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Capacitor Troubles In Your AC: What You Need to Know

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When your air conditioner stops working during the summer, the culprit is often something small but critical: the capacitor. This small electrical component plays a huge role in helping your AC start up and run smoothly. When it fails, your system can’t do its job—leaving you hot, uncomfortable, and frustrated. At Peaden, our skilled Peaden Pros handle capacitor issues quickly with AC repair, ensuring your AC gets back to keeping your home cool and comfortable.

What Does a Capacitor Do in Your AC?

Your air conditioner’s capacitor stores and releases electrical energy to power the motors that run your compressor, fan, and blower. Think of it as the “spark” that gets your AC moving. Without a functioning capacitor, the motors can’t start or may struggle to stay running.

Most AC units have two types of capacitors:

  • Start capacitor – Provides the initial jolt of electricity to start the compressor and fan motors.
  • Run capacitor – Delivers a steady stream of power to keep the motors operating once they’re running.

If either one fails, your AC’s performance can be seriously affected.

Signs of a Bad AC Capacitor

Capacitor problems often show clear warning signs. Call the Peaden Pros if you notice:

  • AC won’t turn on – Without a working start capacitor, your system may not power up at all.
  • Humming sound without the fan turning – The motor is trying to start but isn’t getting the electrical boost it needs.
  • Intermittent cooling – A weak run capacitor can cause the system to shut off unexpectedly.
  • Longer startup times – The AC struggles to kick into gear.
  • Burning smell or visible swelling – Capacitors can overheat or swell when failing.

Why Capacitors Fail

In Crestview’s hot, humid climate, capacitors face tough working conditions. High temperatures, power surges, and normal wear and tear can all shorten their lifespan. On average, a capacitor may last 5–10 years, but heavy summer use can cause them to fail sooner.

Don’t Replace a Capacitor Yourself

Capacitors store electricity even when the power is off, and handling them without proper training can result in electric shock. We have the tools, knowledge, and safety training to diagnose and replace a bad capacitor correctly. We also check for any related issues that may have caused the capacitor to fail in the first place.

The Importance of Timely Repairs

Ignoring capacitor issues can lead to bigger problems. Motors that can’t start or run properly may overheat, leading to costly damage to your compressor or fan. Since these are some of the most expensive AC components to replace, catching capacitor problems early can save you significant repair costs down the road.

How the Peaden Pros Can Help

When you call Peaden for AC repair Crestview, we respond quickly to restore your comfort. Our Peaden Pros will:

  • Perform a thorough system inspection
  • Test the capacitor’s electrical performance
  • Replace faulty components with high-quality parts
  • Ensure your AC is running at peak efficiency before we leave

If you suspect your AC’s capacitor is failing, don’t wait for a complete breakdown. Call the Peaden Pros today for expert AC repair in Crestview, FL, and enjoy fast, reliable service that keeps your home cool all summer long.

Call today to discover The Peaden Way: Service Is Our Passion, Safety Is Our Priority, Satisfaction Is Our Promise.

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