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

Capacitors are among the most common parts to fail in an air conditioning unit, especially during the hot summer months. Understanding how to identify and replace a failing capacitor can save you time and restore comfort to your home quickly.

Capacitor replacements typically cost between $200 and $400 to replace and should last between 2 to 10 years.

Identifying a Failing Capacitor

One of the most common issues during the summer is a failing capacitor. When a capacitor fails, you might notice that the AC unit is not cooling effectively or that the condenser is making a humming sound. Often, the capacitor may appear bloated, and one or more terminals might be burnt or leaking oil.

These signs indicate that the capacitor is no longer functional and needs replacement.

From the video:

“This is one of the most common parts that fail in the summertime. A good 60 to 70% of my calls this summer are just going to be this part, so let’s get it swapped out and get them up and cooling.

All right, so I’m getting this capacitor swapped out here. You can see it’s all bloated; one of the terminals is actually burnt up as well. All the oil has leaked out of it. I don’t even have to test this thing; it is 100% no good.

This terminal here is all burnt up, more than likely due to a loose wire connection. So we need to crimp that down and make sure that it’s nice and tight when we put the new one in.

When I heard that the condenser was just humming, I was pretty happy because I know that I can get this customer up and cooling today.”

Why Capacitors Fail

Capacitors can fail for several reasons, including excessive heat, wear and tear, and electrical issues. When a capacitor blows up due to overheating, it can prevent the fan or compressor from running. While replacing a capacitor can be a straightforward fix for homeowners, it is essential to understand that other underlying issues might also need attention.

From the video:

“Reasons you would want to replace a capacitor are because it’s weak or not working at all. A common thing to find on a capacitor is it blows up because it’s got too much heat in it.

That’s one reason you’ll see them fail. What you’re going to find actually on the unit is there’s a possibility your fan cannot run or your compressor cannot run. Definitely, those are signs that the capacitor could be bad, but it’s also a sign that other things could be going wrong.

If your fan’s bad, it can actually cause the compressor to go out. So it’s definitely something that is an easy fix for homeowners, but just because you replace a capacitor doesn’t mean that’s the only thing you would find on that unit.

That’s why we highly recommend that you have a professional diagnose your whole system, that way there’s no other issues with that unit.”

Is it Worth Upgrading Your AC Capacitor?

Upgrading to a higher-quality capacitor, such as the Turbo 200, can provide better performance and longevity. These capacitors are designed to last longer and come with better warranties compared to standard capacitors, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

We very rarely find ourselves replacing Turbo 200 capacitors, and that’s because they have a longer lifespan, brass terminals that do not rust, better oil and made in the USA.

In our opinion, it’s absolutely worth upgrading your capacitor if your current system is not under a manufacturer warranty.

From the video:

“A Turbo 200 is a type of capacitor. It’s kind of on the better end of capacitors. They last way longer than a regular one; they also have a good warranty on them as well.

We have just seen a lot more improvement, especially when using these, of not having to come back in 5 years to replace the capacitor.”

Conclusion

Capacitors play a crucial role in the functioning of your air conditioning unit. Knowing how to identify a failing capacitor and understanding the benefits of upgrading to a higher-quality capacitor like the Turbo 200 can help ensure your AC runs smoothly throughout the summer.

However, always consider consulting a professional to diagnose and address any issues comprehensively.

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• How Much Does an AC Compressor Cost?
• How Much Does It Cost to Replace an HVAC System?

About Yarbrough & Sons Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

Yarbrough & Sons has been serving Oklahoma City since 1988, providing top-notch home comfort solutions. With over 450 years of combined experience, our family-owned business is dedicated to quality, comfort, and caring for our community. Trust us for all your HVAC needs.