When should you Replace your HVAC Capacitor?

09 Sep When should you Replace your HVAC Capacitor?

SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

Your HVAC system contains multiple parts that must work succinctly to efficiently heat and cool your home. Unfortunately, over time and through severe temperatures, specific components wear down, causing a decrease in efficiency and may cause your HVAC to break. One such component crucial to the unit’s start-up is the HVAC capacitor, which stores energy to jumpstart your system. If damaged, you may not be able to turn on your air conditioner unit. Therefore, regular maintenance visits from a Tri-Cities qualified HVAC technician can help detect when you should replace your HVAC capacitor to protect your system from breaking down on the most extreme day of the season.

What is the capacitor?

A capacitor is a small, powerful HVAC component that works like a battery and provides the power your unit needs to start. Since your HVAC goes through multiple cycles per day, the capacitor is crucial for system performance as it activates your unit. In some cases, our certified HVAC technicians in Kingsport recommend replacing the capacitor on older systems to keep them running smoothly. Without a proper working capacitor, your HVAC unit may fail to start.

What causes a capacitor to fail?

Capacitors should last between 10-20 years on average. However, with extreme hot or cold temperatures, its lifespan can shorten dramatically. Additionally, each HVAC unit requires specific parts with qualified voltage ratings to run effectively. An underperforming capacitor with the wrong voltage may cause damage to other parts or break down quicker than one suited for your sized unit. Our Johnson City HVAC pros can check your capacitor to ensure it’s performing efficiently and recommend replacement if needed.

What are bad capacitor signs?

Usually, when facing common HVAC repairs, specific signs can help explain your problem to our experienced Bristol HVAC technicians, so we can quickly diagnose and repair the issue.

Below are common signs that your capacitor may need a replacement

• Your AC unit won’t turn on.
• Your AC unit doesn’t blow cold air.
• Your AC unit makes a humming sound.
• Your AC unit shuts off automatically on its own.
• Your AC unit takes a long time to start after turning it on.

Contact a professional HVAC technician to examine your unit when you experience one of the above conditions. With their skills and expertise, they can best determine the problem and provide the ideal solution.

When should you replace a capacitor?

During your appointment, our Kingsport HVAC pros may recommend replacing your capacitor. Using a voltmeter, we check the microfarads to determine capacitor need. Also, when a capacitor swells like a balloon or leaks oil, you should call our technicians at Thompson Electrical Service for a replacement instead of attempting to repair it yourself.

HVAC Repair in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN

A system breakdown during a peak summer or winter season can be inconvenient for homeowners. However, with regular maintenance appointments from a qualified HVAC company in the Tri-Cities area, you can protect your HVAC investment and ensure a comfortable temperature inside your home no matter the outside weather. Call Thompson Electrical Service today at (423) 343-5726 or contact us online to schedule your maintenance appointment.