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A Faulty AC Capacitor: Everything You Should Know

Admin • April 4, 2021

A capacitor is a small cylindrical part of the AC which stores and delivers energy to the motor. When you turn the AC on, the capacitor transmits the motor's initial energy to start the air conditioner. It continues to deliver power to the unit until you switch it off.

Like the other parts of an AC, the capacitor can become less effective with time due to wear and tear. Here is everything that you should know about a faulty capacitor.

Man Fixing HVAC Outdoor Unit — Paducah, KY — Triangle Heating & Cooling

What Are the Causes of a Faulty Capacitor?

As mentioned above, wear and tear is the main cause of a faulty capacitor. The more you use the AC, the more the capacitor parts continue to strain, hence the problems. Here are other possible causes of a problematic capacitor:

Excessive outdoor temperatures
Overheating
Lightning effects

Another possible cause is electricity and power supply problems. You should switch off your main power source if the power is unstable so that your capacitor does not develop any issues.

What Are the Signs of a Faulty Capacitor?

A faulty capacitor does not supply enough energy to the motor, which means that the AC does not work well. At times, the AC may fail to start when you switch it on. The unit may also experience short cycles and eventually turn off itself. Failure to blow enough cold air into the room is the most obvious sign that the capacitor is faulty. Other possible signs of a faulty AC capacitor include:

High electricity bills: Your energy bills may surge simply because the capacitor is not operational. When you switch the AC on, and it fails to blow enough air, the unit continues to consume electricity, and you may get higher energy bills.
Loud noises: Your AC may start to produce strange noises when you turn it on. It might blow air without any issues, but the sound could imply that some parts of the capacitor are worn out.
Delayed response: Does your AC take time before it starts to blow cold air into your house? If so, the capacitor could be faulty.

Some air conditioners also produce a smoky smell when the capacitor is faulty. You should not ignore any unusual smell that the AC produces.

What Should You Do to a Faulty Capacitor?

You can either repair or replace the malfunctioning parts of the capacitor. We recommend you call an AC contractor to help you test the current resistance and voltage of the capacitor. You can also buy a testing tool known as a multimeter to figure out the status of the capacitor. If both the voltage and resistance units are okay, the next step is to examine the physical parts of the capacitor.

There could be cracks, holes, or other visible damages on the unit, which interferes with the normal operation of the capacitor. An AC contractor can help you repair minor issues or replace the unit if repair is not an option.

How Should You Choose a Replacement Capacitor?

Replacement is the ideal solution to a faulty capacitor. Here are some of the things that you should consider before you buy a replacement capacitor for your AC:

The brand of the air conditioner
The type and size of the old capacitor
The voltage of the old capacitor

You can take a picture of your AC and the faulty capacitor so that the dealer can give you the exact replacement. Alternatively, you can ask a reputable AC contractor to get you the right replacement capacitor.

It's advisable to consult an AC expert when you have a faulty AC capacitor. The contractor should troubleshoot the issue within a short time. Triangle Heating & Cooling is always at your service. Our experts are ready to attend to your HVAC issues at any time. Contact our team today to get quick help.

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