08/03/2026
It's that time of year again. Time for the $20 part that kills a $5,000 compressor. If your air conditioner suddenly stops blowing cold air in the middle of an afternoon heatwave, there is a very good chance this little silver cylinder is the culprit.
These are a run capacitors. Think of it like the battery or spark plug for your system’s hardest-working parts. It gives the compressor and fan motor the electrical jolt they need to kick on and stay running. During a scorching Texas summer, these capacitors operate under immensei heat and high pressure, and over time, they start to bulge, leak, or burn out completely.
When a capacitor fails, your system can’t start. Worse yet, if it slowly loses power without dying completely, your compressor will try to start anyway, drawing massive electrical amps, overheating, and potentially frying the entire engine of your AC system. Swapping a weak capacitor during routine service is a quick, inexpensive fix—ignoring it can destroy your whole unit.
Mark's Pro Tip: If you go outside and notice your AC unit is making a loud, low humming or buzzing sound, but the fan blades on top aren't spinning, turn the system OFF immediately at your thermostat. That hum means your motor is receiving power and trying to turn, but a dead capacitor isn't giving it the spark to get moving. If you leave it humming like that, the motor will overheat and burn out in short order. Shut it down, give us a call, and let us swap the capacitor before a minor part turns into a major repair.
West-O-Plex A/C & Heating
Call us 24/7: (817) 244-2511
Book online: westoplexac.com
