If something is failing or going amiss with your HVAC unit, chances are, your HVAC unit is letting you know something is not quite right. However, most of the cues come in the form of sounds that many of us may overlook. If you hear your HVAC unit grinding, squealing, screeching or squeaking, it is letting you know it needs help. I was unaware of these cues and overlooked them. It ended up costing me a lot of money in repairs. I want to make sure that does not happen to other people, so I made this website. I hope you learn how to interpret the noises your HVAC unit is making so you can get it the repairs it needs before you incur a costly repair, or worse, permanently ruin your unit for good.
When your AC isn't working optimally, a malfunctioning capacitor could be one of the possible causes. Note that the capacitor is a component inside the AC motor that helps facilitate the start whenever you switch on your unit. So, when it starts to fail, you'll notice reduced cooling output or the AC may not cool your home at all. You may also hear unusual sounds from your unit or observe a sudden spike in your energy bill. Below is a more comprehensive exploration of the signs of a failing capacitor.
A Spike In Your Energy Bill
If your energy costs have been rising despite keeping your usage consistent, a failing capacitor is likely the cause of your problem. Keep in mind that a failing capacitor will force your air conditioning unit to work harder than usual to cool your home, using more energy. Various issues can lead to a spike in your electricity expenses, which is why you need to call an AC repair professional to inspect your unit and advise on whether changing the capacitor is necessary.
Cold Air Doesn't Come From the Vents
In the event that cold air doesn't blow from the vents, it is likely a sign that your AC needs urgent repair. The first thing to check before calling a technician is whether the air filter is clogged. If you have recently changed it, confirm that the evaporator coil doesn't have dirt build-up. Then, switch off your unit and turn it back on. If, after these measures, cold air still doesn't blow from the vent, contact your repair technician to check whether the capacitor could be the root of the problem.
There's A Loud Noise From the AC
AC units are designed with two capacitors, the run and start capacitors. If either of these capacitors malfunctions, you'll hear a loud humming noise from the connected motors. As soon as you hear this sound, switch off your unit and contact your AC repair technician. This is imperative because if the AC continues to run, the motor will overheat and burn out. Accordingly, seeking prompt repairs will help avoid the need to replace the motor, which can be costly.
Your AC Turns Off By Itself or Takes Time to Turn On
The capacitor ensures a steady flow of energy to the AC. Thus, when it's not working optimally, the air conditioner may turn off on its own soon after you power it on. Sometimes, the AC will take longer to start running after you switch it on. In either of these instances, speak to your AC contractor about the need for capacitor repair.
When your AC capacitor is faulty, your AC won't work properly. This is why you must pay attention to the signs of failure above and seek immediate intervention from an AC repair professional.
Share