How to Replace a Home's AC Capacitor

If you've ever had to call an air conditioner repair facility, you already know how expensive air conditioning repairs can be. You must not only pay for the replacement part, but for the repair service's hourly fee as well. If you are fairly certain that your air conditioning problems are the result of a faulty capacitor, you can save money by purchasing a replacement capacitor and performing the repair yourself.

Screwdriver
New capacitor

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the power to your air conditioner. The power disconnect switch is generally located outdoors on the wall adjacent to the air conditioner condenser. If necessary, turn off appliance at the circuit breaker box.
- 2
  Locate the access panel on your condenser that houses the capacitor. If your condenser only has one access panel, remove the screws holding the panel closed and open it. If your condenser has more than one access panel, open the access panel that has a sticker noting that the panel contains electrical components.
- 3
  Locate the capacitor. Depending on the type of condenser you have, your condenser will be a rectangular or cylindrical object connected to three wires.
- 4
  Place the metal ends of your screwdriver over the two terminals on top of the capacitor. This forces the capacitor to discharge any stored power and prevents you from suffering an electrical shock when you try to remove the part.
- 5
  Disconnect the wiring from the top of the capacitor. If your capacitor is held in place with a bracket, unscrew and remove the bracket.
- 6
  Remove the old capacitor. Insert the new one in its place.
- 7
  Re-attach the holding bracket and re-connect the wiring. Close the condenser's access panel and screw it shut. Turn the power to your air conditioning system back on.

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