How Much Does it Cost to Replace an AC Unit Capacitor in 2024?

Understanding AC Unit Capacitors

An AC unit capacitor is a vital part of any air conditioning system. It is a small cylindrical device in the condenser unit outside your home. The capacitor stores energy and releases a burst of electric current to help start the compressor and condenser fan motor.

When the capacitor goes bad, the compressor and condenser fan motor won’t start. If your AC system isn’t cooling even though the inside blower fan runs, check the unit outside your home. If you don’t hear the fan and compressor running in the outside unit, the capacitor could be bad.

Other AC problems can cause these symptoms so in important to have a professional such as a Sears Home Services HVAC technician check your system before buying a replacing the capacitor on your own.

Home Much Does it Cost to Replace the AC Capacitor?

The cost of replacing an AC unit capacitor varies based on the type of capacitor and the labor involved. The replacement capacitor typically costs between $30 and $80. The price for a service technician to visit your home, diagnose the failure and replace the capacitor often costs around $200, but the price can vary widely based on factors such as your location, the type of system that you have and the cost of the replacement capacitor.

Identifying a Faulty AC Unit Capacitor

When the inside unit of your central air conditioner is blowing warm, uncooled air and nothing is working on the outside unit, there’s a good change that the dual capacitor on the outside unit is bad. You may find a tripped house breaker for the outside unit, but resetting the breaker won’t fix the cooling problem when the capacitor is bad because the condenser fan and compressor still won’t start without help from a good capacitor.

To diagnose a faulty AC unit capacitor, a service technician will shut off power to the outside unit and remove a cover panel on one corner of the condenser unit that houses the capacitor. The tech will then discharge any stored energy in the capacitor by shorting across capacitor terminals using a screwdriver with an insulated handle. If the capacitor is bulging at the top which indicates it’s bad, the tech may not test the capacitor using a meter because the part is apparently faulty. To test the capacitor using a multimeter, the technician will:

1. Note the location of wires (take a photo using the phone) and then remove the wires from the capacitor terminals.
2. Set the multimeter to measure farads of capacitance.
3. Touch terminals on the capacitor with meter probes to measure capacitance for the fan and compressor motor circuits.

Testing the capacitor should only be performed by a service technician. If the technician determines that the capacitor is bad, the part will be replaced.

Cost Factors for AC Unit Capacitor Replacement

Several factors influence how much it costs to replace an AC unit capacitor. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision and ensure value for your money.

DIY AC Capacitor Replacement

If you’re confident and adept at completing DIY repairs, buying a replacement capacitor and installing it yourself will typically cost about $30 to $80 – the cost of the part. Although this is the least expensive repair route, replacing the capacitor on your own does involve safety and financial risks.

Discharging the stored energy in a capacitor is an essential step in diagnosing and replacing a capacitor. You must wear proper protective equipment such as insulated electrical safely gloves and use a properly insulated screwdriver to discharge the stored energy in a capacitor.

Checking a capacitor can also be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with HVAC system wiring and components. Replacing a capacitor that’s perfectly fine can waste money and won’t fix a different problem that’s preventing the compressor and condenser fan from running.

Fixing the AC system yourself can jeopardize your warranty. If you fail to wire the replacement capacitor correctly or don’t correct problems that are apparent to a technician when replacing a capacitor, you may wind up damaging the system in a manner that won’t be covered by the manufacturer when submitting a warranty claim.

At Sears Home Services, our HVAC technicians will properly diagnose an HVAC failure before replacing the capacitor. We offer competitive pricing without compromising quality and accuracy, providing the best value for your investment. With our team of skilled technicians, we assure reliable and efficient AC unit capacitor replacements when needed and other HVAC repairs as necessary. Schedule service now if your AC unit isn’t working.

Professional AC Capacitor Replacement

When faced with a failing AC unit capacitor, using a certified HVAC technician is almost always your best option for repairing the problem. While DIY projects can be fulfilling, the benefits of hiring a professional for AC unit capacitor replacement are significant.

• The technician will have the protective and diagnostic equipment available to safely and accurately complete the repair.
• An HVAC service technician often has the replacement capacitor available in the service vehicle stock so a bad capacitor can be replaced right away.
• The tech will be able to detect and repair any other air conditioner problems that may be apparent when replacing the capacitor.
• Your warranty will remain intact when using a certified technician to repair your AC unit.

Is AC Unit Capacitor Replacement a Worthy Investment?

Replacing a faulty AC unit capacitor correctly is certainly a worthy investment. Absent of other HVAC problems, replacing a bad capacitor is typically a low-cost repair that will keep your air conditioner running for years to come. Your outside AC unit will operate smoothly and efficiently with a new capacitor, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills. Your warranty for the HVAC system will remain intact when using a professional to replace the capacitor and fix any other problems with the AC.

Money-Saving Tips for AC Unit Capacitor Replacement

Here are a few strategies that can help you save money when replacing your AC unit capacitor without sacrificing quality.

• Have a reputable company like Sears Home Services diagnose your air conditioner and replace the capacitor when it fails. Our technicians can detect and fix other problems when completing the repair to make sure your central air conditioner continues to work properly after replacing the capacitor.
• Always have a certified HVAC tech replace the capacitor. The technician will replace the capacitor with one that has the proper electrical ratings to the capacitor will work properly for many years to come.
• Have a service company such as Sears Home Services clean and maintain your HVAC system at least yearly. During preventive maintenance service, a Sears Home Services technician will examine the capacitor and replace it immediately if it show signs of wear or potential failure.
• Cover your HVAC system with a whole home warranty. A protection plan will cover much of the expense of capacitor replacement as well as other HVAC failures. Learn more about our Sears Protect plans that will cover your HVAC system on our Home Warranty page.

By following these tips, you can save money on AC unit capacitor replacement while ensuring the longevity and performance of your cooling system. Trust Sears Home Services to provide reliable and affordable solutions for all your HVAC needs.