Universal HVAC Capacitor

[rstcso]

Do not attempt any repairs on an HVAC unit unless the circuit breaker has been switched off, you've used a multimeter to verify there is no AC, and the capacitor has been completely discharged.

I couple of years ago I came across this "universal" HVAC capacitor. Since capacitors are a common failure points of HVAC units, it seems like a reasonable item to keep on a shelf, just in case.

There are some really good YT videos on DIYing HVAC repairs using this kit. I caution... you should have a good understanding of what you're attempting before doing so. If not confident, and have not taken all safety precautions, please do not attempt this repair. It's not difficult, but due to the high voltage and current, can literally kill you.

 

[dnewton3]

That's a lot of money to spend for a "universal" cap. Made in USA is a plus.

But typical combined caps (for condenser and fan) are around $15 to $25; far cheaper to just buy the "right" one in advance and have it as a spare, rather than spending $85.

 

[dishdude]

Why not just order the correct one for your unit at 1/3 of the price?

 

[Leo99]

Why not just order the correct one for your unit at 1/3 of the price?

I have a stock of the ones that my units take. The universal ones are great for pros to carry so they don't need to carry a large number of capacitors in their truck or need to run back to the warehouse to get the right one.

 

[kschachn]

Why does that remind me of Lucas oil additive?

 

[dubber09]

Service men normally know make and model of AC unit before they go onsite, so they can bring correct cap along with a normal kit of various caps.

 

[rstcso]

Why not just order the correct one for your unit at 1/3 of the price?

My daughters who live in the area, will always call me first when something breaks. I don't care to find out their brands, model numbers, or anything more, than "can I have a part which may very well fix their AC?" when it goes out on a Friday night of a holiday weekend.

 

[rstcso]

Service men normally know make and model of AC unit before they go onsite, so they can bring correct cap along with a normal kit of various caps.

My unit is still under warranty. Last year the AC quit, I called a servicer, giving them all the information, and they still didn't have the correct cap on their truck when they arrived. Not all servicers are created equal, but they still had me back online in a couple of hours. Thank God for portable AC units when you live in central Texas! I have two which get used regularly by friends and family.

 

[twouvakind]

Pull that disconnect on the unit(s) in question while they are healthy, access the area with the cap and snap a pic or jot down the values on the cap. Keep spares at HQ for rapid deployment.... holiday's inclusive.

 

[CDX825]

I keep a couple Turbo 200s on my van for units with odd size capacitors to get the customer up and running until I can get the right cap.

For a homeowner my recommendation is to keep a spare of the size your system takes. That and a contactor for the outdoor unit. Spare capacitor for your furnace blower motor isn't a bad idea either.

 

[dnewton3]

Why does that remind me of Lucas oil additive?

Because it's overpriced, is "one size fits all", and relies heavily on marketing when other products do just as well for less?

 

[benjamming]

What's the life of these made in US caps? Any different than others?

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

What's the life of these made in US caps? Any different than others?

China caps have been dying right around 1 year for my unit. I installed the USA AmRad last year. They usually die in July/August when the condenser is in direct hot sun. I had it fixed 2x by a contractor before figuring out how to do it myself. Their response was "new parts are junk" when I asked why they fail often.

 

[Leo99]

My unit is still under warranty. Last year the AC quit, I called a servicer, giving them all the information, and they still didn't have the correct cap on their truck when they arrived. Not all servicers are created equal, but they still had me back online in a couple of hours. Thank God for portable AC units when you live in central Texas! I have two which get used regularly by friends and family.

My unit is under warranty but they said not the cap, so I changed it myself.

 

[Leo99]

Pull that disconnect on the unit(s) in question while they are healthy, access the area with the cap and snap a pic or jot down the values on the cap. Keep spares at HQ for rapid deployment.... holiday's inclusive.

Keep the spares at the location of the AC units. Just in case you're in the vicinity, you don't need to go back to HQ.

 

[Mechanician]

Having a Grainger close by is a real advantage. They've had the right one in stock, every time I've needed one

 

[Urshurak776]

So, my neighborhood is right at 10 years old. AC caps are starting to go. A lot of people know I can change them out, so have done a few in last couple years.

I use the AMRAD (made in USA) 70 + 10 uF. All the units in my neighborhood use these.

https://a.co/d/dlLcZh8

$56.90 each, but they seem to last. There are plenty of cheap chinese units on Amazon for around $25 each. Maybe get one for a spare as an emergency.

 

[CDX825]

What's the life of these made in US caps? Any different than others?

Much longer than the ones coming from china. Rheem/Ruud used to come from the factory with Amrad capacitors and a lot of them lasted longer than the equipment they were in.

 

[CDX825]

Because it's overpriced, is "one size fits all", and relies heavily on marketing when other products do just as well for less?

The turbo 200 actually works though and serves a purpose.

 

[LDM]

Lot of money for the universal option, although I suppose if you had a bunch of rentals or business units it might be handy if they are all different values. I just keep the correct rated caps for my units, although they have all been replaced in the last few years so its mostly insurance at this point. The good USA made caps are only $25-50 typically and are much better quality than the slightly cheaper Chinese ones.

Also recommend keeping the blower fan caps as well, my home unit decided to wear out about 10 years back for the blower. Ending up having the replace both the fan and the cap as the bearing on the fan were also shot. $200 fix but its been going strong without issue ever since on a unit that was put in back in 1994.