What Does A Capacitor Do In An Air Conditioner? 5 Easy Steps!

Are you curious if what does a capacitor do in an air conditioner? This is a simple yet essential component of an air conditioner that needs to be cared for and maintained to keep working. 

Failure to do so can lead to serious problems. Yes, you read it right my friends.

what does a capacitor do in an air conditioner

In this post, we will talk mainly about an air capacitator and how you will maintain it so that the air conditioning system in your house will keep running. 

So, without further ado, let’s start!

 

What Is A Capacitator In An Aircon?

So, what does a capacitor do in an air conditioner? Before anything else, let us first know this aircon component. 

Well, this is an electronic mechanism that is responsible for storing the charge into the electrostatic field. 

In other words, it is a storage device that temporarily stores electricity. It also stabilizes the voltage as well as starts the cooling system motors. 

This component is important for your air conditioning unit to run since it is the one that supplies power to the motors in an air conditioner. Meaning to say, if the aircon’s capacitator is not functioning well, the air conditioner will also not function. Or if it does, it would be less efficient. 

As a matter of fact, the breakdowns of air conditioners are often caused by the failure of its capacitator. 

 

But What Causes Capacitator Failure?

Commonly, the capacitator will break down if you use the unit for a long period. This is common among tropical countries with humid and warm temperatures. 

The hot temperature outdoors plus the overheating of the aircon since it is overused can result in the malfunctioning of the capacitator. 

If your air conditioning system produces a humming sound with the fan running, then it indicates that the capacitor is malfunctioning. 

 

What Does A Capacitor Do In Your Air Conditioner?

If you want to extend the life of your air conditioning unit, ensure that the capacitator is protected by regular maintenance as well as proper usage of your unit. 

This is especially true if you are living somewhere with a hotter climate. Remember that the air conditioner works two times harder in keeping your house cool.

If the unit is constantly used throughout the year, it will be overworked. So on colder nights, you can turn off your AC unit. 

Using its dry mode is also recommended since you will use less power in such a case. You may also turn off your unit by the time the desired temperature for the room is reached. 

Do not worry because the room will remain cool for as long as the windows are kept shut. 

 

Steps In Repairing Aircon Capacitators

If you think that the capacitator of your AC unit has malfunctioned, you can follow the steps below in repairing it. 

 

Step #1. Turning off the condenser

Turn off the condenser outdoors. But make sure to keep yourself protected against the risks of electrical sparks. 

Also, test the condenser to make sure that it has no power.

 

Step #2. Opening the access panel

You will need a screwdriver to loosen the screws in opening the access panel. 

 

Step #3. Getting a new capacitator

After you open the access panel, you will see the damaged capacitator. This has the same shape as cans, and it is usually designed with a sticker. 

Inspect the sticker and take note of the data written on it, including the tolerance, load voltage, among others. This is important in buying a new aircon capacitator

Just show those data to the store employee to help you find a capacitator having similar characteristics. The size and shape will not matter, only those technical data. 

 

Step #4. Connect the new capacitator

Firstly, you need to disconnect all the wires of the old capacitator. Then, install the new one the same way the old one is connected. 

Make sure to connect each wire to its respective spot. Remember to take time to do this process. Then, check again if the wires are installed in their appropriate place. 

To avoid getting confused, try disconnecting only one wire first from the ruined capacitator and connect it onto the new one before you proceed to another wire. 

However, the wires can end up being tangled if you aren’t focused. 

After you connected every wire successfully, recheck the connections to ensure that they are fixed firmly in their place. 

Finally, install the new capacitor in your air conditioning unit. 

 

Step #5. Checking the condenser

To complete the process, you need to turn the condenser on. Also, switch the thermostat on and start your air conditioner. 

You will know that you succeeded in repairing your capacitator if you no longer hear a humming sound. 

 

It’s A Wrap!

Now, you know what does a capacitor do in an air conditioner. 

Hopefully, the information provided to you earlier helps you in saving your AC unit from breaking down. Otherwise, call for a professional. 

But then again, if you use and maintain your unit properly, you will be able to save from high repair costs. 

Remember that oftentimes, the malfunctioning of an air conditioning system results from poor maintenance and usage habit. 

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