8 Signs Your Air Conditioner Capacitor Has Gone Bad

Air conditioners are made up of numerous components, each of which performs a specific job that allows the complete cooling system to function properly. The capacitor is one of these critical components. A capacitor is similar to a temporary battery in that it stores voltage and then transmits that voltage to the motors, allowing your air conditioner to start and run.

Because capacitors do not typically live as long as the AC unit, according to power capacitor manufacturers they want to be replaced at some time. Repair professionals outline several frequent symptoms that your AC capacitor is already in terrible shape in this post.

What Is An Air Conditioner Capacitor?

If you’re not familiar with the components of your AC unit, every AC system includes a motor, and every motor has a capacitor. When the air conditioner is turned on, this mechanism charges and starts the motor, allowing the cooling cycle to begin by moving the fan blades.

The cold air you enjoy on a hot summer day is entirely down to the capacitor performing its function and keeping your air conditioning working. You can do capacitor tests on a regular basis to ensure that the cooling is running smoothly.

 When an AC problem emerges, the capacitor inside most models’ AC units is most likely to blame. An aged capacitor is more prone to fail over time, but a faulty capacitor requires more energy to operate. If the problem persists, it’s necessary to contact HVAC professionals to perform an air conditioning repair service and replace the AC’s capacitor.

AC Capacitor Function

Capacitors are devices that store and release energy as needed inside a circuit. Larger capacitors often offer higher current load capacity and charge storage capacity. Because some A/C compressor motors require a pulse of energy 300 to 500 percent of normal to start, these features are well suited for air conditioning machinery. For this application, a start capacitor is used. Smaller run capacitors are used by other electric motors in the system to keep them spinning at maximum speed.

Signs That Your Air Conditioner Capacitor Has Gone Failed 

This brief description of the most common poor AC capacitor symptoms to look for when analyzing your AC unit might assist you in locating the appropriate replacement later on.

• Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air

When the capacitor fails, one of the first indicators of the issue is warm air blowing through your vents rather than chilly air. You can try turning your condenser unit on and off again, but if the problem persists, you may have a faulty capacitor. This might happen if the air conditioning system shorts out or is damaged by the weather.

Replacing your air conditioning capacitor may be expensive, so consult with a competent HVAC firm before proceeding with repairs or replacement. Before any other steps are done, proper AC service can pinpoint the source of the problem.

• Hard Starting

When the AC compressor struggles to start, this is referred to as “hard starting.” When it eventually turns on, it creates a thunderous noise. You should be aware of instances like this since they can cause your AC system to completely fail. Furthermore, it puts additional strain on the other components, perhaps putting the compressor at risk. You’ll have no choice but to replace it if it overheats and fails.

• Humming Noise From Outdoor Unit

A buzzing sound from within the access panel is a sure symptom of a damaged AC capacitor. Humming noises suggest a problem with the air conditioning system or its components. Turn the power on and off again to see whether the problem was one-time or recurrent.

The problem will persist if the capacitor is faulty. Call the HVAC professionals to inspect your air conditioning system and determine which components need to be replaced. Before discussing the AC capacitor replacement cost, a professional will provide a free estimate.

• Rising Energy Bills

An increase in your utility bills is another of the most noticeable poor air conditioner capacitor symptoms. When an air conditioning capacitor fails, the ac requires more electricity to operate. Your HVAC system will work harder to generate cold air, lowering the voltage rating and overall efficacy of the device.

If left untreated, low voltage wastes energy and money. Contact a professional to repair or install a replacement capacitor to restore your unit’s full power. A new capacitor will get your HVAC system back up and running without any of the bad AC capacitor symptoms slowing it down any further.

• Air Conditioner Turns Off Randomly

If your air conditioner stops down unexpectedly, your capacitor is faulty. If a trip to the hardware store does not solve the problem, the air conditioning system should never shut down on its own and should be checked by a professional. The unit may occasionally short circuit, but continuous problems must be evaluated.

The condenser unit dispels hot air to keep your home cool, but it can’t perform its job if the air conditioning goes out of commission. The most worrying of all the most typical poor capacitor symptoms is a malfunctioning air conditioner turn-off.

• Air Conditioner Does Not Turn On

Another sign of a faulty capacitor is if the system takes a long time to switch on or does not turn on at all. This is a clear indication of a problem with the air conditioning system, most likely involving the capacitors. You can improve the appearance by removing the side panel.

It’s usually advisable to have a professional replace the capacitor in these cases. Before you call a professional, double-check the voltage and offer them specific information. They’ll be able to examine the problem and choose the best course of action from there.

• Burning Smell From Outdoor Unit

You never want to detect a burning odor coming from your air conditioning system. This is a clear indication that your system needs to be repaired or replaced in order to function correctly again. The symptoms of a capacitor could be caused by a thin object impeding the system, regular wear, and tear, or system overexertion.

If the engine overheats, you’ll notice a burning odor. The system’s bearings will wear out over time, which can create a problem. Some temporary remedies, such as lubricating the bearings, can assist cure the issue, but replacement is the best option for a more lasting solution.

• Age of Your Air Conditioner

The older your air conditioning system, the more probable it is to fail. Capacitors do not endure forever, and an older one is prone to failing. For one reason or another, an older system may malfunction, and the only effective cure is to replace the system totally.

How Long Do AC Capacitors Last?

With regular maintenance, AC capacitors can live up to 20 years on average. However, the capacitor’s lifespan is also affected by the brand and the quality of the materials utilized.

If you find yourself in need of a replacement, don’t skimp on quality. Investigate which components of your air conditioning system will perform best.

Will My AC Unit Still Work With A Bad AC Capacitor?

While your air conditioner will continue to operate, it will struggle to function properly. The system will eventually cease to function. Internal harm might be exacerbated by prolonged use.

We recommend hiring a professional to do the repairs so that your air conditioner is not damaged.

Conclusion

The capacitor is one of the main parts of many types of electrical items like air conditioners. So it is necessary to change their capacitor after a year. AC capacitors are high-voltage devices that, if handled incorrectly, can cause significant injury. As a result, you should always delegate AC capacitor replacement to skilled technicians who can do the work effectively and safely. So purchase your best capacitors from power capacitor bank manufacturers.