How Long Do AC Capacitors Last in Black Canyon City, AZ?

Is your air conditioner refusing to cool your home or making weird noises? These can both indicate that its capacitor may be failing. That causes a big problem here in Black Canyon City, where temperatures regularly reach over 100 degrees in the summer.

How long do air conditioner capacitors last? Discover the answer below, then call us for AC repair in Black Canyon City, AZ.

Understanding the Role of AC Capacitors

Before we discuss capacitor lifespan, it’s helpful to know what this essential component does for your cooling system. The capacitor works like a little battery that stores and releases the energy needed to power your air conditioner. It also ensures your air conditioner’s motor runs at the right speed and helps to prevent overheating.

There are two types of capacitors: start and run. As the name suggests, start capacitors are responsible for helping your system turn on. Run capacitors provide the power to keep the motor going.

How Long Do Air Conditioner Capacitors Last and What Factors Affect Their Lifespan in Black Canyon City, AZ?

Now that you have a better understanding of how capacitors work, how long do air conditioner capacitors last? Cooling system capacitors usually last for about 10 years but can last as few as five or more than 20 years, depending on a few different factors.

These factors include:

• System usage frequency: As with any kind of battery, the more you use it, the faster it will wear out. Systems that experience heavy usage, such as those in commercial properties, will generally have their capacitors wear out sooner than those in residential properties.
• Maintenance: The better-maintained your air conditioner is, the less it will have to work. That means reduced strain on the capacitor, which helps it last longer.
• Temperature extremes: Capacitors don’t do well in very hot temperatures, which is bad news for homeowners in hot areas like Black Canyon City.
• Capacitor quality: Some capacitors are sturdier and longer lasting than others. Budget capacitors tend to wear out sooner than higher-end brands.
• Voltage fluctuations: Regular power surges and drops subject the capacitor to serious wear and tear, which reduces its lifespan.

Regular AC Maintenance Keeps Your Capacitors in Good Shape

Now that you know the answer to the question “How long do air conditioner capacitors last?” you might wonder how to make yours last for as long as possible. There are a few things you can do to boost AC capacitor lifespan:

• Inspect and clean the fan blades: Your air conditioner features a fan responsible for pushing air through the system and into your home. If it becomes obstructed by debris, it’ll struggle to rotate, putting wear and tear on the capacitor. Keep the fan clear of obstructions such as twigs, rocks, and dirt.
• Clean the outdoor unit: Soil, weeds, and other debris can get trapped in your outdoor unit, which may cause it to overheat. Regularly rinse the unit with a garden hose and cut back overgrown plants around the system.
• Inspect wiring: Inspect the wiring of your unit to ensure no wires have come loose or are starting to corrode. If you spot signs of corrosion, call an HVAC company for help.
• Maintain proper refrigerant levels: If your refrigerant is too low, your system has to work much harder, which can wear out the capacitor prematurely. Our team can test the refrigerant levels for you and add more coolant if needed.

How To Know When It’s Time for Capacitor Replacement

How can you tell if it’s time to replace the capacitor? Look for these signs:

• The air conditioner makes a loud humming noise. This telltale sign points to capacitor failure.
• Your energy bills have increased dramatically. This could indicate that your system is working harder because of a faulty capacitor.
• The unit turns off and on randomly: If your air conditioner shuts off and turns on at random times, your capacitor could start to fail.
• The capacitor bulges or leaks. A capacitor in such a condition needs replacement right away.