A failed capacitor is the most common cause of an AC not working. An Air Conditioner Unit may have capacitors in it. These capacitors are used to store energy and provide it to the AC fan and compressor motor upon start-up and when running. An AC will stop working due to a faulty capacitor.
If the AC still doesn’t work after the faulty capacitor is replaced it indicates that the AC has other failed components other than the capacitor. Other commonly failed components are the compressor, fan, blower, etc. all these components have an electric motor. So, the cause of failure can be boiled down to a failed motor too.
Changed Capacitor AC Still Not Working
An Air condition unit has several vital components like the compressor, fan, blower, etc. that operate using an electric motor. And motors require capacitors to start up and keep running. So, most AC failures are due to a failed capacitor.
If the AC still doesn’t work after replacing the capacitor, the other possible causes of failure are the compressor, fan, or the blower motor not working. It may also indicate an electrical system failure, blown fuse, faulty thermostat, or clogged air filter.
Damaged Motor
The AC compressor, fan, and blower have electric motors in them. These motors may be damaged due to the faulty capacitor. Using an ohm meter check for continuity in the motor coils. If discontinuity is found it indicates that the motor is faulty.
Blown Fuse
Check the fuse of the AC using a multimeter or ohm meter. If the multimeter doesn’t show continuity between the two terminals or the ohm meter shows infinite resistance then the fuse is blown. Replace it with a good fuse.
Faulty Thermostat
If the AC thermostat is not working properly, the air conditioner may continuously cycle on and off or fail to work at all. Reset the thermostat. If it doesn’t resolve the problem, replace the thermostat with a known good one to see if it is the cause of the problem.
Damaged Electronics
An air conditioner has several electronic circuits that control the different components of the AC. If any electronic component is damaged then the AC will not function. It is generally rare but happens nonetheless. Professional assistance is required to resolve this issue.
Clogged Air Filter
Dirty or clogged up air filters or obstructed ducts can cause airflow problems in the AC causing a frozen coil. Periodically clean or replace the air filter and keep the ductwork clean to prevent a frozen coil. Also, make sure that the AC has proper ventilation and air supply.
Can I Run My AC Without a Capacitor
No, an AC cannot run without a capacitor. The capacitors of the AC are responsible for starting and running the compressor, fan, and blower motors of the AC. Without these capacitors, these components cannot function. So, an AC cannot be run without a capacitor.
How do You Change an AC Capacitor
Procure an identical capacitor as the failed capacitor. Make sure that the new capacitor has the same capacitance and voltage rating as the old one. After properly discharging, disconnect the faulty capacitor. Connect the new capacitor in the same way the old one was connected.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Capacitor Keep Going Out
The primary cause of an air conditioner capacitor going out is exposure to excessive heat. Make sure that the AC is kept in shade and the air circulation inside AC is not obstructed. Another cause may be using a 370 VAC capacitor instead of the 440 VAC one for cost-cutting purposes.
What Happens if I Put the Wrong Capacitor in My AC
Putting a wrong capacitor will damage the compressor, fan, or blower motor. The motors are designed to operate with a specific valued capacitor. If a wrong capacitance or voltage capacitor is used instead of the factory one, the motor will fail and may cause a severe electrical accident.
How to know if the capacitor is bad?
The first signs of a faulty capacitor are the AC not blowing any cold air, the compressor making a humming noise, or the capacitor itself making a clicking noise. Or if the capacitor is found to be bulging or any oily substance leaking from it, it surely is faulty. A capacitor tester may also be used to identify a faulty capacitor.
Conclusion
The primary cause of an AC not functioning is a faulty capacitor. If the AC still doesn’t work after changing the capacitor it indicates that the AC has other problems like the compressor or fan motor not working, a blown fuse, a faulty thermostat, a damaged electrical system, etc.
Leave a Reply