Recommended HVAC capacitor brand?

[Brons2]

Does anyone have a brand that they recommend for HVAC capacitors? Something that you tossed in your outdoor unit and ran for the life of the unit, or at least a very log time?

I'd like to buy a replacement for when I need it. I have the tools to test them and the electrical knowledge to be safe about it.

 

[97prizm]

When I worked apartment maintenance they traditionally went with Capcom which is an oem supplier. Titan HD is a second great choice as they're made in the USA.

 

[Nukeman7]

If you want the best, get an AmRad capacitor made in the U.S.A.

 

[97prizm]

If you want the best, get an AmRad capacitor made in the U.S.A.

The AmRad is also a solid choice.

 

[Rand]

dont buy from amazon. the name brand ones there are junk.. rather have a chicom brand vs a fake or very old stock one.

Grainger sells them. or hvac places online.

 

[GRUMPYDUDE2]

The 3 brands quoted are all good choices.
My experience with cap brands is hit and miss on how long they are going to last. Some as little as 2 years, others 8 years.

 

[GRUMPYDUDE2]

dont buy from amazon. the name brand ones there are junk.. rather have a chicom brand vs a fake or very old stock one.

Grainger sells them. or hvac places online.

Some Home Depots also carry them.

 

[zrxkawboy]

This post is timely. Our forecast for the week looks pretty hot, so I washed out the coils on our outdoor unit on Saturday. It is now 23 years old, and the cap is original. It made me think I really should have a spare on hand!

 

[duck__dodgers]

If you live near a Grainger, WW Grainger's house brand. the most expensive sub-brand that you are comfortable with. they also ship. zoro dot com is their consumer arm. you don't need a house account to order from Grainger


https://www.grainger.com/category/m...tin=true&searchBar=true&searchQuery=capacitor

 

[DCDG]

No particular order whichever is available.

Genteq
AMRAD
TITAN HD
JARD

Just make sure you get a 440/370v. you can use a 440 in place of a 370 but not the opposite. 440 are rated as heavy duty.

 

[Mainia]

No particular order whichever is available.

Genteq
AMRAD
TITAN HD
JARD

Just make sure you get a 440/370v. you can use a 440 in place of a 370 but not the opposite. 440 are rated as heavy duty.

You beat me to it. X2

 

[DCDG]

This post is timely. Our forecast for the week looks pretty hot, so I washed out the coils on our outdoor unit on Saturday. It is now 23 years old, and the cap is original. It made me think I really should have a spare on hand!

yes sir. A spare cap, contactor and transformer can save lots of aggravation and money. even a few 3A standard blade automotive fuses.

 

[Mainia]

Does anyone have a brand that they recommend for HVAC capacitors? Something that you tossed in your outdoor unit and ran for the life of the unit, or at least a very log time?

I'd like to buy a replacement for when I need it. I have the tools to test them and the electrical knowledge to be safe about it.

Don't forget a spare power contactor, make sure you have the right amp rating or higher. Also the correct coil voltage and correct current AC or DC.

 

[bullwinkle]

yes sir. A spare cap, contactor and transformer can save lots of aggravation and money. even a few 3A standard blade automotive fuses.

I’ve been known to keep a couple cartridge fuses for the disconnect on hand too-they will occasionally fail for no apparent reason, age more than likely.

 

[BHopkins]

The advice to have a spare capacitor and contactor on hand seems like good advice. I had to replace the cap in my condenser unit 2 years ago this July, on a very hot Saturday. Fortunately, I found a local hardware store that stocks capacitors, and was able to get the unit up and running.

Following the advice on brands, I was looking at AmRad caps, and noticed the CPT version, to protect from hard start damage. How do I know if my condenser unit is a hard start unit?

 

[DCDG]

The advice to have a spare capacitor and contactor on hand seems like good advice. I had to replace the cap in my condenser unit 2 years ago this July, on a very hot Saturday. Fortunately, I found a local hardware store that stocks capacitors, and was able to get the unit up and running.

Following the advice on brands, I was looking at AmRad caps, and noticed the CPT version, to protect from hard start damage. How do I know if my condenser unit is a hard start unit?

i think some Goodman units with txv valves have a relay and additional cap usually black in color that would be a hard start kit the cap you may be speaking of has the extra terminal which i think acts as a shunt if the potential relay part of the hard start kit fails.

 

[DCDG]

The advice to have a spare capacitor and contactor on hand seems like good advice. I had to replace the cap in my condenser unit 2 years ago this July, on a very hot Saturday. Fortunately, I found a local hardware store that stocks capacitors, and was able to get the unit up and running.

Following the advice on brands, I was looking at AmRad caps, and noticed the CPT version, to protect from hard start damage. How do I know if my condenser unit is a hard start unit?

hard start kits could also be installed on aging compressors that are sort of on their last leg sounds counterintuitive but often done in the trade also if there is low voltage issues or extended refrigerant lines are installed.

 

[Leo99]

I bought a made in USA Amrad from Amazon. Lasted one year just like all the junk ones.

 

[Nukeman7]

I bought a made in USA Amrad from Amazon. Lasted one year just like all the junk ones.

That's really surprising...the AmRad cap in my Trane unit was installed in 2010 and still running fine today.

 

[ka9mnx]

Bought my last cap from Amazon. And a spare. So far it's lasted longer then the OEM. Oops, I just jinked myself.