How do I know if my compressor capacitor is bad?
How do I know if my compressor capacitor is bad?
Bad AC Capacitor Symptoms Checklist
- Smoke or a burning smell from exterior air conditioning components.
- A humming noise from your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner takes some time to start a cooling cycle once you turn it on.
- The air conditioning system shuts off at random.
Does the AC capacitor affect the compressor?
One of the most important parts of the electrical system in your air conditioning unit is the capacitors. Without these working smoothly, the motors that power both the compressor and the fans cannot work properly.
How often do AC capacitors go bad?
about 20 years
In general, you can expect most AC capacitors to last about 20 years. This is a fairly long lifespan, which is why most heating and AC repair companies will take a look at the capacitor last. They expect the capacitor to last for quite some time.
How do you test a bad AC capacitor?
The most common signs and symptoms of a bad AC capacitor include:
- AC not blowing cold air.
- AC takes a while to start once you turn it on.
- Humming sound coming from your air conditioner.
- AC shuts off on its own.
- AC won’t turn on.
Will a bad capacitor cause a compressor to fail?
If your air conditioner’s compressor has trouble starting and then quickly shuts off, that can be a result of a bad capacitor. Sometimes the air conditioner will quickly and repeatedly stop and start. Or if you hear humming or clicking noises coming from your HVAC unit, these can also be due to bad capacitors.
How do you know if a capacitor is broken?
Use the multimeter and read the voltage on the capacitor leads. The voltage should read near 9 volts. The voltage will discharge rapidly to 0V because the capacitor is discharging through the multimeter. If the capacitor will not retain that voltage, it is defective and should be replaced.
