A sign that the capacitor is not functioning is that the fan motor will make a humming noise or turn very slowly, resulting in restricted air flow and frosted coils.
This is usually caused by low refrigerant levels, insufficient airflow over the coils, defective fans or components and dirty filters which restrict air flow. It's important to make sure your AC is always well maintained and checked regularly to avoid an unwanted freeze!
A capacitor is not why it's freezing up. Two things cause an evaporator to freeze... low air flow or a low charge. That is true for 95% of the cases.
A failing capacitor may result in reduced cooling performance, leaving you with a less refreshing environment on hot summer days. You might notice that your AC takes longer to cool the space or fails to reach the desired temperature.
Will AC fans run if the capacitor is bad? The answer is a resounding no. An air conditioning unit will stop working with a faulty capacitor unless you get hold of Coral Springs' air conditioning repair experts. In Florida's hot and muggy climate, the air conditioner needs to be in top condition.
There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.
While your AC will still work with a bad capacitor, it will struggle to function correctly. Eventually, the system will stop working altogether. Extended use can cause further damage internally. We recommend contacting a professional to handle the repairs so that you don't risk any damage to your air conditioning.
Dirty coil
This prevents it from getting the airflow it needs to properly move heat, which means that the system could then freeze over. Evaporator coil cleaning is an essential part of our AC tune-up service for this exact reason.
It's a small, red button usually located on or around the unit. The button should have a clear 'reset' label. Once you find the button, press it for around three seconds and observe the AC. Check whether the AC kicks on immediately and if it doesn't, press the button again for another three seconds.
1st Step: Turn Your HVAC Unit Off.
Even if it's sweltering outside, you still need to turn OFF your air conditioner! Running a frozen air conditioner will wear out parts much faster, and could overheat your unit. Worn parts are bad news for the most expensive piece of your HVAC unit—the compressor.
To fix a frozen AC unit, turn it off to let the ice melt. Check and replace the air filter if it's clogged, and ensure the vents are clear. Also, clean the coils. If the issue persists, call a professional to inspect for refrigerant leaks or a malfunctioning component.
If you can't see any mechanical or cleaning issues, contact an HVAC professional. Broken thermostat: A faulty or broken thermostat is a common cause of a frozen AC.
A bad run capacitor won't prevent the unit from starting, but it can lead to the unit shutting down prematurely, overheating or making more noise than usual. Determining if the problem is related to a bad start capacitor is usually easy, but a bad run capacitor is often more difficult to spot.
On average, AC capacitors last 10 years, but their life span can range anywhere from five years to 20.
When the filter becomes dirty, this can block airflow and cause the evaporator coil to get too cold, which can lead to a frozen AC unit. As a general rule of thumb, many HVAC professionals recommend replacing the air filter every 90 days.
Some bad AC capacitor symptoms to watch for are warm air blowing out of your air vents, a humming noise or burning smell from the outdoor AC unit, unusually high electric bills, or your air conditioner starts turning off suddenly or not at all.
For AC capacitor replacement, anticipate spending between $150 and $400, depending on the capacitor's type and accessibility. A bad AC capacitor is a fairly minor repair, and most HVAC technicians will recommend a repair rather than replacing the unit when the capacitor is the problem.
Now, you know the answer to, “Will an AC fan run if the capacitor is bad?” It will run for a while (although not with the appropriate energy efficiency or cooling capacity) but will eventually keep your unit from turning on and functioning altogether.
Turning off your AC when it's not cooling is more than a precaution; it's a necessary first step in troubleshooting and protecting your system from further damage. By understanding when to perform simple checks and when to call in the experts, you ensure your air conditioner remains a reliable refuge from the heat.
Test the Capacitor
Place the multimeter probes on the capacitor terminals. The multimeter will display a reading. Compare this reading to the rated capacitance value printed on the capacitor. If the reading is significantly lower than the rated value, the capacitor is faulty and needs to be replaced.