Air Conditioner Repair Los Angeles

A client from Los Angeles, CA, recently contacted Pioneers Heating and Air for an AC problem. They noticed their air conditioner was not blowing cold air despite repeatedly turning the system off and back on. They also noted that their air conditioner's outdoor fan blade constantly ran instead of spinning intermittently. Our inspection revealed that the start capacitor for the AC condenser motor was failing. We replaced it with a new one, checked the system, and everything worked as it should be.

When your HVAC system is in good working order, it can deliver a consistent airflow through an appropriately sized air filter. However, certain system issues can reduce airflow and affect the unit's smooth operation and function. For example, when your system runs, your AC unit's start capacitor helps regulate airflow. When the condition of this component is compromised, you may experience unsatisfactory system performance—or even dangerous equipment failures.

What Is an AC Capacitor?

A capacitor is a component responsible for delivering power to a motor at a start-up. It resembles a large battery and is usually shaped like a cuboid or a cylinder. A capacitor stores and releases electrical energy during every cycle change, matching the system to produce the optimal phase shift for the motor's running efficiency and power consumption.

The condition of your start capacitor can be a crucial indicator of the overall health of your system. When working properly, it ensures the functionality of your motor and protects you from refrigerant leaks or a flammable environment. However, if there are no visible signs of damage and you notice that your HVAC is not working right, you may have a start capacitor issue. And even worse, if the compressor suddenly is not running at all.

You can help to avoid costly HVAC repairs by having a company like Pioneers Heating and Air perform maintenance services on your heating and air conditioning equipment twice a year.

Most Common Symptoms of a Bad AC Capacitor

The fan blade is constantly spinning or not at all

The outdoor condenser unit will continue to operate even if the start capacitor fails, but it will be much noisier than usual. In addition, a failing capacitor will shorten the life of your AC system because the compressor is running low pressures inside the system. You may also need to replace the fan motor if it runs continuously rather than intermittently. Sadly, a simple part failure, as mentioned above, can result in costly repairs when overlooked.

The outdoor unit does not run even if it has power

Another common sign of a failed capacitor is that the outdoor unit does not operate, even though enough power is supplied. Instead, it frequently causes the outdoor unit to make a whirring sound for a few seconds before shutting down for a few minutes. But, again, repairing the capacitor will usually solve this home cooling problem.

AC is not blowing cold air

If your air conditioner blower motor is not blowing cold air, even after you have checked the voltage rating, it may be due to bad capacitors. Replacing the faulty parts should fix the problem, but if the motor is not blowing air after replacing the capacitors, there may be an issue with the motor itself.

Overheating

If your air conditioner's compressor and motor are not spinning to blow cold air, even after you have replaced the capacitor, it could be because you used the old capacitor for too long. As long as you have tested the voltage and it is safe to do so, you can try cooling the air conditioner's outdoor unit by pouring water on it.

AC Repair near Me

Pioneers Heating and Air offers a wide range of services to keep your home comfortable year-round. We understand the importance of quality customer service, so we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our HVAC services—from air conditioner repair to furnace installation. Our experienced technicians serve South Pasadena and the entire San Gabriel Valley. So why wait? Call us today at (626) 217-0559 to learn more about our HVAC services!