the video.

[@LibLibertyLibertarian]

Question: if your compressor contaminated your system should you purge it with nitrogen or does the filter take care of it all?

[@pingpong9656]

When you purge with nitrogen before brazing compressor line, where does the flow of the nitrogen go? I would not expect there to be a path through the compressor right?

[@isaiasd85]

I’m just curious I didn’t see it in the video do you run nitrogen when unsweating the copper lines from the bad compressor

[@mikejaques6573]

AWESOME. Helpful and extremely understanding ble. You need to teach a course at a college

[@ddotcarter06]

Sam!!!!!! You rock!!!! Paying someone to do this and want to make sure they do it right

[@sirjohnahayfalcon]

How much?

[@steve87ish]

Filter drier placement.... Did you check inside by Evap? I install mine inside.

[@arcticarrowhvacr]

I notice that the old Bryant condenser in this video has no filter drier originally, and you added one during the compressor replacement procedure. If the unit already had one, do you still replace it?

[@stevekraus8621]

I think he said he would replace it. If the old compressor was making noises it might be giving off debris and that debris might be in the old filter drier. And if there was none, adding one might help catch gunk before it harms the new compressor. FYI this is a non pro opinion.

[@bayouflats5054]

As a novice, I had to replace a compressor with an old one one that came from same apt complex. When brazing the replacement compressor in, the fumes about knocked me out. R22 system and I purged with nitrogen and cleaned area were brazing pretty well. What else can I do that’s cheap as company isn’t going to buy jack. Thanks

[@rodgraff1782]

That’s called phosgene gas. They used it in Vietnam and called it mustard gas. Not good to get in your lungs. I got a good dose once, and couldn’t breathe right and felt sick for a few hours. Almost sent me to the hospital.

[@rodrigodalay5875]

Hi just an inquiry, which is economical? Change just the compressor or change the whole heat pump condensing Unit? Thanks

[@DanO181919]

Just found your channel, I’m really liking your videos!! Thanks.

[@eightysevenmoore]

Is the nitrogen a must?? I’m only experienced with HVAC on cars…

[@shortdrawwhitetail1222]

Where do yall buy yalls bristol compressors

[@josephski7941]

Was just quoted $2,600 parts & labor to replace my 2018 unit’s LG compressor.

[@Vampire2oo1]

Can you use a compressor from a 5 ton unit in a 4 ton unit ?

[@yankeebill9596]

Sam can you come and do mine please? Great Video Great job! Your hired.

[@locutz]

would've loved to see the soldering techniques but great video sir

[@acmm50]

Great job.....one of the best I have seen to date.

[@grimeyhonkyracing3938]

Do you typically put new refrigerant in or use the old stuff you recovered?

[@INSINU8-xb1jo]

I would use new, that way if there was any type of compressor burn out there's no acid contamination, and during the vacuum process get a vacuum gauge and make sure it pulls below 500 microns and holds there. Time doesn't matter so much as long as you get below the 500 threshold.

[@Mrwishbone1980]

How long does it take to install a compressor?

[@spartacusantipas4580]

Big Thanks for removing the mystery👋👋

[@alimahdavi01]

I did enjoy watching this video. Thanks and waiting to see more useful videos from your

[@marksoto6969]

Wish u were my teacher. I’m a certified type universal tech at entry level but where I live no one will give me a chance.

[@MoreThanMaintenance]

Dont give up. The suggestion that I offer is find any job that will allow you entry level. Before I started doing the work I do now worked construction and the main job I had was bringing in material... sheetrock lumber doing punch lists... moved on to maintenace as an entry level... cleaning dumpsters, painting curbs... got into sheetmetal... my job was to hold heavy duct work on a 20 ft ladder... the point is at each job I started from the bottom and worked my way. I am a Christian so I did pray alot! 😅 I asked the Lord to open up opportunities for me... who you see now on this channel it took years of diligent hard labor... waiting patiently until opportunities opened up. The point is start somewhere even if its somewhere lower. I hope this is life advice that you take in your mind and allow it to penetrate your heart. I will never forget 2 statements from different people that years later I still remember and apply... One boss in construction told me... if you learn to find the job that nobody wants to do... and do it with all your strength... you will always have a job. Another boss in maintenance told me... your a good at what you do... you will get to the top position one day... dont get big headed. I apologize for the long response but I honestly feel like you could use it 🙂👍 Keep me posted on how things go for you.

