A capacitor is like a big battery that stores a lot of electric energy. It has two conductor plates with insulating material in between them.
Air conditioners need a boost of electricity to get their motors going and keep them running until it’s time for another cooling cycle. They’re also useful in preventing voltage spikes.
Capacitor Types
In the jumble of wires inside your air conditioner’s outdoor unit lives one of the most important parts of your AC: a capacitor. The capacitor, which resembles a shiny cylinder, stores a powerful energy charge that helps power the different motors in your system and keeps them running throughout your cooling cycle.
Capacitors have been used in high-energy applications like this since the late 1700s and are responsible for making power surges more manageable for electrical devices such as your AC. When your capacitor wears out, however, it can cause a wide variety of problems that disrupt how your system works. If you notice a capacitor is going bad, call an HVAC contractor in Santa Rosa to inspect the issue and potentially replace it.
There are two main types of capacitors that you’ll find in your air conditioning unit: a start capacitor and a run capacitor. The start capacitor provides an initial burst of energy to get your compressor and fan motors spinning, while the run capacitor provides a steady flow of electricity to keep those motors powered up and running throughout the cooling cycle.
A single capacitor has two metal terminals on either side, connecting wires from your motor and compressor. A dual capacitor, on the other hand, has three terminals. It’s important to use a capacitor that matches the voltage of your system. Otherwise, you may damage the circuits in your home or overheat the capacitor.
When choosing a capacitor for your air conditioning unit, pay close attention to the rated voltage and microfarads. The voltage determines how fast the electrical current moves through the device, while the microfarads indicate how much capacity the capacitor has to store electricity. You’ll also want to look for a capacitor that is UL listed, as well as a polarized capacitor. Polarized capacitors have leads labeled with + and – marks to help you identify the correct direction it needs to be plugged in. Capacitors with a higher voltage rating will cost more than those with lower ratings.
Capacitor Voltage
Capacitors store electric energy by swapping electrons between two conductive plates inside. They look like large batteries and are often cylindrical, with two or three posts sticking out of the top. They are used to start air conditioner motors and keep them running by storing energy and releasing it when the system needs it. They also help prevent voltage spikes that can damage motors and other electrical components.
Because they are so important to the functioning of your AC unit, you should never try to replace a capacitor yourself if it is defective or not working correctly. This is because capacitors are high-voltage devices that can cause serious harm to your home if you aren’t familiar with how they work. Instead, call a professional technician to handle this task.
There are several different capacitor types for different air conditioners, and each has a specific voltage rating. These ratings will help technicians determine the best capacitor for each type of air conditioning unit. When a capacitor is too small for its application, it may overload and overheat. Eventually, this can shorten its lifespan significantly. The right size capacitor will provide enough power and maintain a long lifespan.
To calculate the capacitance of an air conditioning capacitor, you can use a calculator or take its microfarad rating and multiply it by its voltage. This will give you the capacitor’s full load amps, which measure its capacity. Using a calculator with the correct values is important, or you will get inaccurate results.
If you’re replacing a run capacitor, you should know that these devices have dual and single versions. The difference is that dual capacitors have three terminals, while single capacitors have two. Dual capacitors are typically easier to install because they don’t require additional mounting space. In addition, they have clearly labeled connections, which makes them simple to connect to the other parts of your air conditioner.
You should always choose a capacitor that has a voltage rating equal to or higher than your AC unit’s power source. Never select a lower voltage rating capacitor, as this can place excessive demand on the device and reduce its lifespan.
Capacitor Capacitance
Capacitors have a very important function in your air conditioner. They store a powerful energy charge to give your motors the power they need when they start up and keep them running. Without this boost, your air conditioning won’t work as well.
You may have heard of capacitors in popular science fiction movies like “Back to the Future.” They’ve been used since the late 1700s and are integral to many high-energy applications, including your AC system. A capacitor is simply two conductor plates with an insulating material between them. The greater the surface area of these plates, the greater the capacity of the capacitor. The insulating material can be anything from paper, special non-conductive materials, or even the air itself.
The main things that distinguish capacitors from one another are their voltage and microfarad rating. The voltage describes how fast electrical current moves through the capacitor, while the microfarad is the amount of electricity the capacitor can hold. These two characteristics are vital for determining which capacitor will work with a particular air conditioner. A capacitor with a higher voltage will be more likely to fit into your AC unit, while a low-voltage model might not work properly or may shorten its life span.
Choosing the correct capacitor for your air conditioning can be confusing, but it’s relatively easy once you understand the basics. The most important factor is the voltage, which should match your air conditioner’s operating voltage. Once you know this, the rest of the details are more or less standard across manufacturers.
In general, you’ll want a capacitor with a larger microfarad value for your compressor and a smaller microfarad value for the fan. However, there are exceptions. For example, if your hermetic compressor motor needs a high-voltage starting capacitor, you’ll need to find a dual-capacitor that can support both the hermetic motor and the normal start-up and run-down processes.
It’s also crucial to shade your AC capacitors from direct sunlight. Exposing them to direct heat will shorten their lifespans, which could lead to problems when they’re needed most.
Capacitor Terminals
As the capacitor collects energy, it builds up a charge on its two electrodes. The charged electrodes are separated by an insulating material: paper, special non-conductive film, or even air. The capacitance of this insulating material is what determines the voltage and microfarad rating of the capacitor.
The capacitor’s two terminals connect to your compressor motor and blower fan wires. The electrical power that passes through these wires will also be stored inside the capacitor until it’s needed again. In short, the capacitor is like a big battery that stores electricity until it’s called on again.
When it’s first started up, the capacitor will provide a large burst of energy to kickstart the AC system and get its motors running. This will help reduce wear and tear on other electrical components, including relays and contactors. Once it’s running, the capacitor will regulate the power to a consistent level. This will ensure that the motors keep running and the air conditioner keeps cooling your home.
There are several different types of capacitors used in your air conditioning system. Depending on the type of capacitor and its application, different terminals must be connected to specific circuit parts. This can be confusing for homeowners who have little experience with electrical work. Fortunately, most capacitors have labels on the top that make it easy to identify the connections.
For example, a start capacitor will have two terminals labeled “C” or common and the “HERM” or fan terminal. The “C” terminal is connected to the common leg of the power supply, while the “HERM” or fan terminal is attached to the blower motor or other load. Some dual capacitors have a fourth terminal for connecting a hard start kit, but this is rare.
If you need to replace an air conditioning capacitor, it’s best to leave the job to a professional. While a replacement capacitor is fairly affordable ($9 to $45), the labor cost can add up quickly for homeowners who try to DIY this project. The right AC contractor will be able to provide expert installation and peace of mind that your new capacitor is working properly.
