HVAC Capacitor Questions You Didn't Know You Had - All Answered

[@WordofAdviceTV]

⬇ More Videos For Further Info: How to Replace Furnace or AC Capacitor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4uql6l5YrWAjbc How to Test Capacitor With +/- 6%: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5CTn36jbpljpKM How to Discharge Capacitor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ambSi4ukeNGAepI How to Combine Capacitors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p32tgIqLaJiHfNE Rusted Capacitor Solution: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iISsmmdtqt90pqs How to Order the RIGHT Capacitor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5zUkoKcq61nl5Y How to Replace a Start Capacitor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnSTn3mKZr2Dmas How to Install Emerson Sureswitch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5irpHqIabyHZ5o How to Install Surge Protector: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paPZcmOvnLqFrcU

[@Goodfella0982]

For Question #9, another easy way to see what cap to use without calling a store, just look on the bottom of the compressor, it has its own kind of tag and it will tell you what that compressor wants for MFD. It might be uncomfortable for a second to look at the bottom if it's a 4 or 5 ton, but it takes a few minutes to do. Same for condenser fan motor if the tags are worn out

[@rosemarie20]

Slide a camera or mirror under it to see.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Great tip! Thank you for explaining this!

[@paulrozinski1488]

If you write important specs ( that aren’t on the rating plate) on the inside of the cover with a Sharpie marker, it can save you some grief in the future. Yes, I still wear shirts with pockets ( no pocket protector😂) and yes, I always carry a Sharpie marker and even a PENCIL. Thanks again, Jay. Always looking forward to your videos . Stay well my friend.

[@maholla7688]

You are so right

[@WordofAdviceTV]

YES! Thank you for this expert advice! I very much agree. I used to write the date and specs of whatever I replaced but have gradually stopped doing that. I should really get back to it, thank you for the reminder! I appreciate you always stopping by for the new videos good sir! Stay healthy as well and God bless you and yours!

[@Niveous23]

I love it when older techs, or home owner heroes do this. Just a real classy move. Especially when they swap out parts, and add dates. That really helps diagnose.

[@boeing757pilot]

YES! Someone wrote "Cap 40/7.5" with a sharpie inside my unit years ago.. Saved lots of frustration trying to determine the size of my capacitor... Great advice!

[@ranger178]

yes, i kept meaning to do that now my unit is 26 years old and capacitor is brown with rust had to look up compressor model online and take picture of fan motor to find ratings

[@maholla7688]

Thank you for what you do. Always come here when I need to research a fix.

[@paulrozinski1488]

@@maholla7688 Jay was one of the first YT channels that I found informative and useful information. He’s the best ..👍

[@WordofAdviceTV]

You're welcome! Glad to hear that the videos are helpful!

[@DirectorRobb]

This is the absolute best video on KZbin dealing with AC caps. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@orbitsun]

You're still the best, Jay. Working with some of your other videos now.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you! May the videos be helpful for you!

[@pinballrick6031]

Great advice at around 5:50 regarding keeping a spare capacitor on hand. My entire system was pretty ancient before I finally replaced it. It seemed like pretty much every other year or so I was replacing either the capacitor in the A/C or the heat sequencer in the furnace. I learned to keep both parts on hand.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you for confirming the spare capacitor idea from your experience! May your new unit outlast the old!

[@tonyb7748]

Also be sure to test the spare as it can be DOA.

[@sheilam4964]

Thx for filming this and sharing it with us.

[@gavinthomas214]

Thanks for answering all those questions on capacitors.

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey Jay always a awesome tutorial

[@deanoh9929]

thank you, JAY !!! you saved me time and $$$ on a repair on my AC here is So. Cal. USA

[@WordofAdviceTV]

You're welcome!! Glad to hear the videos saved you time and money! Stay cool!

[@TM_Stone]

Really great questions and answers. Thanks!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you and you're welcome! 🙂

[@hashimsalim2665]

keep up the great work that you do.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

I appreciate that, thank you!

[@jaimegonzalez6926]

Thank you for all of your tips.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

You're welcome my friend!

[@budp.4209]

I am so glad I found your channel, Absolutely the BEST explanations/Help/Tutorials.. Thank you very much.

[@rodrobinson6111]

Thanks for your answers, very informative!!

[@izzymoney85]

Jay thanks for another great video

[@Jack.333]

Fantastic Jay, Good Video.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you sir! I appreciate you stopping by for the new video, have a fantastic new week!

[@adriszarifi257]

Great info ❤

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you! Glad you found it to be good info!

[@jims2638]

Thank for good advice.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

You're welcome!

[@birdog6668]

Absolutely great and informative

[@brettmullins751]

Awesome video

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you!

