It won’t be long before the weather gets warm again, and you’ll need your air conditioner to keep you cool indoors. But when an AC is out of commission for several months, it’s not uncommon for the unit to seize up or the AC capacitor to go wrong, requiring electric motor repair. Below are a few indications that you need to replace it.

How to Know You Have a Faulty AC Capacitor

1. Lack of Cold Air

All air conditioners have electric motors in their compressors that come equipped with a capacitor. The AC capacitor is a small cylindrical device that stores and transmits electricity to either jumpstart the engine or keep it running. So when a capacitor is on the fritz, the compressor won’t function to cool your indoors. While there are other reasons for the lack of cold air, a bad capacitor may be the culprit.

2. Inconsistent Operations

A cooling unit in excellent condition will keep running until you shut it down, even if it cycles on and off. But when it has a faulty capacitor, the AC will completely turn off unaided. That’s because there’s no stored energy left in the capacitor for the compressor motor. Even if you restart the AC, it will only run shortly before stopping again.

Also, pay attention to how long it takes for the cooling unit to start running after you switch it on. If it takes a while to feel the cold air, it’s a sign that you need electric motor repair services.

3. No Power

There are many reasons why your AC won’t turn on, and most of them are power-related. Try to cut off power via the breaker panel, then reconnect. If this doesn’t work, chances are there’s a problem with the capacitor. With constant use, it loses its ability to store energy, diminishing the amount of voltage it can supply to the compressor. When it fails, the AC won’t power up until you replace the shot capacitor.

4. Unusual Noise

Before a capacitor breaks down completely, your AC will make a humming sound without the condensing unit’s fan running. Check the vents to see if the fan blades are spinning; if not, prod them using a long, thin object. When they start turning after you do this, it means the capacitor is faulty and unable to provide the necessary power. Call an electric motor repair technician to fix the trouble. 

When your AC is acting up, it may be due to a faulty capacitor. Opt for electric motor repair from A-1 Electric Motor Service in Covington, KY. Backed by over 60 years of experience, they’ve provided top-notch servicing on a variety of HVAC electric motors, including winding services, across the Tri-State area. Call (859) 291-1351 to request a service today or learn more about them online.