What Are Air Conditioner Capacitors and How Do They Work?

As a responsible homeowner, it’s important to understand your home’s systems and how they function. You’ll still want to call the experts for repairs, of course, but knowledge can go a long way in helping you figure out what’s going on before you even pick up the phone.

Air conditioners have a lot of different parts and components. These systems are designed to create a cooling process that is efficient and capable of meeting space requirements (based on size). One of the most important components of your system is the air conditioner capacitor.

What Does an AC Capacitor Do?

Air conditioner capacitors store and release the electrical energy in the system. They’re usually found inside the outdoor unit and are shaped like small cylinders. These are used in all kinds of power supplies, controllers, audio equipment, and other products. Their main job is to ensure proper regulation of power in electronic devices.
They’re designed to regulate voltage fluctuations and remove unwanted noise from active circuits so the system’s power can flow more smoothly. It provides the energy for the system to start and keep running and the kick to get the fan going. Without it, the system won’t even turn on, let alone stay running.

What if My Capacitor Fails?

If your air conditioner isn’t turning on at all, or it’s turning on and then shutting right back down, it could indicate that there’s some kind of issue with the power supply, including the capacitor. The best thing to do is to call a professional HVAC service that can handle air conditioning repairs. They’ll be able to come out and diagnose the problem and make the repair promptly.

Even if you’re not sure it’s the capacitor or something else serious, having a professional take a look doesn’t hurt. That way, you’ll save yourself from a last-minute emergency when the system fails during a heat wave because you never got the capacitor looked at.

Call the Experts at Elite Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning

If you suspect that your air conditioning capacitor is starting to fail, or if it has already failed, you should give us a call right away. Our team of air conditioning experts will be able to come out and diagnose the issue and help you determine the best course of action.

We can also assist with routine maintenance and tips on keeping your system running more efficiently with fewer breakdowns, ensuring that you won’t need us as often in the future. However, we’ll always be here for your HVAC needs, no matter how big or small they might be.

If your capacitor is acting up or your air conditioner is experiencing power issues, shut it down right away and call Elite Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning to get a technician out right away. We’ll help you keep your home comfortable and handle any repairs you need.