A Look At The Importance Of The Capacitors In Your Air Conditioning Equipment
Your air conditioner has capacitors in it that keep the AC running properly. Capacitors play a big role in air conditioner operation, but they can fail sometimes. When a capacitor goes out, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible or your AC could stop working or be damaged.
Here's what you need to know about the capacitors in your AC and how they relate to air conditioning repairs.
Capacitors Take Strain Off Of Your Equipment
There is a capacitor in the condenser that helps the condenser fan and compressor start. There is also a capacitor in the air handler that helps the blower start. The purpose of these capacitors is to provide a jolt of extra power when the AC starts up so the motors can start from a dead stop without putting strain on the system.
The capacitors also provide an ongoing power supply when the motors are running, and then the capacitors shut down until the AC starts up again. Your system might have a dual capacitor that provides both startup and run power or it could have a start capacitor and run capacitor that work together.
Failed Capacitors Cause Motors To Burn Out
Capacitors don't usually last as long as the other parts of an air conditioner. Replacing a bad capacitor is a common type of air conditioning repair. If your AC has trouble starting up, or if one of the fans doesn't start at all, call an air conditioning repair service to check the capacitors.
When a capacitor is faulty, it may not supply the jolt of power needed for the motor to start. That causes the motor to struggle to turn on. This also pulls more power from your electrical system and drives up your power bill.
When a motor struggles, it can burn out. Replacing a motor costs more than replacing a capacitor, so that's why prompt repairs are needed when the capacitor goes bad. Another sign a capacitor is bad is when you hear humming when your AC tries to start.
Bad Capacitors Must Be Replaced
Replacing a capacitor is an easy and quick air conditioning repair. However, it's best to let a repair technician change the part since it is always energized, even when the power to your AC is shut off. It can give you a bad shock unless you discharge it properly first.
An important aspect of replacing a capacitor is to choose an exact replacement. Capacitors vary according to the volts they supply and the amount of electricity they store, and your equipment needs one that matches the equipment manufacturer's specifications.
Reach out to a company like Able AC Service to learn more.
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