Capacitors are crucial components that enable air conditioning systems to function efficiently. They provide the necessary burst of energy required for fan motors and compressors to start working. Over time, AC capacitors may become damaged and stop functioning properly. Defective capacitors that lose their capacitive capacity can cause various problems, such as:
- The air conditioning system does not turn on
- The fan or compressor is humming
- Fan or compressor overheating
- System fuses are blown
Checking the capacitor performance
Capacitors contain stored electrical charge, so always follow safety precautions. Use a multimeter to measure the microfarads and compare them to the rated values. Check for damage, such as bulging covers or leaking liquid. If the capacity has decreased by more than 10% or you notice signs of leakage/corrosion, a replacement is likely required. Monitoring the voltage readings can reveal bad connections. Fault indicators on the control boards also signal problems.
How to replace a faulty AC capacitor
If it is diagnosed that the capacitor is out of order, it is not difficult to replace it:
- Turn off the AC power at the circuit breaker and at the junction box, if present
- Discharge the old capacitor to prevent the risk of electric shock
- Remove protective panels if necessary to access the capacitor
- Label the wires, remove the old capacitor, and replace the new one
- Connect the labelled wires to the appropriate connections
- Replace the covers and turn on the power
- Start the system to verify that the capacitor is working and the motors are starting
Always compare the specifications of new capacitors with those of defective ones and install them properly, following the directional markings.
Defective capacitors prevent the air conditioners from operating properly. Consult a certified HVAC technician for complex condenser replacement cases or if problems persist.
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