How do I change AC capacitor

Air conditioner capacitor is an important part in the air conditioning unit, once damaged, it will affect the efficiency of the air conditioner, and even lead to the machine can not run normally. So how should we replace the air conditioner capacitor?
Below are the steps to replace an air conditioner capacitor:

I. Prepare the tools

Before replacing the air conditioner compressor capacitor, we need to prepare the following tools and materials: new air conditioner compressor capacitor, wrench, screwdriver, insulating tape, insulating gloves, safety glasses, voltmeter.




Figure 1: prepare safe tools

II. Inspection Work

1 Disconnect the power supply to the air conditioner.

2 Open the air conditioning unit and locate the compressor capacitor.

3 Use a voltmeter to check if the voltage of the compressor capacitor is normal. If the voltage is 0, it means the capacitor is damaged and needs to be replaced

III. Replacement Steps

1. Turn off the power: Before replacing the capacitor, you must first turn off the power to the air conditioning unit to avoid electrical contact and short-circuiting of the wiring.
2. Dismantle the air conditioning unit: Unscrew the screws on the air conditioning unit and remove the outer shell of the unit. While dismantling, be careful to avoid damaging other components.
3. Find the capacitor: In the air conditioning unit, the capacitor is usually located on the circuit board. After finding the capacitor, use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws that secure the capacitor.
4. Disassemble the capacitor: When disassembling the capacitor, note that there are two metal connectors on the capacitor, one is positive and the other is negative. During disassembly, you need to disconnect the wires connected to the capacitor, and then gently remove the capacitor.
5. Install the new capacitor: The new capacitor needs to have the same specifications and capacity as the original capacitor. Lock it onto the circuit board of the air conditioning unit and then secure it with screws.
6. Wiring: Connect the positive and negative wires of the capacitor to their original positions. When wiring, make sure to connect correctly to avoid short circuits or damage to other components.
7. Testing: After replacing the capacitor, we need to start the air conditioning unit and test whether it is operating normally.

IV. Precautions

1. Before replacing the capacitor, be sure to disconnect the power supply to the air conditioner to avoid electric shock accidents.
2. When replacing the air conditioner compressor capacitor, you need to use insulated gloves and safety glasses to protect your safety.
3. When replacing the air conditioner compressor capacitor, you need to follow the correct steps to avoid damaging other parts.
4. After replacing the air conditioner compressor capacitor, you need to recheck whether the circuit is normal to ensure the normal operation of the air conditioner.

Trying to replace the capacitor yourself is a more economical approach, but if you're considering hiring a professional, you might ask, how much does it cost to replace a capacitor in an air conditioner? The cost of replacing an AC capacitor depends on factors such as capacity specifications, brand, and whether other maintenance fees are needed. Generally speaking, the average cost of capacitor replacement is around $170 / 300 RMB.

In conclusion, replacing the air conditioner compressor capacitor is a relatively simple maintenance task that can be quickly completed as long as you follow the correct steps. However, replacing the air conditioner capacitor requires caution and patience. If you are unsure about how to replace it, please contact a professional technician to ensure your personal safety.