[@Isgood2beKing]

THANK YOU SO MUCH, , you have been my favorite, by far technician, well explained and detailed, also answering everybody questions, that my friend is AWESOME!, WISH YOU the best

[@WordofAdviceTV]

You're welcome!! Glad to hear that the videos have been helpful for you! I wish you the best as well, have an amazing new week!

[@cristianamarante6161]

Jay you are the best.

[@mauro-b6q]

great information

[@dane6353]

Hi Jay my run cap tests fine. The fan starts right away but it it takes between 2 - 5 minutes for the compressor to start. It is a Trane XB 13. Thank you in advance. Great videos!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Hmm... Usually the compressor does come on at the same time as the fan. Does your condenser unit have a timer or control board in it? It may just be a delayed start that prevents the unit from short cycling. (It's bad for the compressor if it comes on shortly after it turned off) If other than the delayed start, your unit is working and cooling good I wouldn't worry about it.

[@dane6353]

@@WordofAdviceTV thanks for the quick response! It's an older r22 unit. I have an identical unit whose compressor starts right away. Ordered a new factory start cap , I'll see if that helps. I'll update you on how it goes. Thank you!

[@Niveous23]

That is wild, Jay is correct. They usually power on together....even with delayed start. Could be a cool down feature...especially if it's in heat mode. That's not uncommon. Gives the exchanger a chance to relax.

[@dane6353]

@WordofAdviceTV UPDATE: changed the start cap and compressor started right up! Removed the resistor on the old part and it tested at 0.0 MFD. Thanks again Jay!

[@ronrichmond4694]

Great video sir! 👍❤️👍

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you! 🙂🙏👍

[@dunasingh8653]

Hi Jay. You are the best! This is a very helpful information. Thank you!! I bought a multimeter that you recommended, and it is working well.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Hi and thank you! Glad you found the info useful and are enjoying the multimeter! Your are referring to the UEi one right? I agree! A very nice meter! I even have two. 😄

[@adem7938]

Request : May you please make a video regarding heat pump wiring system including thermostat, control board, defrost board and outside AC unit ?

[@netalekh6443]

Thank you! 👍God bless you!

[@davidmckinney6577]

Hey 👋 good buddy I don't know how i didn't get this video but I guess its because my service hasn't been great..I got my brother's air conditioner fixed after your last video my brother said to tell you thanks i told him you are the best 👌 👍 in the business 👍 and also like family to me he already knows i always talk about my number one best buddy from KZbin..hope everything is going good with you all. We are going through a heat wave now and I don't care about hot and humid weather. Im still working i have been doing a lot of work at different cemeteries everything from resetting stones to cleaning up tombstones,that wet and forget works wonders for old tombstones..good to see you buddy much love to you and your family jay. Give them a big old fashioned bear 🐻 hug for me..may God bless you and your family and I pray 🙏 everything works smoothly with your wife 🙏. I always remember you all in my prayers 🙏 jay 🙏 ❤️.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Hi David!! Yeah it happens, I almost missed your comment too! Happy to hear that you were able to get your brother's air conditioner fixed! May he and you both stay cool during this next heat wave! All is going well here, gearing up to receive the baby soon. My first son is excited for his new brother! Your work at the cemeteries is honorable labor! Not many people are willing to do what you do. May God bless you for your efforts! Thank you for the love, greetings, and prayers! Sending love and aloha from Hawaii as well!! 🌴🦎☀

[@clintstevenson1214]

A most EXCELLENT Video! Thanks

[@spelunkerd]

One other factor is to be sure to get one rated for continuous use. Split run caps have metal bodies because they need to be in continuous service. Dedicated start caps are only in service for a few seconds of each cycle, so some of those have plastic bodies because they don't need the durability.

[@bills6946]

Question # 11- What voltage rating should I buy? 370 or 440? Always go with the higher voltage rating for durability, although, either will work.

[@konstantinusstoyanov9749]

Touchy subject, very interesting, thank you

[@kurisu9103]

Thank you for all your videos👍 can you do a video explaining how to diagnose the wrong capacitor was put in your system

[@WordofAdviceTV]

You're welcome! The easiest way is to simply call a HVAC parts store and ask them to look it up for you using the model number of the air conditioner. If the size they give you doesn't match what you have in there then you got the wrong one.

[@kurisu9103]

@@WordofAdviceTV thank you so much!

