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10 Best Ac Compressors 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Denso 471-1017 A/C Compressor

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,326
Type of Compressor
Compatibility
Durability and Warranty

Most important from
151 reviews

Type of Compressor
Made in Japan, not a Chinese version, and delivers ice-cold air after a month of use.
Compatibility
Perfect fit for a 2011 Sienna, saving thousands of dollars and performing reliably in hot southern Florida.
Durability and Warranty
Reasonably priced and works well even after a year, reflecting its durability.

The Denso 471-1017 A/C Compressor is a well-regarded product in the automotive replacement air conditioning compressors category. One of its key strengths is its positive customer feedback, indicating general satisfaction with its performance and reliability. Additionally, the compressor is relatively lightweight, weighing 14.84 pounds, which could be beneficial for ease of installation and handling.

Being a product from Denso, a reputable manufacturer, adds to its credibility and reliability in terms of durability and performance. Another plus is that there is no core charge required, which can save costs in the replacement process. The product has been available since 2012, and while it is not discontinued, potential buyers should consider if there have been any advancements in newer models.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,326
Type of Compressor
Compatibility
Durability and Warranty

Most important from
151 reviews

Type of Compressor
Made in Japan, not a Chinese version, and delivers ice-cold air after a month of use.
Compatibility
Perfect fit for a 2011 Sienna, saving thousands of dollars and performing reliably in hot southern Florida.
Durability and Warranty
Reasonably priced and works well even after a year, reflecting its durability.
#2

Denso 4710315 New Compressor with Clutch

Rating
8.8
Type of Compressor
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

Most important from
202 reviews

Type of Compressor
Includes a clutch pre-installed, simplifying the replacement process significantly.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers flawless performance right out of the box, keeping the AC running full blast with no issues.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Offers excellent value by combining OEM quality with efficient fuel consumption.
Compatibility
This compressor is the genuine OEM part, ensuring compatibility and longevity for GM trucks.
Durability and Warranty
Machined exterior finish reflects solid build quality and durability.

The Denso 4710315 is a replacement AC compressor designed for automotive use, coming with a clutch already installed, which simplifies installation. It uses a bolt tangent mounting type, making it compatible with many vehicles that require this specific setup. Denso is known for reliable and efficient compressor designs, and the product’s efficient fuel consumption claim suggests it won't overly tax your vehicle’s engine.

Customer ratings are strong, averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars from nearly 200 reviewers, indicating good real-world satisfaction. The compressor weighs 12 pounds and is machined to a quality exterior finish, which hints at durability. The product has been available since 2007 and is still supported by the manufacturer, which is reassuring for warranty and replacement parts.

If you need a dependable compressor that fits common mounting requirements and comes from a reputable brand, this Denso model is a solid choice, especially for those seeking an easy replacement with a clutch included.

Rating
8.8
Type of Compressor
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

Most important from
202 reviews

Type of Compressor
Includes a clutch pre-installed, simplifying the replacement process significantly.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers flawless performance right out of the box, keeping the AC running full blast with no issues.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Offers excellent value by combining OEM quality with efficient fuel consumption.
Compatibility
This compressor is the genuine OEM part, ensuring compatibility and longevity for GM trucks.
Durability and Warranty
Machined exterior finish reflects solid build quality and durability.
#3

ACDelco GM Genuine Parts 15-22303 Air Conditioning Compressor and Clutch Assembly

Rating
8.8
Compatibility
Durability and Warranty

Most important from
30 reviews

Compatibility
This compressor is a genuine GM OEM part, ensuring top-quality and perfect compatibility.
Durability and Warranty
It delivers reliable performance as expected from an original equipment manufacturer component.

The ACDelco GM Genuine Parts 15-22303 is a vehicle-specific air conditioning compressor designed primarily for GM vehicles, making it a strong choice if you own a compatible GM model. It comes as a complete unit with clutch assembly, ensuring a straightforward replacement. One of its main strengths is the quality control behind it: every unit is 100% visual- and leak-tested, promising reliability and durability aligned with GM's original equipment standards. The noise level is quite low at 14.4 dB, so it won't add much unwanted sound during operation, which is a plus for comfort.

The compressor runs on vehicle engine power with a 28-volt system, which is standard for many automotive applications. The product is made in the USA and weighs about 15 pounds, which is typical for this type of component. It is described as durable, though the product has been discontinued by the manufacturer, so availability might be limited.

This compressor is well-suited for GM vehicle owners needing a reliable, OEM-quality replacement part with low noise and proven durability. Those who require detailed cooling capacity or energy efficiency specifications, or who use a non-GM vehicle, might want to consider other options.

Rating
8.8
Compatibility
Durability and Warranty

Most important from
30 reviews

Compatibility
This compressor is a genuine GM OEM part, ensuring top-quality and perfect compatibility.
Durability and Warranty
It delivers reliable performance as expected from an original equipment manufacturer component.

Buying Guide for the Best Ac Compressors

Choosing the right AC compressor is crucial for ensuring the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioning system. The compressor is the heart of the AC unit, responsible for circulating refrigerant and maintaining the cooling cycle. When selecting an AC compressor, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and is compatible with your system. Here are the key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
Type of CompressorThere are several types of AC compressors, including reciprocating, rotary, scroll, and variable speed. The type of compressor affects the efficiency, noise level, and durability of the unit. Reciprocating compressors are common and reliable but can be noisy. Rotary compressors are quieter and more efficient. Scroll compressors are even more efficient and quieter but can be more expensive. Variable speed compressors offer the best efficiency and comfort by adjusting their speed to match cooling demand. Choose a type based on your priorities for noise, efficiency, and budget.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)Cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), indicates the amount of heat the compressor can remove from a space per hour. This is crucial for ensuring your AC unit can adequately cool your space. Cooling capacities range from a few thousand BTUs for small rooms to tens of thousands for larger spaces. To determine the right capacity, consider the size of the area you need to cool. A general rule of thumb is 20 BTU per square foot of living space, but factors like ceiling height, insulation, and sun exposure can affect this.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures the efficiency of the AC compressor by comparing the cooling output to the electrical input. A higher EER indicates a more efficient compressor, which can save you money on energy bills. EER values typically range from 8 to 12. For better energy savings, look for a compressor with a higher EER. If you live in a hot climate where the AC runs frequently, investing in a higher EER compressor can be particularly beneficial.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the compressor will work with your existing AC system. This includes matching the refrigerant type, voltage, and physical size. Using the wrong compressor can lead to inefficiency or even damage to your system. Check your current AC unit’s specifications or consult with a professional to ensure compatibility. If you are replacing an old compressor, it’s often best to stick with the same type and specifications to avoid complications.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if the compressor will be located near living spaces. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), and lower values indicate quieter operation. Compressors can range from around 50 dB (quiet) to over 70 dB (loud). If noise is a concern, look for compressors specifically designed for quiet operation, such as rotary or scroll types. Consider where the compressor will be installed and how much noise you are willing to tolerate.
Durability and WarrantyDurability and warranty are indicators of the compressor’s reliability and the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. A longer warranty period can provide peace of mind and protection against defects. Durability can be influenced by the build quality and materials used. Look for compressors with robust construction and good reviews regarding longevity. A warranty of at least 5 years is a good benchmark, but longer warranties are preferable.

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