Your air conditioning system has many different components that allow it to provide your home with the cool air it needs. However, without the right amount of electricity, your system won’t do a thing. The electricity that runs through your home’s air conditioner is alternating current, also known as AC, and this type of electricity may not be strong enough to give the different motors in your AC system the boost they need at start-up. This is where capacitors come in. However, it’s important to allow a trained expert to handle all aspects of your air conditioner, particularly where electricity is concerned, and the specialists at Downtown Air & Heat are here to help. If you suspect you may have an electrical problem with the air conditioner in your home in Orlando, FL, don’t take a risk by trying to repair it yourself; instead, call us and schedule an appointment.
Two Types of Capacitors
So what exactly is a capacitor? It is an electronic component that stores energy, but this energy is used to even out the flow of electricity. Many people don’t realize that electricity doesn’t flow smoothly; it tumbles and surges, and these spikes and dips can wreak havoc on any electro-mechanical device. Part of what capacitors do is to smooth the flow of the electricity. However, there are two types of capacitors used in your AC system, and each has a job:
- Start capacitor – this capacitor stores energy and then provides the extra energy needed when one of the motors – a fan motor or the compressor – needs it.
- Run capacitor – this capacitor ensures that once the motor has started, the electrical flow stays at a steady rate to keep the motor powered.
When either of these capacitors malfunctions, they will affect the operation of your system, and professional help is required.
Knowing whether or not a capacitor is malfunctioning can be a tricky diagnosis, and one left a trained expert. If you are experiencing problems with your AC in Orlando, FL, call us today and schedule a repair appointment.
