Replaced the capacitor and all has been running cool again for about a week. Replaced my neighbor’s too. Theirs stopped working again after 48 hrs. One more replacement on theirs and we’re at 72 hrs of runtime since replacement.

    • Bluefruit@lemmy.world
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      9 days ago

      I imagine that some are interchangable but it would depend on the unit. Some might have different capacitors based on how big the unit is, how old, etc.

      Thats just from my limited knowledge of electrical and YouTube watching skills. Your mileage may vary.

      • bbue@lemmy.dbzer0.comOP
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        9 days ago

        You look up the model and it will tell you the size of capacitor to get. They are like $15 if you order them online

        Mine actually had the part listed in a paper inside the unit. Turns out the last AC guy put the wrong size in mine

        • Bluewing@lemmy.world
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          8 days ago

          It was probably just the size he had on the truck. And he wasn’t about to go back to the shop to get the right one. He’s ain’t got time for that shit.

        • Bluegrass_Addict@lemmy.ca
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          8 days ago

          Turns out the last AC guy put the wrong size in mine

          You know the capacitor is matched to the motor and not the condenser. sometimes when the motor is changed with aftermarket one, it could require different capacitor.

    • canthangmightstain@lemmy.today
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      8 days ago

      Depends on the size outdoor unit you have, and whether the capacitor runs your fan and condenser or one for each. They will look something like 370/75uf which stands for 370 volts and 45 millifarad and is the rating.

      Your outdoor unit should have a wiring diagram in it if you go outside and take off the panel to look, or you can google the model. They’re about $30 apiece and I’d make sure you know how to wire them before your current one bites the dust because when they blow they get messy because they have oil inside. Then buy a couple to have on hand because you don’t want to wait days to have AC while it ships.

      Watch a couple videos though, these are capacitors and high voltages. It’s really easy to do (it’s literally like 4 bolts and maybe 3 wires) but there’s just a couple things you want to be sure and do to be safe.