AC Capacitor Failure

Is your air conditioner malfunctioning? The most common reason for an AC failure is a bad AC capacitor. 

Some like to determine this themselves by checking if it’s swollen or using a capacitor tester. However, if you’re unfamiliar with air conditioners, we recommend contacting an HVAC company, like us at Vanport Mechanical & Fire Sprinklers Inc. 

AC capacitors are small, but they play a big, powerful role in how your AC works, so it’s important that this powerful device only be handled by experienced technicians.

What is an AC capacitor?

The capacitor in an AC unit is a small, cylindrical device composed of two metal conductors that send energy to the motor. The air conditioner capacitor not only gives your AC the jump-start it needs, but it also helps keep it continually running.

Keep in mind that every air conditioning system is different, so your unit may actually contain several different capacitors.

What does a capacitor do in an air conditioning unit?

Capacitors store electrical energy and provide the initial boost of power needed to start your air conditioner’s compressor and fan motors. It also helps maintain a steady supply of energy to keep these components running smoothly. 

Without a properly functioning capacitor, your AC unit may not start up or run efficiently, leading to increased energy consumption and potential damage to other parts.

How long should an AC capacitor last?

AC capacitors generally last around 20 years. However, other factors can contribute to your capacitor’s lifespan, including:

• Short-cycling: When your AC turns on and off in rapid cycles
• Undersized start capacitor: When the voltage rating is not powerful enough for your air conditioner
• Heat exposure: Being exposed to heat/sun for long periods of time can really affect capacitors, making them swell or even burst.

Signs Your AC Capacitor is Bad

Signs of a bad AC capacitor can be found when your air conditioner:

• Does not turn on
• Turns off on its own
• Blows warm air
• Takes a long time to start
• Produces a humming sound

Sometimes you can catch a bad capacitor before it completely fails. It will start to produce “clicking” noises. If this happens, you’ll be able to replace your capacitor before the compressor or fans stop working.

Other common occurrences with a bad AC capacitor are if your air conditioner is making odd noises, isn’t cooling right, or doesn’t have its usual power.

AC Capacitor Repair by Vanport Mechanical & Fire Sprinklers Inc.

A malfunctioning capacitor can cause your AC unit to work harder than necessary, leading to increased wear and tear and potentially more serious problems down the line. So if you suspect that your air conditioner’s capacitor is failing, it’s important to call an HVAC expert right away. 

At Vanport Mechanical & Fire Sprinklers Inc., our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose and repair capacitor issues so that your air conditioner is back up and running efficiently in no time.

Air Conditioner Capacitor Replacements

In some cases, a damaged or worn-out capacitor may need to be replaced entirely. Our skilled HVAC professionals at Vanport Mechanical & Fire Sprinklers Inc. can help you determine whether a replacement is necessary and select the appropriate capacitor for your specific AC unit. We use only high-quality, industry-standard components for optimal performance and longevity.

Capacitor Testing

Hard-starting is a common problem resulting from a bad AC capacitor. You can identify a hard start if your AC is struggling to start or if it stutters before turning on and then quickly turns right back off. Although several other things can cause hard-starting, a bad AC capacitor is usually to blame. 

You’ll want an experienced and NATE-certified technician to inspect your AC to be sure.

Experiencing AC Failure?

When your air conditioner isn’t working right, various questions may come to you, like What’s the problem? How much is it going to cost? And is it a quick fix?

If you’re like many homeowners, you like to troubleshoot the issue on your own first. We understand, just keep in mind, if your problem is more complex, you’ll want to contact an HVAC technician like Vanport Mechanical & Fire Sprinklers Inc. to help keep you safe and keep your air conditioner from becoming damaged.

To help keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly and keep your capacitor operating longer, be sure to routinely schedule maintenance at least every six months with us. 

Trust our team to handle your air conditioner capacitor replacement with the utmost care and expertise, so you can enjoy reliable, efficient cooling throughout the hot summer months in Vancouver WA and the Portland OR Metro Area. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because we know how important your comfort is. 

Reach out to us today by giving a call or filling out our contact form here.