Capacitors by Treat’s Heating & Cooling
Capacitors are components that store electrical charges and are used on compressors and fan motors in heating and cooling units.
There are two types of capacitors used in heating and cooling units:
Run capacitors are used in heat pumps, air conditioners and furnaces. Run capacitors can maintain a constant voltage supply to the compressor and fan motor and increase the torque when started.
A start capacitor is typically found in air conditioning units and delivers voltage supply for the compressors and provides extra torque at startup.
When a capacitor starts to fail it declines in strength or stops entirely. While you can’t prevent some of the causes of capacitor breakdown such as power surges and lightning you can avoid wear and tear issues with regular maintenance.
Treat’s Heating & Cooling can test a capacitor’s operating range. Usually this prevents the motor from running completely. If the outside fan isn’t working, the compressor may stop working or begin to short cycle. If the indoor fan stops no air will blow through the vents. A failed compressor motor there will be cool air. Another sign of a failed capacitor can include a leaky oil substance.
Our skilled technicians at Treat’s Heating & Cooling can provide many HVAC services when they are at your home. Call us today! 360.825.0800
The Auburn, WA capacitor experts at Treat’s Heating & Cooling offer high quality installation, repair, maintenance, and other heating and air conditioning services throughout Western Washington including Enumclaw, Buckley, Bonney Lake, Sumner, Puyallup, Tacoma, Auburn, Black Diamond, Covington, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Kent, & Seattle WA.