A reliable AC unit is necessary in the dog days of summer. Littleton, CO, may not get as hot as other places, but you’d still be quite uncomfortable without an AC.
There are many moving parts inside of an air conditioner, and the capacitor is responsible for powering the unit. If anything goes wrong with this piece, you’ll need to get it repaired.
Southwest Heating & Cooling can help with capacitor and AC repair in Littleton, CO. If you’re wondering, “How long do air conditioner capacitors last?” we offer a detailed explanation so you can know what to expect with yours.
What Does a Capacitor Do?
A capacitor is essentially a battery holding electric energy inside the air conditioner unit. These capacitors come in different shapes and sizes. Choosing the wrong one could lead to your entire AC unit running inefficiently or failing altogether.
Know the Signs of a Failing AC Capacitor
No air conditioner capacitors last forever. You should know the signs of a failing capacitor so you can ensure your Littleton, CO, home stays cool all summer long.
Common signs that your capacitor is failing include:
- Not Turning On: If your AC unit isn’t turning on at all, it’s likely due to the capacitor not working correctly.
- Slow to Cool Down: If it takes a while for the air to get cold and you feel warm air, the capacitor is probably the culprit.
- On Again, Off Again: Frequent cycling on and off means the capacitor is struggling to keep the unit on and functioning.
- Rust: If you take a peek inside the unit and see corrosion or rust on the AC capacitor, that’s a sign that it’s near the end of its life if it isn’t already there.
- Strange Sounds: The capacitor may click or hum if it’s struggling to operate correctly. This is often due to the size of the capacitor not fitting the AC correctly, though other problems may lead to odd noises.
- Burning Smell: A burning smell means something is seriously wrong and needs to be repaired sooner rather than later.
Factors Affecting the AC Capacitor Lifespan
How long do air conditioner capacitors last? They can last anywhere from five to 20 years. Their lifespans may be on the shorter side due to the following:
- Extreme Temperatures: Exposure to excessive heat or cold can cause the capacitor to not run as efficiently.
- Moisture: Exposure to humidity or other sources of water may corrode the capacitor and cause it to stop working, making you have to replace it more often.
- Capacitor Quality: When it comes to capacitors, you get what you pay for. You may be reluctant to pay for the expensive one from the recommended brand, but it’s more likely to last longer than a low-quality generic brand you found online.
- Fluctuation Voltage: If your AC unit has electrical issues and doesn’t keep consistent voltage, your capacitor may short out or stop working because of it.
How To Keep Your Capacitor Running in Littleton, CO
Rather than crossing your fingers and looking for the most satisfying answer when you search, “How long do air conditioner capacitors last,” you can follow these tips to give yours the longest life possible:
- Regular Maintenance: Get your AC maintained once or twice each year. Your HVAC technician will be able to point out when something goes wrong, so you can expect when you’ll have to replace it.
- Keep the Area Clean: A dusty capacitor may overheat due to it being covered in filth. Keep your unit clean and indulge in some spring cleaning to ensure your capacitor and other AC parts aren’t hindered. You should also change the air filter every 1-3 months to prevent dirt from building up or entering the unit.
- Shade the Area: It may seem unnecessary to provide your AC unit with shade, but doing so will keep the capacitor from overheating and allow it to last longer. Just make sure the shade you provide doesn’t interfere with ventilation.
- Check Refrigerant Levels: Refrigerant makes the air cool down. If you run low on it, your system will have to work overtime just to cool down the air, and this is sure to overwork and overheat the capacitor.
Call Southwest Heating & Cooling in Littleton, CO
Rely on Southwest Heating & Cooling for all your air conditioner needs. We can repair anything that isn’t working, or we can help you learn how to check refrigerant levels in AC or answer burning questions like, “How long do air conditioner capacitors last?”
Give us a call today at 303-791-2679 to get on our schedule.