All capacitors are designed to store energy. The difference
lies in what this energy is stored and used for.
If you're having an issue with your air conditioning system,
the capacitor could be the cause, but which one do you need for your repair?
When it comes to air conditioning, there are two main types
of capacitors, run capacitors and begin capacitors. The differences between a
run capacitor and a start capacitor can be bewildering. However, having a clear
understanding of what each type of capacitor is, this confusion may be easily
resolved.
Run Capacitors
Run capacitors are more commonly used in ac
systems than start capacitors. The run capacitor
inside your AC is used to store energy, which is used to turn the fan motor, an
essential component to your working AC. With no run capacitor, the fan
cannot turn.
Start Capacitors
Start capacitors are the second most commonly found
capacitor within an AC system. Without a start
capacitor, your AC will not start up at all, as it is the beginning capacitor
that provides the initial energy required for start-up. A lot of torque is
necessary to start up an AC system, so a start capacitor may have greater
capacitance than a run capacitor.
AC Capacitors
The term “AC
capacitor” usually refers to your air conditioners run capacitor, simply
because run capacitors are more commonly found in air conditioning systems. If
you have a faulty run capacitor, your AC system will neglect to cool your home
properly or efficiently, leading to wasted energy and money. For those who have a
faulty start capacitor, your AC may not run at all.
There are several key signs to look for that might
indicate that your AC capacitor is faulty.
- Your AC no longer blows cold air
- Your AC creates a low humming sound that wasn't
there before - Your energy bills happen to be increasing
- Your AC sometimes does not turn on, or does not
switch on at all - Your AC turns off unexpectedly
Remember, if you're unsure if your AC capacitor needs
replacing, you can use a multimeter to test your AC capacitor.
Generator Capacitor
Similarly to all the capacitors described
above, a generator
capacitor also stores electric charge. The generator capacitor offers the
voltage, and regulates the voltage, inside the generator. A low voltage reading
may indicate that the generator capacitor is faulty.
You can test out your generator
capacitor using a multimeter.
Refrigerator Capacitor
A refrigerator
capacitor most often refers to the more common run capacitor in a fridge.
The run capacitor in your fridge will probably be located
near the compressor, so signs the run capacitor in your fridge might be
faulty include:
- Hearing a clicking sound once the refrigerator
compressor runs - The refrigerator compressor seems to be running
too often (a few times an hour is normal, more when in frequent use) - The refrigerator compressor doesn't seem to be
running often enough
Replace Your Run Capacitor with Repair Clinic
Repair clinic has the guidance and parts you have to easily replace your run capacitor or start capacitor, in your AC, generator or refrigerator.
SHOP RUN CAPACITORS SHOP START CAPACITORS
