
So if the motor continues to try to fire up with a failed capacitor, it could cause it to burn out. And when one or both types of capacitors die, the motor they’re attached to will still attempt to fire up, but will only hum. One sign that a capacitor is failing is a clicking sound from within the cabinet. And like batteries, they will fail over time due to excessive use. Capacitors help power the compressor, the blower motor and the outside fan.
AC COMPOSITOR SERIES
Run capacitors, on the other hand, send a regular series of jolts to keep the motor working. Start capacitors send a jolt of electricity to start up the motor. There are two types of capacitors: start capacitors and run capacitors. The CapacitorĬapacitors make it possible for the motors that power the compressor and fans to work. They’re like temporary cylindrical batteries that need to be replaced regularly. So if you suspect a problem, it’s best to get them replaced immediately. Other signs of damage include leaks from the capacitor and loud buzzing noises from the contactor.Īs we mentioned, these parts are relatively cheap and easy to replace. However, their failure can lead to expensive compressor or fan motor repairs. The most likely cause is either a failed capacitor or contactor. The capacitor and contactor work together in your air conditioner or heat pump to help power the fan and compressor. A telltale sign that one or both of these components has failed is when your air conditioning system’s fan runs normally, but the air is not heating or cooling.
AC COMPOSITOR PROFESSIONAL
So with that in mind, let’s take a look at what these two components do, how they can fail and why you should hire a professional to replace them: The Capacitor and Contactor are a Team

And they’re also relatively easy and cheap to fix. But it can also be dangerous to attempt to fix them yourself. Two components that work together to power up your AC system that you should know about are the capacitor and contactor. They’re an electrical tag team that can fail easily and need to be replaced regularly. So when even the smallest electrical component fails, it can result in an inefficient or nonfunctioning AC system. And there’s a ridiculous amount of electrical components that make an air conditioning system function properly, including circuits and connections. Electrical problems account for the majority of air conditioning system problems, especially what we call “ No Cools” or “No Heats”.
