Your air conditioning system contains more than just coils, a compressor and fans. While there are different types of air conditioning systems, most of them contain capacitors as well. There are start capacitors, for instance. Regardless of your air conditioning system’s cooling capacity, it probably has one or more start capacitors. Here are five things you need to know about start capacitors and how they work.
#1) Provides Stored Energy
Start capacitors are designed to provide stored energy. They are known as “start capacitors” because they use this energy to start the cooling cycle. Air conditioning systems are electric, but some of their parts need a jolt of energy to get going. Start capacitors provide this jolt of energy. They will store energy, and when your air conditioning turns on, the start capacitors will provide the necessary parts with this energy.
#2) Used With Fan Motors
What parts use start capacitors exactly? Because of their high energy usage – when compared to other parts – fan motors often use them. Your air conditioning system has a compressor fan and a blower fan. Compressor fans are found in the condenser unit, whereas blower fans are found in the air handler. Most air conditioning systems use start capacitors for the compressor fan and the blower fan.
#3) Not the Same as Run Capacitors
Start capacitors aren’t the same as run capacitors. Start capacitors provide stored energy to begin the cooling cycle. Run capacitors, on the other hand, provide consistent energy to maintain the cooling cycle as needed. Run capacitors will both store and release energy. Using this energy, the aforementioned fan motors will continue running without any major ups or downs in voltage.
#4) Some AC Systems Use Dual Capacitors
In addition to start and run capacitors, there are dual capacitors. Dual capacitors function as both a start and run capacitor. They will provide the stored energy needed to begin the cooling cycle, and they will keep the fans going. Some air conditioning systems use separate start and run capacitors, but others use dual capacitors.
#5) Failure May Prevent the Fan From Turning On
If a start capacitor fails, the fan with which it’s used may not turn on. Compressor fans and blower fans require energy to start up, which the start capacitor provides. Start capacitors can fail, however. They may no longer hold or provide energy. And without this energy, the fan may turn on. So, if one of your air conditioning system’s fans isn’t turning on, a bad start capacitor may be to blame.