[@Cinnamoroll-u5r]

Sam very good advice, I need it to

[@vernonjohnson1147]

@@MoreThanMaintenance that is how I started. I was a cook at KFC and watched Maintenance repairing the cookers. I then became a janitor while helping do some mechanics, Maintenance tech in a factory. I went to school for electromechanics while doing this. Now I am learning Hvac at 52 years old!

[@brianturner9657]

Curious to know why you removed the 5-2-1?

[@flyme-z7b]

Fantastic video with so much good information. Many thanks!

[@rightconditions2010]

Watched three videos already. I hope you make videos again.

[@hanziehummer]

glad i came across your page right to the point and good proper installs subbed upload more ill like em and watch em thanks boss.

[@hanziehummer]

you should of added the refrigerant at the end though.

[@Lemonades1321]

I subscribed I loved the video. Thank you. Now I will check out the other videos you mentioned.

[@ImpureGunner]

Do you know of a website I can get a compressor from the company in my town day its like 3k for a new compressor

[@roddilig]

Can I replace my R22 compressor at this time?

[@juliansalazar9833]

Would I loose all my r22 if I replace my compressor

[@f.b.i.8753]

Very well done. Good clear directions.

[@adamdelcampo945]

good job. thanks for taking your time to explain.... subbed

[@HectorElZomB]

My home A/C System is from 1994 and my compressor is not working is it possible to replace the compressor? Or my AC is to old to find the same compressor

[@shawnmay6976]

Props on running nitro through the lines while you braze

[@bettershooter]

What kind of soldering rod you were using ? brand and model, thanks.

[@martinquintanilla7355]

It looks like im gonna need this done to mine. How much would a repair like this cost? Parts and labor?

[@smartcookie3500]

Between 1-2 thousand.

[@otepmar5244]

Why you didn't do a leaktesting procedure via bubble test?

[@aadarve3112]

How old was this unit out of curiosity

[@tonyestvlog8502]

“Switching out compressors and the importance of wet rags” lol 👍

[@leohidalgo225]

How can I find a good tech that will replace my compressor I am located in Houston.

[@venanciomarquez1863]

Good job amigo, thank you for the video and the info. Have a nice day.

[@MoreThanMaintenance]

Appreciate the feedback friend! 😁

[@Froggability]

Was the old compressor a "burnout"? In any unknown case always check oil for acidity,! And add acid neutralizer. Otherwise the new one is compromised. In some cases add a burnout suction filter And Cool Gel on the king valves? They are miles away 😅

[@thomasmckenny9759]

Sam, Did you, or do you run nitrogen in the tubing when you put heat to them? I see now that you did later when you brazed the new compressor in, but did you run nitrogen when you disconnected the compressor? Why or why not?

[@newman6786]

Nitrogen is to check for leaks in the copper after you brazed it in. You do not need it when you disconnect the bad compressor.

[@thomasmckenny9759]

@@newman6786 - You should always flow nitrogen through the system while brazing. The nitrogen replaces the oxygen so you don't oxidize the inside of the tubing. Those oxidized particles on the inside can, and will, travel through the system and if they get past the filter/drier, they can clog-up the metering device. What do you think the nitrogen flow meter is for?

[@keving2918]

Wow thank you for this video. Very informative 🎉

[@ickess]

Meanwhile the people in the house are like Who’s he talking to out there?? Great video though. I have some one replacing my compressor. Parts were under warranty but still costing me 1k! I like to do a lot around the house and my cars my self. I’ve soldered copper pipes before but believed I needed something special to add and reclaim refrigerant.