American Air & Heat of Brevard, Inc. added a new photo.
August 5 at 7:18 PM ·
BREVARD'S ORIGINAL RED, WHITE & BLUE! TRUSTED SINCE 1942!!
WHAT IS AN AIR CONDITIONER CAPACITOR?
AND WHAT DOES IT COST TO REPLACE?
On average, most capacitors fall into the range of $35-60 for just the part. Most are under $40. BUT, you do NOT want to deal with a fully charged capacitor as it has 450v and very dangerous if handled improperly during removal or installation.
Your air conditioner has many parts to it, all that play their role in keeping your Florida home comfortable. One of the essential components in an AC is the capacitor, which gives your air conditioner the energy to start running—a vital part of the air conditioning process.
Just what is this part exactly? It’s a small cylindrical container inside your air conditioner, and its primary job is to store and supply energy. When your air conditioner starts up, it requires more power than your home electrical system can produce—and that’s where the capacitor comes in.
While your air conditioner is running, the capacitor collects and stores energy; in short, it’s like a rechargeable battery. That way, when it’s time for that big burst of energy your air conditioner needs, the capacitor can supply it and keep things running smoothly. The air conditioner’s compressor, blower motor, and fan motor all rely on the compressor (or compressors, depending on your air conditioner) to keep running and cold air running through your home.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CAPACITOR ISN’T WORKING
If the capacitor isn’t working, that can lead to all sorts of problems. Sometimes, your air conditioner will be running, but the fan isn’t moving. Other times, the fan may be running, but the air isn’t cold, or the AC doesn’t stay powered on for long. In these cases, it’s likely you have a non-functioning capacitor, and it can’t provide that kickstart of energy the fan, compressor, or blower needs to do its job.
WHAT LEADS TO CAPACITOR FAILURE?
A capacitor takes on a high strain in its lifetime and having an air conditioner run more than usual increases this strain. Most capacitors are built to last for about twenty years under ideal conditions, but ideal conditions aren’t always the case. For most capacitors, there are three common causes of failure:
Heat exposure. While beating the heat is what air conditioners are built to do, the hotter the area is, like here in Florida, the more risk your capacitor is at for failure.
Voltage Rating. There are various types of capacitors for different AC models, and they all have individual voltage ratings. The higher voltage a capacitor is, the more expensive the part, so it may be tempting to purchase a lower level capacitor for replacement. However, this puts a much more significant strain on the capacitor, shortening its lifespan.
Again, most capacitors have a lifetime of about twenty years, but that also means they have limited use. Older capacitors won’t be as capable, and higher than average AC use will shorten its lifespan quicker, as can having a capacitor with faulty parts.
One of the major problems with an AC capacitor failure is that it can lead to damage to other parts that it powers. Fans can wear down; electric connections can be damaged—once you notice the capacitor is the problem, it’s best to replace it as soon as possible so that you don’t end up with additional maintenance needs and costs.
HOW TO REPLACE AN AIR CONDITIONER CAPACITOR
After you’ve determined that your capacitor needs replacement, there are several options you can take to doing so. As it is like a battery, the simple process is that you need to swap it out for a new one. However, it’s way more complicated than just popping out the old capacitor and slipping in a replacement. So, don’t attempt to do it yourself, especially if you don’t feel confident with handling the parts or working on high-electricity machinery. Working on high-electricity machinery can be very dangerous without proper safety.
COST OF REPLACEMENT
Turbo capacitors can store more energy and have higher prices, but if they do help take away the voltage concern that may damage your capacitor.
With professional repairs, there’s not much more to worry about regarding cost. you’re looking at around a $150-250 price to replace your capacitor and getting your air conditioner back into shape. With an annual Tune-Up you can save as much as 50% of that cost!
While capacitors are one of the most common causes of air conditioning trouble, replacing them is simple and inexpensive. Call us:
American Air & Heat of Brevard: 321-632-2653
open 7 days a week!
Is your AC a Vintage? Maybe it's time to Get Back to the Future!
We can help! Call American Air & Heat: 321-632-2653
Maybe it's time to invest in your air quality at home.
Florida Memes
May 3 at 6:30 PM ·
If you are loving the Florida Winters, you are in the right place! But that doesn’t mean that colder days aren’t coming and that we won’t need to flip the switch from “Cool” to “Warm” sometime in the next month or so. It’s important to remember that although winter in Florida may be short, a well-maintained system can keep utility costs down this season. Similar to your annual pre-summer AC cleaning, regular maintenance of your heating unit is a must! So give us a call to keep your HVAC investment working longer as well as staying efficient! (321) 632-2653.
American Air & Heat of Brevard, Inc. updated their phone number.
In need of AC servicing? Screenshot this coupon to receive 50% off your service call for a non-warranty part repair or replacement. Contact us at (321) 632-COLD to schedule your service today!
