Have you ever wondered about the electrical aspect of your air conditioner? How it operates, which components help it deliver conditioned air into your home, and how do electrical surges and overcurrent impact them? Like other appliances in your home, like fridges and televisions, your air conditioner has many stages in its operation where an unexpected electrical surge can damage it. One of the critical stages is in its capacitor. Even with regular air conditioning repair and maintenance services, electricity carries the potential to damage your AC unit. Therefore, this article will examine the fundamentals of a capacitor in your system.
What is an AC Capacitor?
A capacitor in your AC is a small cylindrical object whose primary function is to power the motor, which helps the air conditioning unit to start. Notably, most air conditioning repair technicians refer to it as a run capacitor since it helps the AC unit to run. Generally, a capacitor is an electrical component that stores an electrical charge in an electrostatic field. On the switch of your air conditioning unit, the capacitor sends a jolt of power needed to start the unit and keep it running.
What are the Functions of an Air Conditioner Capacitor?
An AC capacitor is located on the unit’s printed circuit board to deliver smooth electrical energy and prevent interruption. Therefore, in simpler terms, a capacitor is a bridge between the power supply and the air conditioning unit that keeps the electrical energy consistent and smooth. Thus, if your air conditioner capacitor fails, the fundamental parts of the unit will not operate smoothly since the smooth power supply will be interrupted.
In addition, a capacitor also stores the energy needed by an air conditioning unit to start. When you switch on the air conditioning system, the energy stored in the capacitor ignites the motor to power the unit. Therefore, the air conditioner air capacitor also acts similarly to when you are trying to start your car. Without enough stored energy, the capacitor cannot start the motor, so the unit will not run. Consequently, capacitors are used in three fundamental components of your air conditioning unit: the blower motor, compressor motor, and outdoor fan.
How Do You Identify a Bad Capacitor in an AC?
Since a capacitor is an essential part of the operation of your home’s air conditioner, its failure affects other systems in the unit. Therefore, you can easily note the difference. Some of the common signs of a bad capacitor in your air conditioning unit include;
AC Not Turning On
One of the main functions of the capacitor is to store the energy to start your system. Therefore, if your AC is not starting, the capacitor might have no energy stored. However, this can be due to other reasons. Therefore, enlist an air conditioning repair technician to investigate the course.
AC Shutting Itself Off
The other essential function of an AC capacitor is to continuously provide your AC unit with a consistent, smooth power supply. However, a bad capacitor will not perform efficiently, thus causing your AC unit to shut itself off.
AC is Taking Too long to Start
When your capacitor is wholly ruined, your AC will not start. However, if your AC capacitor is faulty, it still possesses the ability to hold some power. Therefore, turning on the unit will take a long time since the starting power needs to be stronger to start immediately. When you notice this, it is best to contact a professional before the capacitor completely dies on you.
AC Not Blowing Cold Air
The other common sign of a damaged AC capacitor is if your AC is running but not giving your home conditioned air. This could mean that the capacitor in the blower fan is damaged.
What Causes an AC Capacitor to Fail?
The primary cause of capacitor failure in most homes is age. Therefore, if your AC has been in operation for many years, the capacitor will wear out with time, causing it to fail. In addition, using your AC system for long uninterrupted periods can cause the capacitor to fail. Therefore, in areas with warm and humid temperatures, capacitor failure is a common issue. A capacitor can also fail due to short circuits, power surges, lightning strikes, and overheating in the AC circuit.
What Happens If an AC Capacitor Fails?
If your AC capacitor completely fails, the major problem you will encounter is a hard start AC. This means that the compressor will strain when the unit is turned on. Therefore, it will either start quickly but shut itself off immediately, or the system will not start. However, if you notice that your AC system is taking longer to start, it can also be caused by other factors. Therefore, it is best to contact an air conditioning repair professional to be sure. The technician will investigate the underlying issue and fix it, restoring the normal operation of your air conditioning unit.
Can an AC System Run with a Bad Capacitor?
Since the primary purpose of a capacitor is to support the motor to start and run the AC, most air conditioning systems cannot run with a bad capacitor. A bad capacitor will affect your air conditioning system and home’s temperatures. Therefore, immediately contact a professional AC repair technician when you notice any of the above signs.
What is the Cost of Replacing an AC Capacitor?
When preparing to replace your capacitor, two costs are involved—the purchase cost of a new capacitor and the technician’s installation cost. The purchase cost of a capacitor will be affected by factors such as the brand and model of your unit.
We Can Help!
