

HVAC contractors use a tool called a multimeter to test AC capacitors.

Finally, your energy bills may run higher due to the increased power demand to cool your home. Second, improper voltage delivery to exterior unit components forces the system to work harder as it attempts to perform its job.Īdditional components often sustain damage due to a faulty capacitor. A bad capacitor prevents the exterior unit from properly functioning, which hinders the cooling process as a whole. Issues Caused by Bad AC Capacitorsįirst, bad AC capacitor symptoms cause problems with your air conditioning system’s performance. Again, if your AC over cycles, experiences extremes in temperature or surges or if the capacitor has a defective part, it won’t last that long. Bad AC capacitor symptoms are commonly caused by: Problems with the AC capacitor prevent your air conditioning system from performing as it should. In some ways, it’s like a battery which stores energy and dispenses it during use. Once the air conditioner motor reaches proper operating speed, the capacitor limits excess power and supplies a steady amount for the duration of the cooling cycle. The initial power burst is between 300 and 500 percent of the normal electrical amount required by the system. Then it keeps it running with continuous electricity until the cycle is complete. The capacitor delivers an initial energy burst to turn the system on when it’s time for a cooling cycle. It delivers power to the motor driving the air conditioning system. The AC capacitor is a component within the outdoor condensing unit of an air conditioner or heat pump. Review: What Is an AC Capacitor? How Does an AC Capacitor Work?
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We’ll also review what an AC capacitor does, how to test AC capacitors and how capacitors fail in an air conditioner. In this blog, we’ll cover the bad AC capacitor symptoms you need to know. A failure with a component signals homeowners the need for repair with symptoms like inconsistent performance. Air conditioning systems have many components to keep the system working. Ever experienced an air conditioner blowing warm air or showing what appears to be electrical problems – if so you could be seeing bad AC capacitor symptoms.