[@jimpie231]

Thanks for the great video! You answered a lot of questions that I didn’t know I had…..thanks again!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

You're welcome! Glad to hear that I was able to even answer some future questions! 😄

[@jamesroscoe7555]

This will probably sound pedantic but, regarding capacitor tolerance, it refers to the manufacturing tolerance on the part. So a 5% capacitor has tighter tolerance than a 10% and would likely be a bit more expensive all else equal. It might also have better temperature stability etc. Ideally one would know the tolerance the engineer specified in the circuit and use that or better. If you measure it though, and it is within spec for the unit then it probably won't matter. I doubt the tolerances on these are very tight though. The same is true for voltage rating. One should know the voltage rating in the circuit (ideally on the circuit diagram) and then use a capacitor rated for that voltage or higher. Love your videos, thanks for putting them out there!

[@renenunez1254]

Oh, I'm glad you're back in my life...lol. You're my dessert!

[@billmoyer3254]

Best content!!!!

[@Eddy63]

Great info Jay ... I was shocked to hear that about electricians & being one from an early age , I've absorbed a lot ⚡ Aloha my friend

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you sir! I didn't know you were an electrician! That's really cool! I have a good friend who is an electrician and he always checks if 120v is live by tapping it with the back of his fingers. He too, has absorbed a lot throughout the years. 😅 Aloha and greeting from Hawaii!!

[@Niveous23]

If you get a different shaped capacitor, and it wont fit in the original spot....you can place it elsewhere with longer wires. I do suggest to make it one run though, but if you wanna just add some wire caps and the extra wire...you can. Not my preference. Just make sure it's a good connection.

[@Niveous23]

I'll also add that ambient heat will shorten the lifespan of your condenser capacitor(s). Mr. Sunshine sucks. I would say on average, I'll replace indoor capacitors 10% of the time versus the 90% for outdoors. And yes, having more shade due to tall trees or adjoining buildings helps. But be very very careful NOT to block your condenser to add shade. They need lots of space to move air. So if your condenser is baking outside, and you want to add shade...make sure it's far away. At least 10 feet.

[@WizDumbDumb]

I need some help, my AC lines outside are not cold at all but the compressor sounds like it's on but not fully? Also my evaporator coil inside the house is very cold, so my AC is sort of cooling but not on hot days. Any suggestions? Also I noticed the blower doesn't kick in high speed at all during the summer but the winter months it kicks in when needed. Any suggestions would be appreciated thanks

[@jacksblacks6209]

Maybe the compressor isn't fully starting IDK ?

[@thomastorres5178]

Hey I have a amana unit and it wont turn on at all, I watched all of your older videos and theyre very helpful. There is an LED troubleshooting with a green or red light and different flash codes. None of the lights are on nor flashing does this mean there is a 240V issue???

[@rzh3443]

Just one word of experience. My Rheem AC has a separate "recess" for the capacitor so physical size may matter.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

You're right! With those it's nice to get one that fits but I have had times where I simply used zip ties to make a thinner capacitor work. Sometimes you just need to make it work. 😇

[@cecilall4150]

Very nice 👌

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you! 🙂

[@hatethesyn]

🙏 thank you 🙏

[@ethanparker8700]

The end was hilarious

[@WordofAdviceTV]

😄 Glad you liked it!

[@TheDigitaldoug]

How to know a really good tradesman: One will complain about the wind direction, the other knows it will change, and finally the one you want, just changes the sail position on the sailboat.

[@timj1196]

Looks good on ya ...

[@timj1196]

Thats a nice shirt ! 👕

[@cpranger59]

Hello Jay. I have a small window unit that has been barely used in 3 years since I bought it new. I hate to throw it out. I simply cannot find a 35+6 250vac 40/70/21 dual capacitor to replace the one in the unit. Amazon, Google, nothing. Thanks for your help and your great videos.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

You're welcome! This one should work: amzn.to/3ARNC0k

[@cpranger59]

@@WordofAdviceTV Got it ordered. I’ll let you know how it goes. 👍

[@theoisaac9948]

👍 👍

[@edgardoamado7008]

Does all of this applies to the capacitor for the furnace fan?

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Yes, this would all apply to the furnace blower motor capacitor as well.

[@exit07]

A small dent on a new capacitor, will it be defective?

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Usually no, I've seen plenty of dented capacitors and most of them work just fine. They tend to dent easily.

[@brianburge5961]

English is spot on except for a couple words. "Either" and "Yes". Fooled me otherwise.

[@enajenaj6841]

I decided to replace my two year old capacitor made in Mexico with a Titan HD capacitor MADE in USA. I would try to use MADE in USA parts if they are available.

[@Springerpop]

I personally prefer AmRad caps, but the Titan HD is certainly on par with them. Note, however, the Titan "Pro" caps are NOT the same, nor are they made in the USA.

[@davenone7312]

Will your AC unit cool the house better if you spray water on the outdoor condenser unit? It's well over 100 outside and spraying water on the condenser lowers the temp on the 2 tubes coming out of it (going to the evaporator) by over 25 degrees on each tube. Temp was taken with a laser thermometer 2 inches beyond the unit.

