How often do AC capacitors go out? Pine Island, FL, residents often see an AC capacitor lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Living in the hot climate of South Florida can limit the longevity of this air conditioning unit component.
If your capacitor fails, our expert technicians are ready to provide AC repair services in Pine Island, FL. Learn more about the importance of the capacitor to the function of your cooling system.
Factors That Determine Whether an AC Capacitor May Go Out in Pine Island, FL
Although the typical AC capacitor may last 10 to 15 years, some people receive 20 years or more of service. Other people may only receive five years of performance before needing to perform a repair.
Learn more about the common factors affecting capacitor longevity.
Running the Air Conditioner Less
How often do AC capacitors go out, and how does AC operation affect capacitor replacement frequency? The importance of having air conditioning is impossible to ignore in Pine Island, FL. Residents here might run their air conditioners all year round.
Summer temperatures here reach the 90s and 100s regularly. Even in winter, high temperatures reach 80 degrees or higher on many days.
An air conditioning system that runs constantly may place significant stress on the capacitor. These parts of the cooling system have a shorter lifespan if they overheat from constant use.
If you can turn off the AC unit each night for at least a few hours, you’ll lengthen the capacitor’s lifespan.
Rust on the Capacitor
The impact of climate on capacitors in areas with significant humidity is higher than in low-humidity regions. Pine Island, FL, has a subtropical climate that often creates humidity levels of 70% and higher all year round. The capacitor might rust with exposure to significant humidity.
Annual rainfall in the Pine Island, FL, area is about 54 inches. Exposing the air conditioning unit to this region’s combination of rain and humidity can shorten the capacitor’s lifespan.
Some preventative maintenance options for trying to stop rust include applying a protective coating to the metal and shielding the AC system from rain.
Power Surges Can Ruin the Capacitor
How often do AC capacitors go out in lightning storms? Exposure to excessive electrical power is one reason air conditioning capacitors have a reduced lifespan.
South Florida has between 75 and 105 thunderstorms each year, and Florida has more thunderstorms than any other state. If your air conditioner’s capacitor suffers a lightning strike, it generates excess power in a fraction of a second.
Electrical system surges could damage the capacitor, too. The power surge increases heat in the capacitor unit, potentially causing it to fail prematurely.
Incompatible Capacitor Replacement
If you tried to do a DIY replacement on your AC’s capacitor, you might have installed an incompatible part. Capacitors must match the size and model of the air conditioner to function properly.
An incompatible capacitor might work for a little while. However, the mismatched AC capacitor will go out eventually. Always have a certified and licensed air conditioner technician service your unit in Pine Island, FL.
Signs of Capacitor Failure for Your Air Conditioning Unit
If you are noticing problems with your AC system, the issue could be with your capacitor. Some signs that your air conditioner capacitor might be close to failing include:
- The AC unit struggles to start running.
- The system is not generating cool air.
- The outdoor unit makes buzzing noises.
- You notice a burning odor.
- The AC unit is leaking fluid.
Our air conditioning repair team can visit your house to inspect the AC system. If we determine through our visual inspection and diagnostic tests that the capacitor is failing, we can replace it. With a fully functioning AC capacitor, you should notice the cooling system running normally again.
With an older AC unit, the problems could go beyond the capacitor. Our repair team can track down the exact problem and figure out which parts to replace to alleviate it.
Let Coral Air Conditioning Determine Whether Your AC Capacitor Stopped Working in Pine Island, FL
How often do AC capacitors go out, and when should you worry about their performance? If you notice poor results related to your air conditioner’s capacitor, it’s time to seek out our repair professionals.
Our team can also help with other AC issues, like a frozen AC suction line or AC coil cleaning. We install and repair all sizes and models of air conditioning units in the Pine Island, FL, area. For a free estimate, call us or book an appointment online.
