Is Your HVAC Capacitor Failing? What You Need to Know

During the hot summer months, the last thing you want to deal with is a hot home. If any component of the air conditioner is not working, your home will be uncomfortable. Among many issues your air conditioner may experience, the capacitor is one component that may go out at any time. If this happens, the capacitor needs to be replaced.

The air conditioner capacitor is an important part of the entire HVAC system. You should know what a capacitor does to help operate the air conditioner and how to recognize if the capacitor is failing. Here is what you need to know.

What Does the Air Conditioner Capacitor Do?

An air conditioner capacitor is a device similar to a battery located on the exterior part of the HVAC system. The capacitor powers the motor of the air conditioner system and helps generate the electricity that keeps the system operational. The capacitor continues running until the air conditioner reaches your desired temperature.

If the capacitor fails, the entire HVAC system will no longer work to cool the air. It may not even blow any air through the system at all. The capacitor's job is to ensure electricity constantly flows through the system. The entire HVAC can shut down if the capacitor fails.

What Factors Indicate Capacitor Failure?

As your air conditioner begins to degrade, there are some signs that indicate the capacitor is failing. At first, your air conditioner may have a delayed start as you lower the temperature. The air conditioner may not engage at all. The external component of the HVAC system may or may not be running but any air coming through the system will not be cool.

If you have any issues like this, go outside to the outdoor component of the system. You might hear a buzzing sound coming from the unit. You should also check for the smell of burning wires. If you notice any of these signs, chances are the capacitor is going bad.

Why Do Capacitors Fail?

Capacitors typically fail due to age or wear and tear. A capacitor can also overheat and begin to fail. If you have a power surge or if the system was struck by lightning, the capacitor can often be a casualty. If your summer season was really hot, the capacitor can fail when it is overused.

Can You Check Your Capacitor?

Unless you are an HVAC professional, you should not check the capacitor yourself. If handled improperly, checking the capacitor can be dangerous due to the hazardous nature of the component. Contact an HVAC professional to test your capacitor.

The technician uses a multimeter to test the voltage of the capacitor. They will also check the resistance to see if the capacitor can hold an adequate charge to operate the system. If the capacitor readings are not adequate, you need to replace the capacitor.

Replacing the capacitor is a relatively quick and easy job if the technician has the part available. The cost to replace the capacitor is fairly inexpensive but will depend on the brand of the part. The size of your system also will impact the cost of the capacitor replacement, as the capacitor needs to be larger. Larger capacitors will cost more but are typically not a major cost.

An air conditioner capacitor is a small part of an HVAC system but is vital to the function of your air conditioner. Regular HVAC maintenance is crucial to the health of the entire system but can also prevent issues such as capacitor failure. If you have any questions about your HVAC system, please contact us at Haining Home Services.