The last thing business owners want to deal with in the middle of a sweltering summer is a malfunctioning air conditioner. Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for air conditioners to break down right when they’re needed the most. One of the most common air conditioner problems that comes up in the summer is air conditioner capacitor malfunctioning. Thankfully, problems with the air conditioner capacitor can be avoided by keeping an eye out for the signs it’s time to replace the capacitor.
What is an air conditioner capacitor?
The air conditioner capacitor is just one small component of an air conditioning unit, but it plays an essential role in the operation and performance of an AC system. The capacitor powers the air conditioner’s motor by supplying the energy required to activate the system and kickstart the cooling cycle. When the air conditioner capacitor stops working, the entire system may stop functioning—and that can create some pretty uncomfortable conditions in your building on hot summer days.
Signs it’s time to replace an AC capacitor
Air conditioner capacitors can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, but the lifespan of these parts can vary widely depending on a lot of factors. If your AC system is more than a few years old, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that it’s time to replace the air conditioner capacitor. Here are a few of the most common signs that capacitor replacement may be necessary:
- Delays in cooling performance: AC systems are designed to produce effective, consistent cooling. If you’ve noticed that your AC system seems to be very delayed when it comes to starting a cooling cycle, a faulty capacitor might be to blame.
- Excessive noise: Another common sign that it’s time for air conditioner capacitor replacement is excessive noise during cooling cycles. Buzzing and humming noises are both associated with air conditioner capacitor problems. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are a lot of things that can cause excessive noise during cooling cycles, so you should always contact a professional technician for an inspection to get to the bottom of whatever is causing the noise in your system.
- Random shut-offs: If your AC system shuts off in the middle of a cooling cycle before achieving the proper temperature, it’s likely something is wrong with the capacitor. Random shutoffs in the middle of cooling can be very frustrating to deal with, but an AC technician can assess the issue and determine the problem.
Air conditioner capacitor replacement
At Air Climate Control, Inc., we know how frustrating it can be to deal with HVAC maintenance and repair, and we’re here to take the hassle out of the process for our customers. Whether you’re concerned about a performance problem with your HVAC system or you’re trying to avoid issues through proactive part replacement, our team is here to help. Find out more about what we have to offer and get started with a consultation and quote by giving us a call today.