HVAC Wiring: Replacing A Faulty Capacitor

For a happy and healthy AC, all its components must be functioning optimally. If an issue such as a faulty capacitor strikes, it must be fixed sooner rather than later. Without a working capacitor, your entire AC can’t work. And a broken air conditioner in South Florida will certainly leave you hot and bothered. Contact Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric at 1-800-475-1504 for professional and trustworthy service, including our 20-point AC tune-up that will keep you cool-headed.

What Is A Capacitor?

A capacitor is an essential part of your AC unit. It holds electrical power and manages the current flows when they are at their highest and additionally when voltage works at its highest. You don’t want both the current and the voltage to be rising at the same time and a capacitor ensures that the two work in phases. It supplies power when the unit switches on and stores power again for the next time it’s needed – almost like a rechargeable battery.

The motors in air conditioners rely on the capacitor. Without a functioning capacitor, the entire unit can’t function. The fan motor depends on the power from the capacitor to run. If the air conditioner struggles to turn on because of a faulty capacitor, the whole unit takes strain.

Each part of an AC must be working correctly, and all the parts should be able to work together. If one element is out of sync, it can disrupt the whole system, leaving you with a malfunctioning AC and an uncomfortably hot indoor environment.

How Do You Know When A Capacitor Must Be Replaced?

If you notice any issues with your AC, contact a licensed technician – don’t take matters into your own hands. Trying to solve a faulty capacitor can cause harm to you and your AC. When it comes time to replace your capacitor, a licensed professional will know exactly which type of capacitor to install for your requirements and your unit.

Capacitors have an important job to do and they take a lot of strain for it. The capacitor jump starts your AC to get it into the groove. There are a few signs to look out for when it comes to capacitor health:

1. Difficulty starting up is a sign that your AC capacitor needs some attention. With a faulty capacitor, your AC doesn’t have that important start-up energy to get going.
2. A humming motor is another sign that you need professional assistance for the capacitor. A faulty capacitor can lead to the motor burning out and needing to be replaced.
3. You might also detect a burning smell coming from your AC unit. Do not investigate this yourself as it can be dangerous.

There are a few things to look out for if you want your capacitor to last as long as possible. Try to ensure that your AC unit doesn’t get too hot. To prevent overheating, try not to make it work too hard. Get an AC technician to inspect it regularly so that the air can circulate effectively which helps keep the unit cool.

As always, preventative maintenance is key. Regular preventative maintenance of your AC unit can detect issues before they strike and leave you high and dry (and, in the case of capacitors, hot). Regular maintenance increases the lifespan of your appliances and helps them remain effective and reliable.

Capacitors take a great deal of strain, especially in South Florida’s hot and humid climate. Preventative maintenance and professional AC service are key for an effective and efficient running AC unit. Included in our comprehensive AC tune-ups and maintenance plan is a thorough capacitor check. Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric will help you keep your cool!