Have you noticed either of the signs above? Contact us at Minuteman Heating & Air today to book an appointment for any air conditioning services. Our technicians are well-equipped to handle all your AC needs.
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Signs It’s Time To Call An Air Conditioning Service
There was a time when only the wealthy could afford air conditioning, and everyone else relied on fans. Air conditioning has become more affordable over the years, and today, most people can’t live without it. Your house will get very warm during the summer without air conditioning, so the last thing you want is for it to break down. Fortunately, you can prevent a complete breakdown by detecting problems early. If your air conditioner develops any of the following issues, you should call an air conditioning service. They’ll send a tech to your house to diagnose and repair the problem to ensure the unit functions correctly.
Insufficient Airflow from the Vents
Your air conditioner is designed to create cold air that’s forced through the ducts to the vents throughout your home. You should feel an intense rush of cold air when you stand near a vent, and if the airflow is minimal, you should call an air conditioning service.
Insufficient airflow can affect your home’s temperature, so your air conditioner must work harder to keep the house at a comfortable temperature. The unit will consume more energy, and your electric bills will increase. In addition, the extra work will strain the unit, decreasing its maximum lifespan. The last thing you want is to replace your air conditioner sooner than necessary, so the problem should be addressed immediately. A few issues can restrict the airflow, including:
- Damaged air ducts: Your air ducts are hidden, so you won’t know if they’re damaged. The only sign is insufficient airflow. If the ducts are cracked or the sealing has failed, the cool air will escape before reaching the vents, resulting in inadequate airflow.
- An HVAC tech will inspect the ducts for damage and make the repair to restore airflow.
- Clogged air ducts: The dirt, dust, and debris in your house will accumulate in the air ducts over time, even if you keep an immaculate home. Up to five pounds of debris can accumulate in just one year and will eventually clog the air ducts preventing sufficient airflow. When the air conditioner runs, the debris in the ducts will circulate in the air, affecting your home’s air quality and can put your family at risk for allergies.
- An air conditioning service will send a tech to clean the air ducts, restoring adequate airflow. They will also suggest cleaning the ducts every three to five years to prevent this issue from happening again.
- Broken blower: The cold air can’t reach the vents without a functional blower. If the blower isn’t working correctly, the cold air will remain stagnant in the ducts, and you’ll feel minimal airflow from the ducts.
- An HVAC tech can determine if the blower can be fixed or must be replaced, and the airflow will be restored when they complete the job.
Restricted airflow can affect your family’s health, your home’s temperature, and your bank account, so it’s best to hire a professional immediately if the airflow from the vents is suddenly insufficient.
The Unit Makes Strange Sounds
Your air conditioner is designed to be whisper quiet to keep your family from getting distracted and bothered by loud noises. It’s normal for the unit to make a faint clicking sound when it cycles, and if it makes any other sounds, you should call an air conditioning service. Strange sounds such as banging, buzzing, hissing, or squealing indicate problems that must be addressed immediately. If you don’t call an HVAC tech immediately, the situation will escalate to something more serious, and it will be more expensive to fix.
Calling an HVAC tech immediately is essential to prevent the problem from worsening and costing you more money.
You Feel Warm Air from the Vents When the Unit Runs
You should feel cool air from the vents when you turn on the AC, and it should continue to run cold until you turn it off. If you feel warm air coming from the vents, it could indicate a problem, requiring a call to an air conditioning service. The problem could be something simple that you can handle yourself, so you should check the thermostat and air filter before calling a professional. The last thing you want is to pay for a service call for something you could have fixed yourself.
The thermostat must be set to the cooling mode, and it has to be warmer in the house than the thermostat setting. Also, the fan must be set to AUTO. If it is set to ON, the fan will keep running between cycles, and you’ll feel warm air from the vents. Next, check the air filter. If it’s covered in dirt and grime, air flow in the unit will be restricted, causing it to overheat and produce warm air. If it’s been a while since the filter was replaced and it’s dirty, replacing it will solve the problem.
If the thermostat and air filter check out, it’s time to hire an HVAC tech. A few problems can prevent the unit from producing cold air, including:
- Broken compressor: The indoor unit and outdoor compressor work together to produce cold air, and neither can function independently. If your air conditioner fails to produce cold air, there could be a problem with the compressor.
- An HVAC tech will check the compressor for issues that prevent it from functioning correctly to restore adequate airflow.
- Refrigerant leak: Your air conditioner won’t produce cold air without an adequate amount of refrigerant. Over time, acid can break down the metal, creating tiny holes that allow the refrigerant to leak.
