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.
For your HVAC to function correctly, it needs at least one capacitor. If the capacitor stops working, your AC will not be able to run and you might suddenly be without cold air in the middle of the summer.
How the Capacitor Works
The capacitor is like a battery that stores electricity. When your compressor and condenser cycle on, the capacitor gives it a jolt of electricity so that it is allowed to run. The capacitor has a secondary role of preventing electricity from fluctuating in your HVAC system. This protects the compressor and the condenser fan from damage due to fluctuations in electricity.
How the Capacitor Fails
A capacitor will either fail gradually or will fail abruptly. You might discover that your AC will not turn on one day.
When a capacitor is slowly failing, you might start to notice an increase in your energy bills. This is because your HVAC system will need to work harder to keep your home cool. When the capacitor is in the process of failing, it will also have a humming noise.
However, you might not be able to hear it depending on the location of your AC unit. The AC might also not turn on immediately and might shut off on its own even when your home has not cooled to the desired temperature.
What to Do After the Capacitor Fails
If the capacitor fails, you fortunately won't have to replace your AC because the capacitor is a cheap part that can easily be replaced by an HVAC service technician.
The Capacitor Replacement Process
Replacing a capacitor can be a hassle if you have never done so before. The HVAC system must be fully disconnected from the power supply. The old capacitor will still have energy inside it and the energy needs to be fully discharged.
Discharging the Capacitor
To discharge the capacitor, you must first test the capacitor with a multimeter. Then, you can press an insulated screwdriver against the capacitor to discharge it. It's dangerous to try to disconnect the old capacitor beforehand.
Replacing the Capacitor
You'll need to make sure that all the wires are connected in the right way after disconnecting them from the dead capacitor. You'll need to make sure that each wire is tightly secured to the capacitor. You must also make sure that the capacitor is secured. Hiring HVAC services is affordable and you can have your capacitor replaced without having to worry about making any mistakes that will cause your AC to not work.
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