Jacqueline Baez explains the purpose of HVAC capacitors, identifies the terminals on a dual run capacitor, and demonstrates how to test capacitance using a multimeter. This participant demonstration was recorded during the September–October 2026 HVAC Technical Academy workshop in Sanford, Florida.
Like anything else, capacitors do not last forever. Signs of failure including humming, failure to start, or short. Having a bad capacitor also causes the air conditioner system to not operate or not operate the way it was meant to. For example, if the outdoor cfm capacitor goes bad, the cfm will not operate, resulting in blowing warm air instead of cool air. Being in Florida, hot air during the summer months is not a positive experience.
Let’s review what a bad capacitor may cause to your cooling comfort:
Today all received their multi-meter and reviewed capacitor basics, testing, and taking first steps on an exciting journey.
Soon we will be deep diving on the refrigeration cycle as well as getting our hands on stepping into diagnostics and troubleshooting… oh what fun!
If you enjoy daily challenges, working with your hands, and never a dull moment, the HVAC industry may be a good fit for you and HVAC Technical Academy can get you there in under two months.
An HVAC capacitor is an important component with one mission: store and release electrical energy to give motors (like the condenser fan and blower fan) the jolt needed to start and keep running smoothly. Two common capacitor types are start capacitors (for initial power) and run capacitors (for continuous operation).
Like anything else, capacitors do not last forever. Signs of failure including humming, failure to start, or short. Having a bad capacitor also causes the air conditioner system to not operate or not operate the way it was meant to. For example, if the outdoor cfm capacitor goes bad, the cfm will not operate, resulting in blowing warm air instead of cool air. Being in Florida, hot air during the summer months is not a positive experience.
Hi, my name is Nghi from HVAC Technical Academy. Today I’m going to show you how to take it out capacitor and replace it.