- In most cases, an HVAC tech can repair the leak and refill the refrigerant to get the unit up and running again. However, if your unit is old and was manufactured before 2010, it must be replaced. Old units require R22 refrigerant, which the EPA deemed toxic and harmful to the ozone layer, and was banned in the United States on January 1, 2020. The tech won’t have the R22 to refill the unit, so it must be replaced. This isn’t a bad thing because your unit likely doesn’t function as efficiently as it once did, and a replacement will save a significant amount of money on your energy bills.
- Frozen evaporator coils: The evaporator coils extract heat and humidity from the air to begin the cooling process. If the coils are frozen, they can’t do their job, and the unit cannot produce cold air, so it’s best to call an HVAC tech immediately; a few issues can cause the coils to freeze, such as dirty coils or insufficient airflow in the unit due to a closed-off register or a malfunctioning air handler. Also, running the air conditioner when it’s too cold outside can freeze the coils.
- The HVAC tech will thaw the coils so the unit can produce cold air, and they’ll try to figure out what caused the coils to freeze. When they know how it happened the first time, they can give you tips to prevent the coils from freezing again.
Foul Odors When the Unit Runs
Air conditioners are designed to create clean, odorless cold air. When you turn on the unit for the first time during the cooling season, it’s normal to smell dust, and the odor will dissipate within a few minutes. However, any other strange odors indicate problems that jeopardize your home and family. You should call an air conditioning service if you detect any of the following odors when the unit runs.
- Burning: A burning smell indicates a wiring problem, and the odor is caused by burning wire insulation. Wiring problems can start an electrical fire that can destroy your house in minutes, so you should turn off the unit as soon as you detect the smell, regardless of how hot it is outside. It’s better to be uncomfortable in your house for a while than have it burn down. When the unit is off, it’s time to hire an HVAC tech. They will inspect the unit to find the faulty wire and replace it, so you can safely run your AC.
- Mold: A moldy smell indicates the presence of mold somewhere in the unit, which can make your family sick. When the unit runs, mold spores will circulate in the air, putting your family at risk for mold-related health problems, such as allergies, skin rashes, burning eyes, respiratory issues, and weakened immune systems. Also, mold exposure will worsen the symptoms and the disease if a family member has a chronic lung or respiratory condition, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or lung cancer.
- Mold is most commonly found in the air ducts because they’re dark, and condensation forms when it gets humid, creating the perfect environment for mold growth. Fortunately, an HVAC tech can eliminate the mold using an antimicrobial fogger. If the ducts are clear, the mold is likely in the unit, often caused by neglecting routine maintenance. The HVAC tech will try to eliminate mold, but if they can’t, the unit must be replaced to prevent mold exposure. Whether the tech could eliminate the mold or the unit must be replaced, you should have a UV lamp installed to avoid mold growth in the unit.
Foul odors may not seem like a big deal, but they can put your home and family at risk, so it’s best to call an air conditioning service as soon as you detect the odor.
Your Home is Humid
Your air conditioner is designed to do more than produce cold air, and it should also eliminate the humidity in your home. If it’s humid in the house when the unit runs, you should call an air conditioning service. A few issues can prevent the unit from eliminating the humidity, and you’ll need an HVAC professional to determine which of the following problems is the cause.
- Dirty evaporator coils
- The thermostat fan is set to ON
- Refrigerant leak
- A problem with the unit that causes it to cycle too frequently.
An HVAC tech will inspect the unit to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repair. It’s best to address the issue immediately because your home will remain humid and uncomfortable until the problem is resolved.
Call Minuteman Heating & Air Today
If your AC stops functioning correctly and you need to call an air conditioning service, look no further than Minuteman Heating & Air. We’re a full-service HVAC company committed to keeping your home safe and comfortable.
Our HVAC techs are professionally trained, and their knowledge and skill have allowed them to complete some of the most challenging jobs in the industry. Our certified techs are also up-to-date on current techniques and the newest HVAC technology with continuing education classes.
We provide various HVAC services, including:
- Air conditioners
- Air conditioner repair
- Air conditioner installation
- Air conditioner maintenance
- High-velocity air conditioners
- Ductless cooling
We understand that our customers have busy schedules, so we offer evening and weekend appointments. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to book an appointment.
Your comfort is our top priority, so we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If your air conditioner experiences problems that could put your home and family at risk, we’ll get a tech to your house as quickly as possible to resolve the issue.
We’ve earned an excellent reputation in the community and the industry over the years and are one of the most trusted HVAC companies in the Fort Worth area. We have a 5-star rating on Google and are an Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau. You can also find us on Home Advisor, and we’ve been a Screened & Approved business on the platform for over five years.