[@richardl6751]

Yes. And there are kits you can buy that will spray a fine mist when the AC is running.

[@christinestraczek6388]

I need advice about my furnace and how much fresh air it needs. Is there a reason why there is an Opening on the roof where the furnace is? It is making it hot in the house and closet.Thank you

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Perhaps you could attach a flexible duct to it and put it in a bucket? This video may help shine some light on this topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4fHiaZ-d6aCrc0si=KEBZJepQbrzS83Ve

[@borshardsd]

As a tech by day job, i can not help but wonder: if you're not sure of these BASIC knowledge questions, should you be risking your safety to change these parts & save money? Ty for the content man!

[@rowdybroomstick6394]

Only thing you didn't cover was over sizeing the capacitor for a temporary fix. Say your 50/5 is dead and or swollen and you use a 60/10, what happens then?

[@realSamAndrew]

The feds will knock on your door. Joking aside, it's the same answer as what he said.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

I once came out to a unit where the technician before me (two weeks prior) put in a capacitor that was double the uF rating as the one that's supposed to be in there. I think it was something like a 60 mfd instead of a 30. AC unit survived and was running fine. 😅 I by no means recommend putting in much larger capacitors though. 😇

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

This capacitor is a poor impedence match with your motor. It likely will operate fine but motor temperature may be higher so it should be replaced with the correct value asap. Personally, I wait the day or two for the correct replacement to arrive but I may test the system for a short period with something close, to confirm operation.

[@ranger178]

some capacitors do break down with age sitting on the shelf not being used the Dialectric breaks down over time.

[@bowlampar]

So Low Z give a 'much accurate' Voltage value without fluctuation than using Volt Function。

[@mspeir]

Technically, an electrolytic capacitor will dry out with time and fail. However, there is no set time frame for this. It could by 5 years or 20.

[@Markhope-e3z]

The spider🤣🤣🤣

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Yeah.. Many videos will have at least one random comment like that so I felt it should be included. 😂

[@mhbarillas9187]

I hit rewind twice to make sure I heard that correct 😂 n the answer is NO 😆

[@Isgood2beKing]

❤ your channel ! I have multimeter with UF up capacitance 1 nF A - 9.999 mf CAN BE USE TO TEST 35+ 7.5 UF OR it will only work up to 10 uf ?

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you sir! Good to have you on the channel! A nanofarad (nF) is 1/1000 of a microfarad (uF). It sounds like your meter is only meant to test smaller sized capacitors. Up to 10mfd is it's limit so no, you wouldn't be able to test the herm (35) side.

[@Isgood2beKing]

Thank you so much for your answer

[@timj1196]

Its a good color fer ya

[@dontderockmerizz3211]

I have 2 units for my house so I keep 2 spare caps in my garage. They’re inexpensive on Amazon.

[@richard6150]

I keep my spare caps inside the unit so don't have to remember where I stored them.

[@kkovler1]

Question no. 21. Is it true if you shake the old capacitor and if you hear something rattle , the capacitor is bad and should be replaced even though it measures ok with a meter. Often called the shake test!

[@ryk1265]

I thought Supco is the go to brand for capacitors.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

I think Supco is more popular for their start capacitors/hard start kits.

[@terencedavis7596]

capacitor question 40/70/21 temp coefficient got a 40/85 21, first one was sent to me to replace but mine 40/85/21 could i fit 40/70/21 would it be advisable

[@chenmike828]

what does the start capacitor 176-216mfd330vac means？ how many Uf?

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Start capacitors don't have a specific rating but use a range instead. In your case: 176 - 216uF. To replace a start capacitor you would need to figure out the tonnage of your unit (in the model number) and get one suitable for the size of your unit.

[@nayy31]

Can a capacitor measures ok but not working installed/under load?

[@1EVE1X]

i have been a sub for a minute and my ac went out yesterday. where were you when i needed you. now im $200 dollars down :( for an ac guy to come replace it

[@WordofAdviceTV]

My apologies. Should have posted this video a little earlier.

[@johnhammack671]

$200. To change $30. Capacitor 😮

[@docwil2541]

But I keep extra spiders in my bag for that purpose. School was a lie.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

😄😄

[@jims2638]

Hi I have two new single capacitors one for fan and one for compressor with no marking on either one not sure we’re to hook up wires.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Are the wires still hooked up to the old capacitors? Simply transfer the wires over to the new capacitors. It does not matter which wires go on which side. If the wires are disconnected, then hopefully you have the wiring diagram which should help you track down which wires go to the capacitors.

[@jims2638]

Thank you for your help.👍