Updated at: 17-03-2023 - By: Sienna Lewis

Living in a place like Silicon Valley might provide a number of difficulties. But none of them is as difficult to overcome as the sweltering summer heat. Modern air conditioners have fewer parts, which means they are more reliable. It’s safe to say that your HVAC system will last for many years without needing a lot of upkeep. Your capacitor can be fixed by hiring an electrician or an HVAC technician. Just like the difference between a contractor and subcontractor, understanding the difference between an electrician and HVAC professional is critical.

Despite your best efforts, your A/C may abruptly stop working and never start up again, no matter how much care you put into it. The capacitor is to blame in this situation. When it comes to air conditioners, what is the purpose of a capacitor? Despite its diminutive size, this component is critical to the smooth operation of your air conditioner.

What Is An A/C Capacitor?

In an air conditioner, the capacitor is a small cylindrical component. What is the function of an ac capacitor? Electrical energy is provided and stored by the gadget. This high-voltage jolt is fed to the blower, fan, and compressor motors by the capacitor when you turn on your air conditioner.

The air conditioner will begin to cool the house as soon as the necessary components are powered up. The capacitor’s job is to gather and store energy while the air conditioner is running. Recharging the smartphone is as simple as plugging in the USB cable.

AC Capacitors are Main Reason for Failure in A/C & Heat Pumps

When you switch on your air conditioner, the capacitor for the central air unit delivers a new burst of power to the system. Depending on their air conditioner, a homeowner may have several capacitors.

Why Does A Good Capacitor Spoil?

A capacitor in an air conditioner serves what purpose? It takes on difficult tasks and fails repeatedly. A variety of events can lead to a significant decrease in their life expectancy. Here are a few of the things to keep in mind:

1. Excess Exposure To Heat

Air conditioners’ capacitors are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat. Excessive exposure to heat for lengthy periods of time severely reduces the lifespan of air conditioning devices. This, in turn, can cause serious harm to your air conditioning system. Clean and protect the space around your air conditioner by covering it with a shade cloth.

2. Wrong Voltage Rating

Your air conditioner’s capacitor has a voltage rating that tells you which one to use. When it comes to repairing their capacitors, many homeowners try to save money by doing it themselves, even if they don’t know what they are doing.

It’s imperative that you approach capacitor replacement with the entrepreneurial mindset of a start-up. Even if a microcapacitor doesn’t harm your air conditioner, it will drastically reduce the capacitor’s life expectancy. If you’re going to do it yourself, go for a bigger project.

A 400-volt capacitor, for example, will provide enough power to extend the life of your air conditioner’s 370-volt volt unit. Learn about the dangers of using the improper voltage on your capacitor by keeping up with the most recent developments in technology.

3. Wearing Out

For how long are capacitors expected to provide their intended function? For the most part, capacitors have a life expectancy of about 20 years. There are, however, a number of conditions that can shorten their lifespan. Air conditioners that have capacitors that are too small have a tendency to run at a higher pace than is normal.

If the capacitor has defective components, the air conditioner will run more quickly. Capacitor lifespans are shortened in large part as a result of issues like this. Because these parts are quite inexpensive, even if the capacitor goes out first, the expenditures won’t bankrupt you.

A capacitor in an air conditioner serves what purpose? In order for your air conditioner to work, you’ll need this device. It’s possible to tell if your capacitor is faulty by looking for certain indicators.

It’s a good idea to replace the capacitor on your air conditioner if it’s not working, making strange noises, or not starting at all. Read the rest of our blog for further information if you’re stuck on another aspect of home construction.

Function of Capacitor in Air Conditioner

Two capacitors are commonly used to make this air conditioner’s compressor motor capacitor. In order for the air conditioning unit’s motor to function, this crucial capacitor must be attached to the unit.

As an auxiliary component, the Start Capacitor is not included on every air conditioning machine. It can help get the motor started.

Capacitor for an indoor blower motor: This capacitor is self-explanatory. Starts and maintains optimal operation of the motor in the indoor blower.

