How Frequently Should An HVAC Capacitor Be Replaced?
Although capacitors may appear small, they are powerful and essential to start up because they use a little more energy than your home’s power. The capacitor is specifically made to store energy and jump-start air conditioning units. Contact a professional if you’re searching for HVAC systems near you.
Qualified HVAC experts advise that capacitors be replaced regularly to prevent system failures. By performing the capacitor examination and maintenance twice a year, you can ensure that your air conditioner operates effectively and has a long lifespan. You must be alert for the first indications of a damaged capacitor and start looking for HVAC capacitor parts near me.
Types of Capacitors
An HVAC unit has two types of capacitors: the run capacitors and the start capacitors:
- The start capacitor supplies the extra voltage required to turn on the fan motor or compressor. The start capacitor is needed only at the beginning of each cycle in the HVAC systems.
- The run capacitor supplies the energy to keep the fan motor or compressor running. The run capacitor continues to be used throughout.
- Air conditioners and heat pumps use a dual-run capacitor that connects to the fan and compressor, while furnaces use a one-run capacitor that connects to the blower motor.
Several Factors Can Cause Capacitor Failures
Overheating
First, capacitors can be overheated. Overheating can be caused by sunlight. Overheating can also be caused by the unit being run too hard for too long. Set the thermostat slightly higher during hot summer days to prevent your HVAC from getting too hot. Otherwise, you will frequently be searching for HVAC capacitor parts near you.
Power Surges
A capacitor in the heating and air supply can also fail if it is subject to power surges. A lightning strike during a summer thunderstorm can overburden and cause your HVAC system to fail. However, capacitors can also be damaged by weaker power surges. Fluctuations within the electrical grid could cause these weaker surges.
If a summer storm causes power outages, the surge that happens when the power is restored can cause damage to your HVAC’s capacitors. These power surges can cause harm to your HVAC’s capacitors and air conditioner. Install an HVAC surge protector to stop frequently looking for HVAC capacitor.
Age
A capacitor’s capacity to store and release energy diminishes over time, much like a rechargeable battery. Capacitors in the heating and air supply will eventually fail. It’s easy to repair a failing capacitor if you spot it early. Broken capacitors can lead to more severe and expensive problems down the line.
Signs of a Bad AC Capacitor:
- A problem with your air conditioner is that it doesn’t blow cold air. It is a sign many homeowners will notice.
- Is there an increase in your energy bills? A failure of the AC capacitor could be the reason. Your air conditioner will consume more energy if it has to work harder to do its job.
- When you turn on your AC, pay attention to the sound of HVAC systems. Your capacitor could be failing if you hear your AC making a clicking sound or it is hesitant to turn on.
- A failing HVAC system can lead to it becoming unusable. Replace the capacitor regularly if your unit is old and experiencing intermittent failures to turn on.
- Your capacitor could be at fault if your AC suddenly shuts down. Contact an HVAC professional if this happens.
- If the AC takes a long time to turn on after you turn it on, your AC capacitor is failing.
- A bad AC capacitor may be why your AC unit won’t turn on. It could happen while installing or manufacturing the capacitor. Therefore, check all components’ efficiency while installing a new unit.
Conclusion
Repairs are relatively easy when a capacitor fails. Do not attempt to replace the capacitor by yourself. The electrical charge in the capacitor can be dangerous, and the oil within is highly unsafe. If the capacitor is faulty, the air conditioner can cause severe damage to expensive parts. If a capacitor doesn’t work correctly, the motor it is attached to can become overheated and eventually burn out.
You may need to replace the capacitor or the fan motor. You could end up having to replace the whole air conditioner. If you have been searching for a heating and air supply near you, contact HVAC Warehouse at 762-435-4822 or send us an email. Our trained and experienced technicians can quickly analyze and fix the problem. Our HVAC experts will have your AC running again in no time.
