Install an HVAC and Keep Cool

The Australian summer can be super hot. If you live in Australia, you will want to make sure you can stay cool during the intense heat. I came to realise how important HVAC systems are when I moved into an apartment which didn't have HVAC. It was OK in the winter, but by the summer, it was terrible. I called in an HVAC contractor and asked them to install a new system. It was amazing what a difference it made. The contractor also gave me some advice about how to maintain the system. I hope this blog is useful to you.

Four Facts You Need to Know About the Capacitor in Your Air Conditioner

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Most air conditioners have a capacitor. This is a small electrical part that helps to start the motor of the air conditioner, and it also stores some energy. While it's rare for this part to break down, it is possible. Here's what you need to know.

1. A Capacitor Jump Starts the Fan Motor

In an air conditioner, the capacitor starts the fan's motor. Basically, it takes its stored energy and gives the fan a burst of energy. This setup allows the fan to get more energy than it would from your home's electrical system on its own.

2. Capacitors Can Overheat

One of the main issues that can cause a capacitor to fail is overheating. For example, if you have an outdoor air conditioning unit and the temperatures have been really high, that may cause the capacitor to overheat. Similarly, if you have been running the air conditioner nonstop, the heat from the motor may have caused the capacitor to overheat.

3. There's an Easy Test to See If the Capacitor Is Broken

Luckily, if you suspect that the capacitor isn't working, there is a simple test you can do to figure out if this is the issue. First, turn on your air conditioner or adjust the thermostat so that the AC kicks in. Then, listen to see if the motor of the AC is running. If you hear the motor but the fan isn't running, that is a sign that the issue may be the capacitor. In this situation, the capacitor isn't kicking in to start up the fan motor.

Typically you can see the fan blades through the sides of the air conditioner. Find a long, thin stick and poke it through the side of the air conditioner. Use the stick to prod the fan blades. If the blades catch and start spinning, that is a sign that the capacitor if the issue. This is similar to how you can get a car going by pushing it forward until the motor starts. Luckily, you don't have to use a stick to start up the AC. It's actually relatively easy to replace the capacitor.

4. You Can Replace the Capacitor

To replace the capacitor, you first need to locate it. Typically, you just need to remove a couple of screws to release the capacitor. Note how the wires are connected because you need to replicate that format with the new capacitor. When you have removed the old capacitor, simply connect the wiring for the new capacitor and use screws to secure it into place.

To get help replacing your capacitor or diagnosing other issues with your AC, contact an air conditioning repair expert.  

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11 December 2017