How To Check & Replace An Air Conditioner Capacitor

[AzScorpion]

With a heat wave across a good part of the country now AC's are working overtime. The run capacitor is usually one of the first things to check if/when your central air stops working. It's also the easiest and cheapest to DYI fix. You can order the part for under $20.00 and just follow the video for the instal. You'll easily save yourself hundreds of dollars by NOT calling an AC tech out as they've been known to charge $250+ for this. It's good to always have one on hand and probably a good idea to replace them as regular maintenance every 5 years or so.

The easiest way to tell is the fan won’t be running but compressor will, or the compressor won’t be running but the fan will. Occasionally both will not come on but most times it’s one is running and not the other. Also, spin the fan with a stick. If it spins free it’s probably your capacitor. If it is stiff it’s probably the fan motor that's shot. Even that's an easy DYI fix.

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[ParkerAzJeff]

Yep. mine just took a dump this a.m.

 

[AzScorpion]

Yep. mine just took a dump this a.m.

Hopefully you can get an HVAC guy out there quickly today. I'm sure they're working overtime with this heat everywhere. I bought a new Trane unit 2 years ago but still keep a spare because things just don't seem to last long like they use to.

 

[Trigganometry]

I’ll add to Dave’s post as I been through this more than once. My central AC unit is pushing 30 years old now. Still works like it did when it was new but I did have to replace the capacitor at least 3 times during that time period. The other thing(s) that add to this failing is the relay getting old and the number of times it arcs is yielding a partial connection that usually kills the capacitor. So, if you change one, change both. Another $25 dollar part. Additionally, as a system ages it does require more amperage to start. A starter booster starter capacitor in series with the original replacement one will keep it humming along for a longtime

 

[AzScorpion]

I’ll add to Dave’s post as I been through this more than once. My central AC unit is pushing 30 years old now. Still works like it did when it was new but I did have to replace the capacitor at least 3 times during that time period. The other thing(s) that add to this failing is the relay getting old and the number of times it arcs is yielding a partial connection that usually kills the capacitor. So, if you change one, change both. Another $25 dollar part. Additionally, as a system ages it does require more amperage to start. A starter booster starter capacitor in series with the original replacement one will keep it humming along for a longtime

I had them add a soft start kit to mine. You don't get that surge on the initial start up and it helps prolong the life of the motor.

 

[Frenchy]

There is an easier way to fix this problem. Move to a place where you don't need AC!! ?

 

[AzScorpion]

There is an easier way to fix this problem. Move to a place where you don't need AC!! ?

Then you'll have to fix your heater. ?

 

[Frenchy]

Then you'll have to fix your heater. ?

That's what campfires are for sir

 

[Trigganometry]

That's what campfires are for sir

Canada is one big campfire lately. Think you can tone it down some?

 

[Fazzie01]

My outside unit is on the roof of the 2 story condo building. Even though it is a simple fix, I would be forced to call a company for them to service. Hoping it lasts a while longer!

 

[RangerTX]

I have replaced a couple over the years. It is probably the most common thing to fail on an ac unit. I always keep a spare on hand. They are under $30 and easy to swap.

Coincidentally, just last week mine took a dump and took out the Contacter (relay) with it. Never had one of those go out. But, got one at grainger for around 50 and swapped it in under an hour.

Easiest way to tell if your capacitor went out is: Either it will be bulging at one end or the other (we call it pregnant) or the leads on top will be blackened. Order 2 on Amazon and keep them on hand.

 

[Trigganometry]

I have replaced a couple over the years. It is probably the most common thing to fail on an ac unit. I always keep a spare on hand. They are under $30 and easy to swap.

Coincidentally, just last week mine took a dump and took out the Contacter (relay) with it. Never had one of those go out. But, got one at grainger for around 50 and swapped it in under an hour.

Easiest way to tell if your capacitor went out is: Either it will be bulging at one end or the other (we call it pregnant) or the leads on top will be blackened. Order 2 on Amazon and keep them on hand.

If you’re going that far with repairs check all your wiring. If the insulation is partially burned, melted or discolored then change those wires out with the proper gauge. Copper gets brittle when heated by heavy current draw. Just looking for another failure if you don’t change them out. Learned that lesson the hard way a decade ago.

 

[ParkerAzJeff]

Hopefully you can get an HVAC guy out there quickly today. I'm sure they're working overtime with this heat everywhere. I bought a new Trane unit 2 years ago but still keep a spare because things just don't seem to last long like they use to.

My son had one so we had it installed by 9. I'm going to get a couple spares. They're cheap.

 

[db_tanker]

had to replace the fan about a year ago. BE CAREFUL!!! The fan I got I had to tap the holes where the fan attached to the grille! lol

 

[Tracy Bowman]

All great tips! Very good thread. Thanks!

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