A Short Guide to AC Capacitor Failure

One of the most commonly used and overworked systems in your home is the HVAC system, especially during the summer when you need to cool down your home and cancel out the humidity inside it. Unfortunately, malfunctions tend to happen to your air conditioning unit during this time. One of the most common causes of air conditioning malfunction is a failing capacitor. To understand more about your AC’s capacitor,  HVAC maintenance  contractor R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating is here to help you. In this article, we’ll walk you through what causes your AC capacitor to fail and how you should handle it.

Your air conditioning unit is an essential component of your HVAC system that’s responsible for regulating your home’s temperature. Your air conditioner also helps improve your indoor air quality. You need an air conditioner that functions well to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient. The capacitor is a big part of your air conditioning unit’s functionality. A failing AC capacitor can be damaging, not just to your air conditioning unit but also to your whole HVAC system. 

The capacitor is an integral component of your AC system. It releases energy to the compressor, blower and outside fan. It looks like a small cylindrical container inside the condenser unit. Every motor-assisted appliance has a capacitor. The capacitor charges your air conditioning unit and stores electricity to provide small amounts of energy to the motor when needed. It should be included and regularly checked during your  HVAC maintenance  routine.

Overheating.  It’s your responsibility as a homeowner to take care of your HVAC system. To properly maintain your air conditioner and its capacitor, it’s important to be knowledgeable about what can damage them. First, capacitors tend to overheat more than other components of your air conditioner. They’re sensitive to heat, especially for air conditioners that are exposed to the sun. If your air conditioner is on your rooftop, the overheating may be caused by the sun. Electrical overheating is also possible when your unit runs for more than a few hours. 

You can prevent overheating by protecting your air conditioning unit from direct sunlight. It helps to set the thermostat a bit higher on hot summer days. You can also lessen the workload of your air conditioning unit with  air duct cleaning. When your whole HVAC system is functioning well, your air conditioner is able to relax. Another option is to use reflective blinds on the east- and west-facing windows to redirect heat.

Power surges.  Power surges are damaging to your capacitor. Frequent power surges caused by unstable electric lines can weaken and cause your air conditioner’s capacitor to deteriorate. An unstable power supply can also damage your other electrical appliances. A power surge will overload and burn out your electrical system, putting every capacitor in your electrical appliances at risk of damage. The most effective way to protect your air conditioner’s capacitor, as well as your other appliances, is to install an HVAC surge protector. 

Aging.  If your air conditioning unit is old, it’s more susceptible to damage. A capacitor’s ability and functionality decrease over time. It’s important to monitor your air conditioning unit’s status. An air conditioner can last for around 10-15 years. If you detect a failing capacitor early on, it will be easier for an  hvac repair  professional to fix it. A failing capacitor will only cause more serious problems if it continues to be used.

Detecting a failing capacitor early on will make a big difference. To check if your air conditioning unit’s capacitor is failing, we’ve listed some common signs you have to watch out for:

If you aren’t able to catch the warning signs above, there are other ways to tell if your capacitor is failing. First, you can test your air conditioner’s capacitor status. A multimeter can test the charge of your capacitor. Just make sure that your air conditioning unit is turned off, as well as your home’s circuit breaker, before testing its capacitor. You have to be careful during testing to avoid electrocution. A visual inspection can also come in handy. Check if your air conditioner’s capacitor cylinder is bulging or leaking, as this is an obvious sign of failure. It’s still best to hire a trusted  HVAC repair  professional to inspect and confirm if your capacitor is failing. This way, they can immediately help you address the problem and save you from a risky self-inspection.

It’s easier to repair or replace your air conditioner capacitor if it’s relatively new. If you’re advised to replace it, your trusted repair expert should replace it with one that has the same voltage requirements. If it’s too old, it would be smarter to invest in a brand-new air conditioner. A DIY job is not advised for safety reasons.

The most ideal approach to a failing AC capacitor is to contact your trusted HVAC contractor. You should leave a failing capacitor in the hands of skilled and trained professionals only. Most HVAC capacitors are designed to provide high voltages when fully charged, so handling one without the necessary experience and knowledge can be dangerous. 

For professional HVAC needs and services, trust R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating. We offer  air duct cleaning  and maintenance. Call us at (505) 327-7755 or fill out our  contact form  to book an appointment.

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