Do it Yourself: Re: [DIY] Re: HVAC Question

07 July 2013

Re: [DIY] Re: HVAC Question

capacitors are one of the cheaper parts in an a/c system, used to start fan motors or compressors or to keep the compressor running. if a capacitor is bulging or very rusty, it is suspect. when replacing, pay close attention to the ratings of the capacitor, as there are many different sizes available and the wrong one will cost you a motor or compressor! if the capacitor has 3 sets of terminals on top (dual capacitor), you will have to re-install just as it is wired when removed; one terminal is common (hot wire in), one is for the fan and one is for the compressor (sometimes marked herm). this capacitor will have two numbers followed by a funny looking A (its rating in microfarads or picofarads) and a voltage rating, generally 370V or 440V. you must match the farad ratings, but a 440V capacitor can replace a 370V capacitor. you shouldn't replace a 440V capacitor with a 370V capacitor, as the motor may not operate on a lower voltage capacitor without damaging it. be sure not to touch the terminals - the resulting shock will teach you some new words!

From: Ron Johnson <l0c0l0b0@hotmail.com>
To: YahooGroup DIY <doit_yourself@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 6, 2013 3:17 PM
Subject: RE: [DIY] Re: HVAC Question

I have had a few A/Cs with capacitor problems. When you look at it, if it is domed, that is, bulging out like a can of botulism, then you need to replace it. It's always cheaper if you can do it yourself.

To: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.comFrom: bob@wrobertdavis.comDate: Sat, 6 Jul 2013 10:00:46 -0500Subject: RE: [DIY] Re: HVAC Question

It sounds like it could be a capacitor failure. That is a device used to help start the motor. It bolts in place and is easily replaceable. Depending on costs in your area, it is probably about a $150-$250 repair.

These kinds of failures always occur when you need your AC.

Bob

From: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike
Sent: Saturday, July 06, 2013 1:31 AM
To: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [DIY] Re: HVAC Question

Some more info on this -- the fan will only run AFTER the AC kicks on. If I shut the AC off, the fan will give the same low hum sound.Also, it does seem to take about 1-2 minutes after the AC kicks on to feel cool air coming out of the vent.--- In mailto:DoIt_Yourself%40yahoogroups.com, "Mike" <bigmikechen@...> wrote:>> Our AC quit on us this afternoon, but then came back to life in the evening. When it died (or I suppose, fell into a coma), it made a sputtering sound, then stopped.> > I went back to the thermostat and the Auto obviously didn't bring up anything. Then I turned just the fan on, and rather than hear the usual fan noises, I heard just a low electrical hum.> > I reset the outer unit's breakers, then turned off the thermostat. 3 hours later, everything's running normal. Just to be safe, I also changed out the thermostat's batteries even though it didn't show a Low Battery warning.> > Could this have just been an overuse/overheat given the recent heat wave in our area? Or does this seem like a symptom of something else?>

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