Home » Why Do HVAC Motor Run Capacitors Fail? How To Prevent this?

Why Do HVAC Motor Run Capacitors Fail? How To Prevent this?

A guide on why the motor run capacitor of air conditioners fail and what steps you can take to prevent that from happening

by jamezturner3153
motor run capacitors

In this article we are going to discuss in depth why motor run capacitors of hvac systems fail and how we can prevent this from happening or at the very least know at the latest if it has happened.

If the air conditioner fails during the summer, one of the most common causes is a condenser failure. To explain why condensers fail and how they affect air conditioners, we first need to explain what they are and what they do when they work properly.

Motor Run Capacitors are an important component of an HVAC electrical system.

The role of the capacitor is to store electricity like a rechargeable battery. This allows you to provide a small boost of power to the connected motor when needed. An HVAC unit contains two basic types of capacitors: start-up capacitors and operating capacitors (also known as motor run capacitors). The starting capacitor provides the extra voltage needed to start the compressor or fan motor, and the starting capacitor provides the power needed to run them. That is, the starting capacitor is required only at the beginning of each cycle, and the starting capacitor operates throughout the cycle. Heat pumps and air conditioners use dual-drive capacitors connected to both compressors and fans, while furnaces use single-drive capacitors connected to blowing motors.

So why spoil the capacitor? Can we stop it from happening?

First of all, capacitors are sensitive to overheating. Overheating can be caused by the sun. In rooftop air conditioners it mostly is the case. It can exceed 150°C on hot summer days. However, electrical overheating can occur because the unit has been operating for too long. Of course, they are most likely to occur on the hottest days of summer. To prevent your HVAC from overheating, set the thermostat a little higher on a hot day. Take other steps to improve energy efficiency, such as using reflective blinds on east- and west-facing windows.

Power surges can also cause capacitors to fail. Obviously, a lightning strike from a summer thunderstorm can overheat and burn an electrical HVAC system. Also, weak power surges can damage capacitors over time. These weak spikes can be caused by fluctuations in the power grid. It can affect even the simplest things like turning on and off large appliances in your home. Alternatively, if a thunderstorm that summer causes a power outage, the sudden surge that occurs when the power is turned on again can damage the HVAC capacitors. It protects the air conditioner and its condensers from this sudden force. Consider installing an HVAC surge protector.

The third major reason for capacitor failure is simply age.

Like rechargeable batteries, the capacity of capacitors to store and release energy diminishes over time. It is inevitable that the capacitors will eventually wear out. Repairs are relatively easy and inexpensive as long as you find a failing capacitor early on. If the air conditioner continues to operate with a capacitor failure, it may cause more serious and costly problems in the future.

How do you know that capacitors are bad?

How does a condenser failure affect HVAC? This is one of the many reasons for regular preventative maintenance. This includes checking the electrical components of the HVAC system. However, other than having a qualified technician check the capacitor, there are other ways you can detect a capacitor failure. If there is a problem with the air conditioner compressor starting and stopping immediately, it may be due to a defective capacitor. Occasionally the conditioning stops and starts working quickly and frequently. Alternatively, if you hear a buzzing or crackling sound from the HVAC unit, it may be due to a faulty capacitor. In general, if the air conditioning is not working properly, this indicates that the capacitor may be faulty.

Don’t ignore the problem

If the AC has been working for at least some time, you may want to postpone the service call. That’s why this is a really bad idea. Repairs are relatively cheap when the capacitors begin to fail. A qualified technician is required to replace it with a new capacitor. Do not attempt to replace the capacitors yourself. It is very dangerous because of the electric charges accumulated in the capacitor, and the oil inside is dangerous. However, if the air conditioner continues to run with faulty capacitors, it can cause serious damage to much more expensive parts. If the capacitors are not working properly, the motor to which the capacitors are connected can overheat and burn out. Instead of replacing the capacitors, you may have to replace the fan motor or compressor. This may require replacing the entire air conditioner. You don’t want that at all!

Condensate is often overlooked, but it is a very important component of HVAC systems. Getting them to function properly through preventative maintenance and timely servicing helps prevent summer breakdowns and more costly repairs. Take care of your capacitors, and they will take care of you.

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