The capacitor plays a vital role in the functioning of your air conditioning unit. When problems come up with your A/C system, the capacitor is one of the first places to look for trouble. While you’ll obviously need an ac capacitor replacement if it fails completely, you may also want to think about replacing it in advance of that event. For capacitor replacement or any other maintenance and repair work on your air conditioning, contact TAM A/C and Heating today.
They Can Last a Long Time
In many cases, capacitors for air conditioners will last a very long time. In fact, many people will never have to replace this part, moving out of the home before it needs to be addressed. It’s entirely possible for it to last 15 or 20 years without giving you any trouble.
Of course, that outcome is not guaranteed. Some people need to replace the AC capacitor much sooner than that, for one reason or another. The best thing you can do as a homeowner is to pay attention to the performance of your system and watch for signs of trouble. Are there any indications that things are not running as they should be? If so, you’ll want a professional to inspect the air conditioner to determine if it is the capacity or something else that’s to blame.
Why Would It Fail Early?
There are plenty of reasons for an AC capacitor replacement to happen before its typical lifespan has run out. As a starting point, it might simply be the wrong capacitor. If you tried to replace an old one on your own, or if the previous homeowner did so, the incorrect voltage may have been selected. This can easily lead to a capacitor that doesn’t last as long as you would expect.
Another potential issue is extreme heat putting stress on the part. Air conditioners are used during hot weather, of course, and those high temperatures can stress the various components that make the system run. Trying to protect the unit through some form of shade (while still leaving plenty of space around it, of course) can help to reduce the damage that heat can do.
One other important point to consider is how often your air conditioner turns on and off. Those cycles each chip away at the lifespan of the various parts involved. According to Amana, “fan controls or capacitor could be worn out or electric connections may have been affected by the system’s consistent starting and stopping, and on-demand operation.”. If you have your air conditioner set to come on frequently when the temperature reaches a certain level, you might be wearing down your equipment faster than it would otherwise age.
Is Now the Time? You don’t need to make this decision on your own. If you are wondering about the condition of your capacitor, or if you’d simply like to have your whole system inspected, reach out to TAM A/C and Heat right away for help. Our friendly team will discuss your needs and develop a plan to make sure you get the best possible performance from your system all summer long. We appreciate your time!