Aircon Capacitor: How To Troubleshoot & Cost Of Repair?

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0 logo Aircon Repair Aircon Capacitor: How to troubleshoot & cost of repair? April 25, 2020 by silverbackaircon 0 Comments 8436 Views Home » Aircon Repair » Aircon Capacitor: How to troubleshoot & cost of repair? Prev Aircon condenser unit 0 5 types of aircon condenser issues and how much to repair 23 April 2020 Next 0 Ultimate guide to Aircon PCB. 5 easy ways to tell if it’s faulty 25 April 2020
April 25, 2020 by silverbackaircon in Aircon Repair Introduction To Aircon Capacitor aircon capacitor

Like what our founding father Mr. Lee Kuan Yew said about the air conditioner: it is more or less the secret to our country’s enduring success. Hence, it is almost impossible to live without air conditioning in Singapore, not to mention work efficiently without an air conditioning unit. And if you have an air conditioner that is installed more than 10 years ago, chances are, you might have encountered an issue involving aircon capacitor failure. But before we dive right into aircon repair for you, Let us talk about the different ways to troubleshoot a malfunctioning aircon. We will also let you know the approximate price for aircon capacitor replacement.

Table of Contents

  1. What is an Aircon Capacitor
  2. Aircon Capacitor in Inverter vs Non-Inverter Aircon
  3. How to Know if Your Aircon Capacitor Has Malfunctioned?
  4. Steps to Repair an Aircon Capacitor
  5. FAQs for Aircon Capacitor
  6. Price for Aircon Capacitor Replacement
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What is an aircon capacitor?

aircon capacitor

An air conditioner capacitor is an essential electrical component that stores and releases electric charge to help power key parts of the air conditioning system. While it functions somewhat like a battery—storing energy temporarily—it operates differently. Unlike a battery, which stores energy chemically, a capacitor stores energy in an electric field, allowing it to charge and discharge much faster. However, it cannot hold as much energy as a battery. This rapid energy release is crucial for air conditioners, as it provides the necessary boost to start the compressor and fan motors. That’s why you’ll find capacitors in every aircon circuit board.

There are two main types of capacitors used in air conditioning systems: compressor capacitors and fan capacitors. A compressor capacitor supplies the high-voltage jolt needed to start the compressor and helps maintain a steady current while the system runs. A fan capacitor, on the other hand, powers the fan motor and ensures that the outdoor or indoor fan spins at the correct speed for proper airflow and heat exchange. Without these two capacitors, an air conditioner would struggle to start or run efficiently, making them vital for smooth operation. If a capacitor fails, the air conditioning unit may not turn on, may make humming noises, or may experience weak airflow—signs that a replacement may be needed.

How does a capacitor work in an air conditioner?

A capacitor in an air conditioner (or any electronic circuit) acts as a temporary energy storage device. It holds an electrical charge and releases it when needed to ensure smooth operation. Here’s how it functions:

• Energy Storage & Discharge – When power flows into the circuit, the capacitor quickly stores electrical energy in an electrostatic field. Unlike a battery, it doesn’t generate power but instead stabilizes voltage by releasing energy when demand spikes.

• Voltage Stabilization – Capacitors help “smooth out” power fluctuations. Since air conditioners require sudden bursts of energy to start motors (like the compressor and fan), the capacitor provides that extra boost, preventing strain on the electrical system.

• Preventing Power Interruptions – If the power supply has minor dips or surges, the capacitor compensates by discharging stored energy, which then ensures consistent operation.

What Happens When a Capacitor Fails?

If a capacitor fails, the components it supports—such as the compressor or fan motor—will not receive the necessary power boost. This can lead to failure to start (the motor may hum but not turn on), weak or no airflow (the fan might struggle to spin at the correct speed), or system shutdown (the aircon might trip the circuit breaker due to electrical imbalance). Since capacitors play a critical role in motor operation, a faulty one can completely disable key parts of the air conditioner. Regular maintenance and timely replacement, however, can prevent unexpected breakdowns.

What are the functions of an aircon capacitor?

An air conditioner capacitor serves as a crucial electrical component that performs multiple essential functions to keep your aircon system running smoothly. Its primary roles include the following:

1. Motor Startup Power Boost

The capacitor provides the critical initial “jolt” of electricity needed to start the aircon’s motors—much like a spark plug ignites a car engine. Without this surge, the motors would struggle to overcome inertia and begin spinning. It supports three key motors in an AC system:

• Compressor Motor – Powers the refrigeration cycle

• Blower Motor – Circulates air through your home

• Condenser Fan Motor – Cools the refrigerant in the outdoor unit

2. Continuous Power Stabilization

Beyond just startup, capacitors help maintain consistent voltage to motors during operation. They act as temporary batteries, storing and releasing energy to smooth out minor power fluctuations, prevent motor stuttering or overheating, and improve overall system efficiency.

3. Signal Processing & Electrical Support:

Modern capacitors also play a role in filtering electrical noise from the power supply, assisting in circuit timing functions, and supporting the aircon’s control board operations.

Consequences of Capacitor Failure

When a capacitor weakens or fails, you’ll typically notice:

• Hard starting (motors hum but don’t turn on)

• Intermittent operation (system starts/stops randomly)

• Complete system shutdown

• Higher energy bills (as motors work harder)

On average, regular capacitor maintenance can prevent 80% of aircon startup-related failures. The component’s ability to both jumpstart motors and stabilize power makes it indispensable in HVAC systems.

Aircon capacitor in inverter Aircon vs Non-inverter

Air con capacitor in non-inverter Aircon

In a non inverter Aircon condensing unit, the capacitor is usually located just below the cover. It should only be replaced by trained technicians using proper handling and equipment. Because there is an electric charge to it, even if the aircon is turned off. You might experience an electric shock if it is not being handled properly.

