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How to Start the Capacitor for an Air Conditioner

No one wants to turn down the thermostat on a hot day only to discover that the air conditioner is not working properly. If air conditioner troubleshooting leads you to believe you need a new capacitor, you can replace it yourself instead of paying an air conditioner repairman. Your air conditioner's capacitor sends electrical impulses to other parts of the appliance. Without these electrical signals, your air conditioner will not come on — even if the appliance's other parts are all in perfect working order.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the capacitor in place with one hand. Affix the metal strap bracket around the capacitor with the other hand. Screw the metal strap bracket down over the capacitor on both sides.

    • 2

      Connect the FAN, COM and HERM wires to the top of the capacitor. If your capacitor does not come labeled for wiring, check the wiring diagram in your air conditioning manual to ensure that you connect each wire in the correct slot.

    • 3

      Close the condenser's electrical access panel. Screw the unit lid closed.

    • 4

      Turn on the circuit breakers. Turn the thermostat's temperature lower than the current temperature. This turns on the air conditioning system and the new capacitor.