If you need an appointment to have your air conditioner fixed or for any other HVAC service, give Minuteman Heating & Air a call today.
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What Are The Benefits Of Air Duct Cleaning Service?
Taking care of your home’s air quality may be very important to you, but an investment in something like air duct cleaning service may be one you are not sure about needing. What can this process do for you and your home? What can you expect from it? There is always a good reason to invest in caring for your home, and a better understanding of what duct cleaning can do for you is a good starting point.
How Can This Help You?
Ducts are located throughout your home. Their job is to move air from your home’s furnace and air conditioner to each of the rooms of your home. That is what helps them to keep your home comfortable. Over time, they can become clogged with debris, and that can limit airflow. It can also lead to a wide range of problems, including a backup of air in your home that is not as clean as it should be. That is where the use of a duct cleaning service can work well. Consider some of the benefits you may have by investing in this service.
Improve the Cleanliness of Your Environment
If you have a lot of dust throughout your home, there is a good chance that much of that is coming from the ductwork itself. The ducts can build up a significant amount of debris, especially if the air filters are not cleaned on a routine basis. That means more dust, dander, and other material gets into the ducts. As the heat or air conditioner works, it pushes that dust out into your home, covering your belongings as it goes. What’s worse, that dust is then picked up again and put through the system, making it very hard for you to keep surfaces clean.
Ductwork cleaning helps to alleviate this. It works to remove that dust from your system, enabling only clean air to move through your home.
Improve Allergens in Your Home
If you have anyone in your home that has allergies or suffers from asthma, this is a very good reason to consider the air ducts carefully. Quite often, that dust can build up with a lot of debris in it, including allergens that can make it much harder for you to breathe. When a person has allergies or asthma, this can make the situation that much worse.
By having the system cleaned, it is possible to reduce a great deal of that build up, and that will mean helping to remove more of the debris that has the potential to create symptoms like sneezing and coughing. If there is anyone living in your home that may suffer from respiratory symptoms, it is a very good idea to have a cleaning service come in on a routine basis to help with the removal of the buildup. It could save you a lot of frustration later.
If you have someone in your home that is sensitive to any type of irritant, it is always a good idea to work closely with a company that can help remove any particular elements that risk it. For example, you may want to invest in this type of service when you just move into your home to make sure all signs of tobacco or pet dander from the previous order are removed from the HVAC system.
Improve Air Flow in Your Home
Another benefit to having this type of cleaning completed is that it can offer a way to reduce a significant amount of debris in your home. For many people, the thought of all of that dust is problematic, but the other factor to remember is that it is making your home’s furnace and air conditioner work a lot harder as well.
When there is a lot of debris present, it can make it harder for the system to work. In addition to this, it can also tax the system, causing the components to wear down sooner than they should. Keeping the air filter clean is a good starting point, but you also want to do a good job of ensuring that the air coming into the system is as clean as possible.
When doing this, you may notice that your home’s energy bills drop. A big part of your home’s energy costs stem from the cost to power the heating and cooling. When this system is working at its best, it can lead to a great deal of improvement in your energy costs. The more efficient your system is, the better.
Get Rid of Odors
From strong food smells to leftovers from chemicals you have used, there are some situations where you may find it nearly impossible to get rid of odors from your home. That is a good reason to consider moving toward air duct cleaning.
Duct cleaning service can help you to remove a lot of the build up that is present within the ducts themselves. A component of that is to get rid of the build up of materials that cause odors. This could include mold and mildew that are in the ducts as well as any odors that have become linked to the dust that has built up in your system. By cleaning out these materials, you get rid of the scents that they tend to produce over time.
Take the Time to Have a Professional Take a Closer Look
When it comes to duct cleaning service, it is nearly always a good idea to have this type of work done on a consistent basis, at least once a year or more, depending on the concerns you have. At Minuteman Heating & Air, our team is available to help you to get your ducts back in good, healthy order again. The first step is to give us a call to learn more about the solutions we can offer you and to schedule an appointment.
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What Are The Air Conditioning Repair Issues That Could Expose You To Health Risks?
