We compared actual retail prices across 2,000+ parts to answer the question every homeowner asks: is the OEM part worth the extra money?
When your AC capacitor dies in July, you face a choice: pay $27 for the OEM Carrier part, or $15 for the aftermarket equivalent. That's a 46% savings — but does the cheaper part work as well? We pulled real pricing data from our catalog to measure the actual gap, category by category.
The Price Gap by Part Category
| Part Category | OEM Avg | Aftermarket Avg | Savings | Our Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blower Motors | $379 | $132 | 65% | Aftermarket often wins — Genteq/Fasco make both |
| Capacitors | $27 | $15 | 46% | Aftermarket fine — match µF, voltage, shape exactly |
| Pressure Switches | $35 | $19 | 46% | OEM recommended — setpoint precision matters |
| Transformers | $34 | $28 | 18% | Gap too small to justify aftermarket risk |
| Igniters | $45 | $39 | 13% | OEM recommended — ceramic dimensions must match |
| Contactors | $33 | $46 | -38% | OEM is actually cheaper (aftermarket bundles extras) |
When Aftermarket Makes Sense
Capacitors are the clearest aftermarket win. A run capacitor is a commodity — the specs are stamped on the case (µF rating, voltage, shape), and any capacitor matching those specs performs identically. The OEM charges a brand premium for the same physical component. Match the specs exactly with our capacitor sizing guide, buy aftermarket, save 40–50%.
Blower motors show the biggest dollar savings because the OEM motor is often manufactured by the same company (Genteq, Fasco, US Motors) that sells the aftermarket version. Same HP, RPM, voltage, and frame — same motor without the brand sticker.
When OEM Is Worth Every Dollar
Pressure switches, gas valves, and control boards are where OEM earns its price. A pressure switch with the wrong setpoint (even by 0.1" WC) can cause nuisance lockouts or unsafe operation. Gas valves must match the original's staging, gas type, and electrical specs precisely. Control boards are proprietary to each furnace model — no meaningful aftermarket exists for most.
Igniters sit in between. The savings are modest (13%), and ceramic hot-surface igniters are fragile — a slightly different mounting geometry costs more in labor than the part savings. Unless you know the aftermarket igniter is a verified drop-in, the OEM avoids callbacks.
The Contactor Surprise
Contactors are the one category where OEM is actually cheaper than the average aftermarket listing. Aftermarket contactor kits often bundle the contactor with a wiring harness or capacitor, inflating the average. If you're replacing just the contactor, the OEM part at $33 is both the correct fit and the better price.
The Rule of Thumb
Ask yourself two questions:
- Is this a commodity part with specs stamped on it? (Capacitor, belt, filter, basic relay) → Aftermarket is fine. Match the specs exactly.
- Does this part interact with safety circuits or proprietary control logic? (Pressure switch, gas valve, control board, flame sensor) → Buy OEM. The precision matters more than the savings.
Pricing data from the National HVAC Parts catalog as of July 2026, based on 2,000+ active product listings. Prices reflect retail; contractor pricing varies. Individual results depend on the specific part number and application.