An AC capacitor is a device that stores electricity to help regulate the power used by an air conditioner. It is typically installed close to an air conditioner’s compressor or may be incorporated into its outdoor unit. A capacitor comprises two conductive plates separated by an insulator called a dielectric, with a voltage applied across the two plates to keep them at a fixed distance. The most common dielectric material is glass, but polymers are also used.

What Is the Role of a Capacitor?

The AC capacitor is part of the start-up circuit of an air conditioner. A capacitor stores a charge and then releases that charge to the rest of the circuit when needed. Capacitors provide the initial jolt to the motor for it to run successfully. It starts the cooling cycle by storing and releasing powerful bursts of electricity that get your unit revved up.

What Are the Signs of a Bad Capacitor?

If your air conditioner fails to cool properly, a failed capacitor might be the culprit. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is possible that your capacitor has failed and needs to be replaced. However, the only way to tell for sure is to have your unit looked at by an AC technician. You should check for the following.

The AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air

If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air, it may be due to a failed AC capacitor. It powers the motor of your air conditioning unit, which pulls in cool air and expels hot air. Your air conditioner will not blow cold air if the motor isn’t running.

The Energy Bills Are High

A sudden spike in energy bills may indicate that your capacitor has failed and needs to be replaced. If the cooling unit runs longer than usual, you may be experiencing this problem.

There Are Humming Noises

A humming noise can be another sign of a bad AC capacitor. The humming noise may be coming from your air conditioner’s outdoor unit. You may need to contact a professional for cooling repair if you hear humming noises from your AC unit.

The AC Turns off on Its Own

This could be a sign that a capacitor is worn out. If your air conditioner turns off on its own, it might be because the capacitor has failed. You may need to call a professional for a checkup if your air conditioner turns off.

The AC Turns off on Its Own

The AC Won’t Turn On

If you notice that your AC won’t turn on and you have a faulty start-up capacitor, it may not be able to release the energy stored inside of it. If the capacitor has no charge and does not power your compressor or controls correctly, it will not turn on.

The AC Doesn’t Start Up Immediately

If you notice that the AC is not starting up immediately, it could be due to a faulty start-up capacitor. If a capacitor is not working correctly, it may not discharge the energy it stores when your compressor turns on. The capacitor may also be blocking too much current from flowing through it, which will cause your air handling unit to take longer to get up to speed and want to turn on.

Can It Be Replaced?

Yes, you can replace the capacitor in your air conditioner. If you contact a certified company, they can look at it, assess the problem, and then repair or replace your capacitor with a new one. You may also be able to repair it yourself if you have some electrical knowledge. You may purchase replacement parts depending on whether you need to replace the entire AC unit or just a part.

Regular maintenance will ensure that your AC unit runs correctly and efficiently every year. Preventing breakdowns and extending the life of your unit will give you more years of reliable service. When you maintain your air conditioning unit regularly, you will also save time and money in the long run.

To replace an AC capacitor, you must first schedule an appointment with a professional technician knowledgeable in air conditioning systems. Make sure that they know exactly what you are looking for so that they can be sure to get the right part right away and fix the problem quickly. Queen City Heating & Cooling in Springfield, MO will help you inspect and resolve issues with your AC system.

In conclusion, the AC capacitor is an essential part of an air conditioner and regulates the power the compressor needs. If your AC is not running as it should be, you may have a faulty capacitor. We are committed to providing you with the best service possible, offering a wide selection of air conditioning products, systems, and services. We can also help you with furnace repair, furnace replacement, and furnace maintenance. If you have questions about the AC capacitor, contact Queen City Heating & Cooling to help you.

Contact Queen City Heating & Cooling today!

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