Running a home can be a costly business. In 2022, homeowners spent around $6,000 on repairs. When it comes to your HVAC system, it’s important to fix a bad AC capacitor as soon as it starts giving you problems.

The AC capacitor is responsible for giving your AC system a boost of power when it starts up. It brings the fan up to full speed and stops work until the next cycle begins. If it starts to fail, it puts extra pressure on your AC motor, leading to failures and expensive repairs.

In this guide, we’ll take you through bad AC capacitor symptoms and how to replace one.

Bad AC Capacitor Symptoms

Your AC capacitor is located in the outdoor unit of your AC. Therefore, unless you are near the condenser unit, some of the symptoms could be easy to miss.

Startup Failures

A bad AC capacitor cannot deliver the boost of power your AC system needs when it starts up or cannot consistently do so. Your AC may also randomly shut itself off at times.

If you notice these issues, persistently running your AC system could worsen the problem. Instead, call in an AC repair company to identify the underlying issue.

Not Blowing Cold Air

We can’t say for definite that an AC not cooling is a capacitor issue, as this can have many causes. However, it is a common reason and it is easy to fix. Also, if your AC system is taking a long time to cool the house down, get the capacitor checked out.

Smoke

A bad AC capacitor can start emitting smoke, which is caused by chemicals leaking out of it. The smoke is typically acrid-smelling and is a sure sign to turn off your AC system and call an HVAC technician as soon as possible.

Identifying a Bad Capacitor

A bad capacitor can usually be visually identified. They typically look swollen or bulge out. There may also be signs of oil leaking out of it.

Replacing a Bad AC Capacitor

It’s true that you can easily find an AC capacitor replacement guide online. But remember that it is a crucial part of your AC’s electrical system. Replacing it has the potential to harm you and your unit if you don’t get it right.

It is much safer to leave the job to the professionals. HVAC technicians are licensed and trained and will get it right the first time.

You Can Trust Metfab Heating and Cooling

Sometimes, the signs of a bad AC capacitor are clear, but at other times, there are no symptoms at all. That’s why scheduling regular HVAC maintenance is crucial to spot issues before they become serious.

At Metfab Heating and Cooling, we have been diagnosing and fixing HVAC issues for households in Vancouver, WA, for almost 50 years. We can troubleshoot a bad AC capacitor and immediately repair it before it causes other issues.

Whether you need AC repair or maintenance, contact us today, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.