When your air conditioning unit struggles to cool your home, there could be an issue with your AC capacitor. If you don’t know what that is, don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Learning about your HVAC systems can be beneficial for home ownership so that you can familiarize yourself with the warning signs of failure before it happens.
If you’re wondering, “How long do AC capacitors last?” then let Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating and its team of expert HVAC contractors, explain everything you need to know about AC capacitors and how they function.
What's an AC Capacitor?
An AC capacitor is the electrical component inside your air conditioner that provides power to your unit. The thermostat in your home sends a signal to it that allows your AC capacitor to start your unit up. Without the capacitor, your unit wouldn’t have the extra boost it needs to start the cycle of cooling to chill your home.
Once the capacitor provides power to your unit to get the process going, your system doesn’t need it anymore. The power system within your air conditioning unit is enough to keep it going until your home is cool and the cycle is over. If you’re trying to locate your capacitor, it looks like a battery with wiring on the outside.
How Long Do AC Capacitors Last?
AC capacitors are long-suffering parts for your unit, generally not subject to as much wear and tear as other components. This is because it’s essentially a one-time-use piece, only responsible for turning the air conditioner on and nothing else. Once the short job is done, the capacitor doesn’t do anything else until the unit needs to start up again.
Capacitors have a few weaknesses, though, in the sense that they are electrical starters. Because of this, they can burn out from the discharge that they use to wake the AC unit up. Similarly, if your air conditioner frequently short cycles, having this problem with your unit can cause your capacitor to wear down faster.
Typically, an AC capacitor will last as long as your system does, which is about six to 10 years on average.
Why Do Capacitors Fail?
Capacitors can fail for many reasons, the first of which is excessive heat. This doesn’t just mean external heat, although that does play a role. If your air conditioning unit isn’t good at cooling itself due to an air filter clog or other maintenance issue, this could cause internal temperatures to become damaging enough for capacitors and sensors alike to fail.
Another reason a capacitor may fail is because of age. Just like the rest of your AC unit, capacitors are subject to age and decay. Years of usage can take their toll on a capacitor, causing a buildup of material until the electricity can’t flow properly.
Another reason you may run into a capacitor issue is due to DIY replacements. If you accidentally install the wrong replacement, it can cause strain on the capacitor and your AC unit. This is why it’s always best to let an experienced HVAC professional handle any air conditioning repairs.
How To Know When Your Capacitor Has Gone Bad
If your AC unit is having issues and you don’t know why, you may be drawing a conclusion by asking yourself, “How long do AC capacitors last?” If you notice some of these things wrong with your unit, it may be time for a replacement:
- Slow startup: If you notice your air conditioner taking longer to start up, it may be unsuccessful in trying to run capacitors.
- No cool air: Another sign that your capacitors fail often is that your air conditioning unit either blows little air or no hot air at all. This means that your capacitor may not have enough power to blow or cool your home.
- Odd noises: If your unit makes odd noises, such as humming or banging, this could be a sign that your capacitor is failing.
Work With Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating for All Your AC Unit Needs
Now that you know the answer to the question, “How long do AC capacitors last?” let our team at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating solve your air conditioning woes. We provide excellent HVAC services to our customers, answering humidity and HVAC system FAQs and more.
Contact Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating at 972-703-5133 for more information or to schedule an appointment.