A capacitor is a small cylindrical device inside your A/C unit that supplies and stores energy. It has the ability or ‘capacity’ to save energy in the form of an electrical charge.
How Does a Run Capacitor Work?
When your thermostat tells your air conditioner to cool the house, the capacitor’s job is to provide two hundred forty volts to start up the compressor, fan motor, and blower motor.
After the capacitor jumpstarts those parts, your A/C can begin cooling outside air and blowing it throughout your home. As your air conditioner is running, the capacitor collects and stores energy, similar to a rechargeable battery. Each time your air conditioner turns on, the capacitor provides a new blast of energy. Depending on your air conditioning unit, it may have multiple capacitors.
The run capacitor, also sometimes called an “A/C capacitor,” uses its stored energy to turn or run the fan motor. Without the run capacitor, the fan cannot turn.
The start capacitor provides the initial energy needed for start-up. A lot of torque is necessary to start up an AC system, so a start capacitor will have greater capacitance than a run capacitor. A dual capacitor powers both the fan and the compressor, which is the big pump housed in your outdoor cabinet that circulates refrigerant between the indoor evaporator and outdoor condensing unit.
How Long do Run Capacitors Last?
Most run capacitors are designed to last about ten years. That said, failed capacitors are probably the most common cause of A/C repair. One thing that could shorten its lifespan is letting the fins of your outdoor coil get so dirty and clogged, air cannot circulate properly, making the compressor work harder.
How Do You Know if Your Run Capacitor is Failing?
If you have noticed that:
- Your A/C no longer blows cold air
- Your A/C creates a low humming sound that wasn’t there before
- Your energy bills have been increasing
- Your A/C sometimes does not turn on right away, or does not turn on at all
- Your A/C turns off unexpectedly….
….your run capacitor may be reaching the end of its lifespan.
What To Do If You Need Help with Your AC
If you have any concerns about your home’s air conditioning unit, it is best to call in the professionals. Eyman Plumbing, Heating and Air can repair any air conditioner quickly and efficiently, saving you time and money. Call Eyman when the summer temperatures begin to creep into your home.
Contact us at (402) 731-2727 for help with your HVAC repair and maintenance in Omaha.