When my A-coil froze up for the first time, I figured a simple cleaning would do the trick. But after a technician inspected it, the news wasn’t great: the coil was corroded and leaking refrigerant. That’s when I got my first taste of what it really costs to replace an A-coil.
If you’re facing the same situation with your Goodman system—or any other brand—you’re probably wondering: “How much is this going to set me back?”
4 Ton Upflow/Downflow Goodman Cased Coil - CAPFA6030C3
The truth is, replacing an A-coil isn’t cheap. But with the right information, you can plan ahead, avoid surprise costs, and even save money in the long run. Let’s break down everything you need to know about equipment costs, labor charges, warranties, and hidden expenses when replacing an A-coil.
🧩 1. What the A-Coil Does (and Why It Matters)
Your A-coil (also called an evaporator coil) is the indoor component of your cooling system. It sits inside or on top of your furnace or air handler, and it’s where the magic happens:
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Refrigerant circulates through the coil.
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Air from your blower passes over the fins.
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Heat is absorbed (and moisture removed) before cool air is sent through your ducts.
👉 If the coil is leaking, frozen, or clogged with dirt, your system can’t function properly—and replacing it often becomes the only option.
📖 Learn more from the U.S. Department of Energy – Central Air Conditioning
🏷️ 2. Equipment Costs
Typical Price Range
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3.5–5 ton replacement coil (like the Goodman CAPFA6030C3): $600–$1,200.
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Smaller coils (1.5–3 tons) may run $400–$800.
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Premium or variable-speed-compatible coils can exceed $1,500.
Cased vs. Uncased Coils
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Cased coils (like the CAPFA6030C3) come pre-mounted in a metal cabinet.
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Easier installation.
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Better airflow sealing.
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Slightly higher cost.
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Uncased coils are cheaper but more labor-intensive to install.
👉 Mark’s Tip: If your furnace or air handler is sized for a 21” cabinet, the cased coil is worth the extra cost—it saves time and ensures a better fit.
📖 See Evaporator Coil Replacement Costs
🔧 3. Labor Costs
Labor is where most of the expense comes in.
Typical Installation Costs
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Average range: $800–$1,500.
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Straightforward installs: Basement furnace with easy access.
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Complex installs: Attic or crawlspace, or systems requiring duct adjustments—$1,800+.
What’s Included in Labor
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Removing old coil.
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Recovering refrigerant (EPA requirement).
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Installing new coil and reconnecting lines.
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Pressure testing and vacuuming lines.
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Recharging refrigerant.
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Testing system performance.
👉 Mark’s Advice: Don’t try to cut corners on labor. Refrigerant handling requires an EPA-certified technician by law, and a sloppy install can ruin your new coil.
📖 Learn more about EPA rules at EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Management
🛠️ 4. DIY vs. Professional Replacement
Some homeowners wonder if they can DIY an A-coil replacement to save money.
What You Can Do Yourself
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Remove panels.
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Clean surrounding space.
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Install or slope condensate drain.
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Seal ducts after installation.
What You Cannot Do Legally (Without EPA Certification)
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Handle refrigerant recovery.
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Braze refrigerant lines.
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Pressure test and vacuum the system.
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Recharge refrigerant.
👉 Mark’s Bottom Line: Do the prep work to save a few hundred bucks, but always hire a licensed pro for refrigerant handling and final installation.
📖 More on DIY vs. professional HVAC work from HVAC.com – Should You DIY HVAC Repairs?
📜 5. Warranty Coverage
Goodman (and most major brands) offer solid warranties—but there are conditions.
Goodman CAPFA6030C3 Warranty
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10-year limited parts warranty (if registered within 60 days of installation).
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Covers the coil itself if it fails prematurely.
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Does not cover labor costs (unless you purchased extended labor coverage).
What Voids the Warranty
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Unlicensed installation.
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Unregistered equipment.
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Improper matching (coil + condenser must be AHRI-certified combo).
👉 Mark’s Advice: Before you order a new coil, check if your current one is still under warranty—you might only owe labor costs.
📖 Goodman warranty policies explained at Goodman Manufacturing
⚠️ 6. Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
When replacing an A-coil, the quoted price isn’t always the final bill. Watch for these extras:
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Refrigerant refill: $200–$600 depending on type and amount.
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Permits: Some municipalities require HVAC permits ($50–$300).
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Duct modifications: If your cabinet size doesn’t match.
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Condensate pump replacement: $100–$300 if your old one is failing.
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Inspection fees: In areas with strict building codes.
👉 Mark’s Tip: Ask for an itemized estimate before work begins—don’t let hidden fees surprise you.
📊 7. Cost Breakdown Example
Here’s a typical real-world scenario for a Goodman 3.5–5 ton system:
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Coil: $850
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Labor: $1,100
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Refrigerant recharge: $300
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Permit: $150
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Total: $2,400
👉 Mark’s Example: When I replaced my CAPFA6030C3 coil, my final bill came to about $2,000. The big savings came from the fact that my system was still under parts warranty, so I only paid for labor and refrigerant.
💡 8. How to Save Money on A-Coil Replacement
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Check warranty first. If you’re covered, you may only owe labor.
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DIY prep work. Clear access, replace drain tubing, and seal ducts yourself.
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Get multiple quotes. Prices vary widely by contractor.
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Schedule offseason work. Spring and fall installs may cost less than peak summer.
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Confirm AHRI match. Ensures full efficiency and avoids wasted energy.
📖 Confirm matches at the AHRI Directory
📊 9. Cost vs. System Replacement
Sometimes replacing just the coil isn’t the smartest move.
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If your system is 10–15 years old, replacing the whole system may make more sense.
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A new coil + old condenser may not be as efficient, and mismatched equipment can shorten lifespan.
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New systems may qualify for rebates and tax credits that make the upgrade more affordable.
📖 See Energy Star – HVAC Upgrades
✅ 10. Final Takeaways
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Replacing an A-coil costs $1,400–$2,700 on average.
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Equipment: $600–$1,200.
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Labor: $800–$1,500.
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Hidden costs: refrigerant, permits, ductwork adjustments.
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Goodman CAPFA6030C3 coils come with a 10-year parts warranty, but labor is usually on you.
👉 Mark’s Last Word: Don’t panic when you hear “coil replacement.” Do your homework, check your warranty, and get multiple quotes. With the right planning, you’ll restore comfort without breaking the bank.
In the next topic we will know more about: Signs Your Old A-Coil Needs Replacing: What Mark Noticed in His System
