What is a Capacitor? Bartlett Heating and Air Has the Answer!

A capacitor is a passive two terminal electrical component. Capacitors are used to block DC current and allow alternation current to pass through. Capacitors are almost like little batteries by storing electrical energy. There are 4 capacitors in your air conditioner. One in your blower motor, condenser motor, compressor, and the outdoor unit has one too. Capacitors keep your motor in rhythm. Compressor motor capacitors are the ones that fail the most out of the four and are usually dual capacitors. Dual capacitors are basically two capacitors in one and they have three terminals on top vs just two of a single capacitor. Indoor blower motor capacitor is a small single capacitor that starts and runs the indoor blower motor. Outside fan motor capacitor starts and runs the fan outside that blows the air through the coils. Its a smaller single unit capacitor. Some air conditioners have a capacitor that helps jump start the motor though they are less common. A bad capacitor can prevent your motor from running, and when that happens, the air conditioner will not cool. If your indoor fan stops, you wont find air blowing through the vents. Capacitors have a life expectancy of about a year to two. Bartlett Heating and Air recommends you have your capacitor checked each year with your annual clean and check. Many things can cause them to fail. The power companies raise and lower voltage to the lines in peak times of the year which fluctuates the capacitor making it work harder. When the capacitor gets too hot and is over used, the liquid inside boils and makes the capacitor look like a balloon and sometimes pop. Call Bartlett Heating and Air today to have your capacitor looked at.