HVAC capacitors are relatively small—no larger than beverage cans—yet the effects are definitely noticeable when they go bad. Your local furnace and air conditioning contractors at M&M share an overview of how HVAC capacitors affect your HVAC system and how to identify a bad one in this post.
What Are HVAC Capacitors?
An HVAC capacitor is a cylindrical component that looks like an unlabeled beverage can. It contains an electrostatic field that stores energy, which helps maintain voltage stability for your HVAC system. HVAC components such as blowers, compressors and outdoor fans have their own pair of capacitors, one to help start it up and another to keep it running.
Unlike components such as air filters and humidifier media panels, HVAC capacitors aren’t user-replaceable. In addition to risking damage to your HVAC system through the wrong connections, you also risk injury from electric shock. If your HVAC system is showing signs of a bad capacitor, call a central heating and air conditioning technician in your area.
Signs of a Bad HVAC Capacitor
The following are indicators that your HVAC system needs new capacitors:
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Reduced Output — Bad capacitors affect your HVAC system’s primary functions, such as blowing conditioned air into a room. If your air conditioner takes too long to cool your room or if it appears to not be working at all even when turned on, you probably have a bad capacitor. Leaving it as it is can cause strain on your air conditioning system.
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Humming Noises — Properly-functioning HVAC systems are barely noticeable when they’re turned on. Failing capacitors cause continuous humming noises until it ultimately fails.
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Intermittent Operation — Bad capacitors can cause intermittent HVAC shutdowns. If it’s the first time you’ve turned on your air conditioner for the season, it could take some time before it fully starts up.
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An Old HVAC System — HVAC systems are considered near the end of their lifespan at 10 years of age. If yours is more than halfway through its expected lifespan and still has its original capacitors, it likely needs a new one.
Call M&M for Your Heating and Cooling Needs
M&M is your leading provider of heating and cooling repair services. Give us a call at (209) 952-6580 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
