Address Different Causes Of AC Capacitor Problems With Air Conditioning Service | Mohave Valley, AZ

Air conditioners have capacitors that help supply the electrical charge needed to start the unit’s compressor. If your capacitor is damaged or defective, it can cause various problems with your air conditioning unit. There are many reasons why the capacitor in your air conditioning system might get damaged. However, most of these problems are electrical related. Hence, should you notice the signs of an air conditioning system’s capacitor failure, DO NOT attempt to repair the unit yourself. Rather, enlist an air conditioning service technician to inspect your air conditioner and to affect the required repairs. In most instances, the professional will have to replace the existing capacitor. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of capacitor problems so that you can be prepared in case something goes wrong. The main causes of air conditioning capacitor failure include:

Overheating of the AC System

One of the leading causes of capacitor problems in an AC system is overheating. The capacitors in your AC unit are responsible for storing and releasing energy; if they overheat, they can become damaged. When the AC system overheats, the capacitor can become damaged and even fail. This can cause the AC system to malfunction and complete system shutdown. To prevent this, it is important to have air conditioning service done regularly. But what are the reasons why your AC system might be overheating, including:

Dirty filters: If the filters in your AC unit are dirty, they can restrict airflow. This will mean the AC unit has to work harder to push the air into your home, making the system overheat. Capacitors don’t do well under heat conditions, meaning this will expose the component to various issues.

Leaky ducts: If leaks in the ductwork, it causes the system to lose cool air. Hence, the air conditioner cannot cool your home to thermostat-set temperatures. As a result, the AC unit strains to cool your home, which might make the unit overheat, resulting in capacitor problems.

Improperly sized unit: If your AC unit is too small or too big for your home, it can cause the system to work harder than it should, leading to overheating. A too-small unit will strain to cool your home, while a too-large unit will keep on turning on and off. This will have a damaging effect on the capacitor.

To ensure that your unit doesn’t overheat, enlist a technician for a routine air conditioning service. During the maintenance visit, the professional will clean the filters and air filters, seal the leaking ducts, remove the debris and dirt on the outdoor component, and perform other activities that enhance the AC unit’s efficiency and prevent overheating.

Air Conditioning System Capacitor Electrical Overload

A capacitor is an electrical component. Therefore, one of the most common causes of capacitor problems in air conditioning systems is electrical overload. This happens when too much electricity flows through the system, causing the capacitor to overheat and eventually fail. Power surges may cause electrical overload at your Mohave Valley, AZ, home or on the distributor’s side. Additionally, electrical overload might also arise because of manufacturing defects in the electrical components of the air conditioning system.

Have you recently had an air conditioning service where the technician replaced some electrical components? Then it is most likely that the replacement component had some defects or was too small to handle the electrical power passing it. Lightning is among the main causes of electrical surges. Overloads may also arise if the unit isn’t properly installed. Hence, it is recommended that you always leave the air conditioning service, installations, and repairs to professionals.

AC Capacitor Age-Related Wear And Tear

As your air conditioner ages, the capacitor will too. As explained above, the capacitor is the electrical component that helps to start up your air conditioning unit, and it also helps to keep it running smoothly. It does this by storing the charge drawn by the system when needed. Therefore, the capacitor can become worn out over time, leading to several problems that need the attention of an air conditioning service provider.

Although an AC capacitor isn’t designed to last forever, it should at least serve your Mohave Valley, AZ, home for the duration of the heating and air conditioning system. Things like damaged compressors, clogged air ducts and filters, and anything that affects the efficiency of the air conditioner put a strain on the capacitor, exposing it to damage. This will make the component age quickly and give out earlier than anticipated.

If you notice that your AC unit isn’t starting up as quickly as it used to, or if it’s making strange noises, the capacitor may be beginning to fail. These are just a few signs that you may need to replace your AC capacitor. Of course, age isn’t the only thing that can cause problems with your AC capacitor. Failure to have a regular air conditioning service could also lead to issues. Make sure you’re regularly cleaning your AC unit and changing the filter to help prolong the life of your capacitor.

Short Circuits In the Air Conditioning System’s Circuitry

The other cause of the air conditioning system’s capacitor problems is short circuits in the system’s circuitry. This can happen for several reasons, including loose wiring, insulation, or water damage. When a short circuit occurs, it can cause the capacitor to overheat and fail. In some cases, the short circuit may also damage other components in the air conditioning system, such as the compressor or fan motor. Whenever you notice a capacitor failure, call an air conditioning service provider to have the unit inspected and repaired. Always ensure that you only hire licensed and experienced AC repair companies or technicians.

AC Maintenance Averts Capacitor Problems

A capacitor needs delicate handling that includes routine air conditioning service. Contact us at Pitzer’s One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Mohave County for reliable AC maintenance in your Mohave Valley, AZ, home.