Aircon capacitor in inverter Aircon

In an inverter Air-conditioner, a capacitor is typically soldered into the printed circuit board. The amount of time needed to replace it would be very long. And the workmanship of the replacement is not guaranteed. Subjecting it to a lot of issues after the replacement. Hence, an Aircon technician normally replace the entire printed circuit board instead.

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How do you know if your Aircon capacitor has malfunctioned?

Inverter Aircon unit

For an inverter unit, we have to inspect the Aircon printed circuit board for burn marks. Nevertheless, standard operating procedure for Aircon PCB repair is to just replace instead. Hence the technicians can just rely on the error code to know that the PCB has to be replaced. Technically, you can also replace the capacitor inside the PCB. But surprisingly, it could even be more expensive than replacing the PCB itself. Because, if the PCB is faulty and we suspect the capacitor is at fault, we will still have to remove the capacitor from the PCB first. Nonetheless, the PCB is already soldered into the printed circuit board. It will be time consuming just to remove the capacitor without damaging it.

Non inverter Aircon unit

For a Non inverter ac unit, it is much easier to detect. There are a few ways to do this.

Replace the capacitor directly

The easiest way is to replace the Aircon capacitor directly. If this causes the AC to start functioning again. Then the problem is most definitely caused by the capacitor. However do note that for a multi split Aircon unit. There are usually 2 capacitors inside the condenser unit. One of the capacitor will be responsible for each compressor. And there are 2 compressor inside a multi split AC. Nevertheless, if your Aircon compressor is running, but your Aircon fan isn’t. Then chances are, it is the fan capacitor that has to be replaced. Therefore, you have to identify the type of Aircon capacitor to be replaced first.

Measure the voltage of the Aircon capacitor

Another way to do it requires more technical skills. It is to test the voltage of a capacitor using a multimeter. A capacitor that is functioning will not deviate from the desired range of voltage.

How do you know if your Aircon capacitor has malfunctioned?

Step Details
Step 1: Turn Off the Aircon Condenser Unit Before you do any aircon repair, the first thing to do is to turn off the main switch of the Air-conditioner. For air conditioning systems in newer HDB units, condo apartments and landed house, the switch is usually located at the aircon ledge. However, for older HDB flats, the main aircon switch is usually located inside the house, near the window of the Aircon condenser. Aircon condenser refers to the bulky unit located outside the house.
Step 2: Open the Condenser Cover The condenser cover is the metal cover that protects the condenser unit as a whole. Most of the time you will only need to remove the top portion of the cover in order to access the capacitor. However, there are some models that require you to remove the entire cover panel. For example Mitsubishi Aircon (non-inverter model), might require doing so. You might also encounter difficulty in removing rusty screws.
Step 3: Check the Wiring of the Old Capacitor If the aircon wiring is in bad condition, changing the aircon capacitor can be incredibly dangerous. You might have to engage a professional Aircon technician instead. Nevertheless, you have to check if the wiring connected the capacitor is in good shape. Which means you shouldn’t be able to see the inner parts of the wiring. Once you have established that the wiring is good, you can move on to the next step.
Step 4: Remove and Replace the Capacitor It would be best if you can wear a professional gloves to prevent static when in contact with the capacitor.  There is usually a clip holding on to the capacitor. Hold on to the clip and remove it. Then carefully replace it with the new Aircon capacitor that you have purchased. Finally, place back the Aircon cover. You will also have to make sure that it is tightly screwed.
Step 5: Test the Aircon Unit After making sure that all the cover and screws are properly tightened. You can then proceed to turn on the Aircon unit again. Upon turning on, you should be able to hear a tick sound. This tick sound would indicate that the compressor has cut in. You Air-conditioner should be working upon hearing this sound. After a minute or two the compressor should be running by then. Nevertheless, if your Aircon is still unable to run. It might be due to a jam up compressor. Hence you might have to contact a professional aircon technician to assist you in this.

Assuming that your air conditioner is a non-inverter unit and that you have correctly diagnosed that it is the capacitor that is faulty, here are the steps to repair it:

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Aircon Capacitor FAQs

How do we repair an aircon capacitor?

Nobody repairs an aircon capacitor. It requires extensive manufacturing. Hence a new capacitor will be used instead to replace a defective one.

What type of capacitors are there?

Capacitor comes in all shapes and sizes. For Air-conditioning capacitors, the range is from 20UF to around 60UF.

Aircon capacitor price. How much to repair aircon capacitor?

The price for replacing a capacitor will depends on the UF of the capacitor. And the difficulty involved in replacing it. It will cost from $120 to $180.

How often should you replace AC capacitor?

You shouldn’t be replacing the Aircon capacitor unless it malfunctions. Replacing the AC capacitor will not prolong it’s lifespan. There can be a multitude of issues causing the capacitor to malfunction. That being said, a brand new capacitor still has a longer lifespan than a used aircon capacitor.

What are the signs of a bad capacitor?

For a non inverter Aircon unit. If the fan motor is running but the compressor is not running. It could be a sign that your Ac capacitor is not functioning. However for an inverter ac unit. You will have to measure the voltage as the Aircon capacitor is built into the motherboard

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Conclusion

Typically, we advise most home owners to seek professional help to troubleshoot Aircon, Especially on Aircon capacitor issues and the replacement of it. Because capacitor is a dangerous electrical equipment and you have to handle it with care. Our trained technicians will troubleshoot your Aircon issue for you and replace it for you. Call us at 96515152 if you need a check on your Aircon unit.

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