And What Caused Mine to Fail? A capacitor is a small device used to store energy to help enable a single phase motor to run. Your heating and air conditioning system has several of these motors which require a capacitor.
The main reason capacitors fail is due to overheating, which causes a problem since this is when we need our air conditioners the most. High heat causes the elements of capacitance to break down, reducing the amount of energy that can be stored, and reducing the effectiveness of the capacitor.
High heat can come from either the environment, such as high outdoor temperatures, or from internal electrical temperatures, usually due to the slow breakdown of the motor windings and the resulting over-amping of the motor to try and keep it running.
The third reason a capacitor might fail is simply due to age. As with everything, capacitors break down with time as the elements of capacitance slowly degrade.
The good news is, this is a quick and easy fix and can usually be detected prior to a breakdown if you have your system maintained consistently.
For more info on service or maintenance for your heater or air conditioner give us a call today! 817-382-7088.
Leave a Reply