The name “Outdoor Fan Motor Capacitor” says it all. It activates the external fan and maintains the flow of air through the air conditioner’s coils.

What Does An AC Capacitor Do?

AC Capacitors ensure that everything in an air conditioning equipment functions as it should. There can be a huge problem if only one capacitor fails. Having more than one problem means there is no more cool air coming out of the vents. Temperature control throughout the summer months is essential for any house or business owner, especially in places where air conditioning is required year-round. In the event of a malfunction, the air conditioning capacitor is usually the first component to be tested.

Having Problems With Your Air Conditioning Capacitor?

An air conditioning capacitor repair should not be attempted by the average homeowner. Electric shocks can cause serious injury. You can rely on the specialists at One Hour Heating and Air to provide a solution to any HVAC problem.

An air conditioner should also be serviced on a regular basis. This is a great approach to prevent a unit from malfunctioning at the worst possible time. Make sure everything is working properly by having an HVAC specialist inspect all air conditioning capacitors. There will be cool circumstances when it is time to combat the heat if the air conditioning capacitors are in good health.

How Much Does an AC Capacitor Cost to Replace? (2023) - Bob Vila

But What Causes Capacitator Failure?

If you use the device for a lengthy amount of time, the capacitator is likely to fail. This is frequent in nations with hot, humid climates, such as the tropics.

The capacitator can malfunction due to the hot weather outside and the air conditioner overheating from constant use.

If your air conditioner makes a buzzing sound while the fan is running, this indicates that the capacitor has failed.

What Does A Capacitor Do In Your Air Conditioner?

Air conditioning units can last longer if they are properly maintained and used, so long as the capacitator is adequately protected.

For those who live in hotter climates, this is especially true. Keep in mind that your air conditioner has to work twice as hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

The unit will be overworked if it is continuously utilized throughout the year. During the cooler months, you may want to leave your air conditioner off.

It’s also recommended that you select the dry mode, which uses less electricity. When the room has achieved the temperature you desire, you may also choose to turn your heater off.

As long as the windows are closed, the room will remain at a comfortable temperature.

Steps In Repairing Aircon Capacitators

It is possible to fix your AC unit’s capacitator by following the instructions outlined below.

Step #1. Turning off the condenser

Outside, turn off the condenser. However, electrical sparks should be avoided at all costs.

Also, ensure sure the condenser is completely dead.

Step #2. Opening the access panel

Using a screwdriver, you will be able to loosen the screws on the access panel.

Step #3. Getting a new capacitator

Once the access panel is opened, you’ll be able to examine the defective capacitator. Similar to cans, this is typically decorated with a sticker.

Tolerance, load voltage, and other relevant information should be noted on the sticker. This is critical when purchasing a new air conditioning capacitor.

To assist you identify a capacitator with similar properties, just show the data to the store employee. Only the technical information matters, not the size or shape.

Step #4. Connect the new capacitator

You must first remove all of the old capacitator’s wires. Then, attach the new one in the same manner as the previous one.

Make sure each cable is connected to its proper place. Remember to take your time with this procedure, and be patient with yourself. Check to see if the cables have been put correctly.

To avoid confusion, unplug only one wire from the wrecked capacitator and connect it to the new one before moving on to the next wire.

The cables, on the other hand, can become tangled if you aren’t careful.

After all the wires have been connected, double-check to make sure they are securely fastened in place.

After that, replace the old capacitor in the air conditioner.

How to Diagnose and Repair An Air Conditioner Capacitor - Dengarden

Step #5. Checking the condenser

The condenser must be turned on at this point to complete the installation. Also, turn on your air conditioner and turn on the thermostat.

If you can no longer hear a buzzing sound coming from your capacitator, you have successfully repaired it.

It’s A Wrap!

When it comes to air conditioners, you now know what a capacitor does.

Your AC unit may be saved from a breakdown by the knowledge given to you in the preceding paragraphs, so use it wisely! If this is the case, you should seek the assistance of an expert.

However, if you utilize and maintain your machine correctly, you can save money on repairs.

The malfunctioning of an air conditioning system might be caused by a lack of maintenance and a bad habit in using it.