• August, 11 2025

Summer heat burns out HVAC capacitors

Summer heat and the increased workload on your HVAC system can take a toll on the components that send electricity to the air conditioner’s motors.

These motors, called capacitors, can be undone by too much heat. They stop holding a charge, bringing the AC to a halt.

Capacitors have a life expectancy of anywhere from five to 20 years, depending on use, maintenance and other factors. If they do fail, it tends to be in hot weather.

Here are some signs of a pending failure, all related to the capacitors’ weakening state:

• Unusually high energy bills

*Warm air instead of cool air coming from the vents

• Unusual noises or smells

• AC has difficulty starting.

Don’t wait for the AC to shut down. Call a reliable HVAC contractor if you notice these warnings of capacitor decline. The tech can quickly solve the problem and you won’t be left with a non-functioning AC.

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