A properly maintained air conditioning system provides you with a healthy atmosphere. Additionally, it ensures that your home has the proper humidity, helping maintain your physical health in various ways. Thus, you must provide the air conditioning unit is regularly serviced by a reliable air conditioning repair professional to ensure that it regulates humidity and temperatures and filters airborne pollutants. Many HVAC maintenance actions include lubricating the motors, changing the filters, and cleaning the ducts and coils. However, several air conditioner problems could expose your family to health issues. Senior citizens, people with pre-existing conditions, and children are at a higher risk of falling ill. It is worth noting that your air conditioning system won’t make you sick. Instead, the defects and dirt will harbor pollutants that will be circulated to your indoor space when you turn on the air conditioning system. Because you spend a sizeable amount of time indoors, whether at home or work, you must understand the health effects of a faulty HVAC system. Below are the typical air conditioning system defects that will most likely expose you to a health hazard.
HVAC Defects that Could Expose You to Health Issues
As explained above, several air conditioning defects may make you prone to various health issues. Such defects include condensation and poor airflow.
Condensation
Any air conditioning unit’s primary roles are cooling the indoor air, regulating humidity, and filtering airborne contaminants. This means that condensation is bound to arise. Unfortunately, condensation becomes an issue when it forms on the ducts or your air conditioner’s coils. Excessive condensation on your air ducts is dangerous for your air conditioning system and health.
Although no direct health issues will arise from condensation, this excessive moisture provides an enabling environment for the growth of somewhat notorious fungi called mold. Mildew and mold usually grow in air conditioning units that are poorly maintained and release spores that spread across your indoor space through the air. While the defect is excessive condensation, this fungus is the causative agent of your health troubles. Do you have an allergic member of your family? The mold spores will trigger allergic reactions that can be evidenced by symptoms such as;
- Chest tightness and wheezing
- Dry skin
- Runny and stuffy nose
- Itchy, red, or even watery eyes.
- Coughing and sneezing.
Have you realized that one of your family members is exhibiting either of the signs above? Have them inspected by a physician. Further, have an air conditioning repair technician inspect your system for excessive condensation.
Poor Airflow and Infected Air
Clogged filters, improperly designed ducts, high static pressure, and other HVAC issues will result in poor airflow. On the other hand, refrigerant leaks and consistent gas leaks compromise indoor air quality. When debris accumulates on the air filters, it limits the exterior and interior airflow. The refrigerant leaks deposit toxic components in your indoor space. Poor indoor air quality and toxic fumes from these leaks will result in respiratory illnesses and other related health complications.
A dirty air conditioning unit sends viruses and bacteria into your premises. When these microorganisms come into contact with your body, the body reacts in various ways ranging from severe to mild body reactions. Some of the mild reactions include sneezes, coughs, and fever. Infected and dirty air may spread or cause severe breathing issues, including;
- Air conditioner lung: this is a condition in which lung inflammation results from a person inhaling foreign airborne particles.
- Pneumonia: where the infected air carries the bacteria that causes chest pains.
- Asthma: high amounts of pollen and dust trigger bronchial illnesses and asthmatic attacks
Addressing These Air Conditioner Defects
Although you can easily identify some defects above, others will only become obvious after they escalate to high and dangerous levels. Scheduling a regular air conditioning service is the surefire way of identifying problems with your cooling and heating system. When an air conditioning repair technician comes for a maintenance visit, they can diagnose any developing issues and take the necessary steps to resolve them. This means there will be a high indoor air quality as the unit will filter the air properly. A heating and cooling system enhances proper ventilation, filters airborne contaminants, and modulates humidity.
Humidity Modulation
The heating and cooling system removes the excessive moisture from the indoor air during either season. Leakages, old age, and dirty coils jeopardize the efficiency at which the air conditioning unit balances the indoor humidity. This leaves you exposed to respiratory illnesses. A professional will inspect, identify, and resolve any hidden problems and address them before they worsen.
Contamination Prevention
Defect-free, clean air filters will ensure that no airborne contaminants like dirt, pollen, debris, mold, or pet dander reach your indoor space. This means your heating and air conditioning system will only deliver clean air throughout your home. This means that you’ll be getting consistently clean air. You should clean the air filters frequently if yours are washable. If they aren’t, ensure to replace them after every 1-3 months. Do you have furry friends and toddlers at your home? Then you should have an air conditioning repair technician install HEPA filters and ensure to replace them after every 30 days.
Proper Ventilation
After the air is cooled, the fans circulate it throughout your premises. A consistent circulation will dry the moist areas of your indoor space, preventing mold growth. Thus, you should ensure the fans are regularly serviced and lubricated. Faulty fans could make the air musty and even spread allergens. If your indoor space is musty, then it will undoubtedly be uncomfortable.
A well-serviced HVAC means comfortable indoor conditions and good health. The heating and cooling unit will take good care of your indoor space, but only if you maintain it. Do you want an air conditioning service? Contact us at Minuteman Heating & Air to book an appointment.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.