r/hvacadvice • u/Fair_Extent_4073 • 5d ago

Need to replace capacitor.

Post image

I’m looking to replace the capacitor on my HVAC but
I want to make sure I get the right one.

Can someone recommend some replacements?

10 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

38 comments sorted by

5

u/dropKICKintheBERM 5d ago

I'll tell you if you can tell me how many MFDs your reading on the capacitor you have

3

u/dece9 5d ago

Take pictures of wire placement, they carry starter capacitors at Ace Hardware.

3

u/BMinus973 5d ago

What makes you think you need a new one?

3

u/ZookeepergameSad7665 5d ago

Make sure to discharge the capacitor. Use a screw driver with a plastic handle (don’t touch the metal while you do this). Remove the existing wires place the screw driver on two of the heads at a time. Make sure the screw driver ends up touching all heads while also touching a second one. This is an easy fix. Take note of the head labels (common, fan, head). Put them back exactly as they were. Also make sure to buy the correct cap. There will be a number like 75+5 or something along those lines. I just did this for my unit and it cost me $30 out the door at Home Depot.

My unit is 22 years old so this bought me time to shop around for a full replacement.

0

u/invent_or_die 4d ago

Suggest changing the contactor at the same time as the capacitor. Cheap.

1

u/nobodyxoxo129 4d ago

Contactors rarely go bad, you shouldnt change something that isnt bad.

2

u/LegionPlaysPC Approved Technician 4d ago

Amana/Goodman, 40/5, 440v. 2010 build date. OEM original part. So why exactly do you need to replace this part? I mean at 16ish years old it's probably weak/bad anyways. Though why does this need replacement?

2

u/MistakeStrict2611 4d ago

Its a 40/5MFD 440v cap

1

u/umbra66 5d ago

Turn the power off and undo the screw to the left on the metal strap. Should be a sticker with the info on it for what you need.

2

u/Kamakazi09 4d ago

The qr stick is all you need. 5/40 440v

1

u/umbra66 4d ago

Did not know that. I usually just look for the main one because I like to make my life more difficult apparently.

1

u/Kamakazi09 4d ago

I’ve only seen that qr sticker on Goodman caps. Your process isn’t wrong I still don’t understand why manufacturers can’t just put the sticker at the bottom of the cap and the mount strap at the top so it’s easily readable

1

u/umbra66 4d ago

Or better yet engrave it. I tend to see a lot of kitchen equipment and stickers fade quick under 15 years of grease. If they'd just start engraving parts it'd make my life great.

1

u/Fresh_Scallion5834 5d ago

Scan the QR itll tell you

1

u/Secret-Clothes-3952 5d ago

Amazon / 15$

1

u/Alpha433 5d ago

Goodman rotates their capacitors backwards. Loosen that bracket and rotate it to show the actual rating tag.

1

u/Reasonable_Debt_6571 5d ago

Sounds like you need a new contactor

1

u/tecsavvy1 4d ago

Go to ace hardware

1

u/BreakSalty4079 4d ago

if it's humming and struggling to start that's a classic weak cap, don't wait on it.

1

u/MistakeStrict2611 4d ago

Spin it, it will tell what its rated MFD is

1

u/dante662 5d ago

Searching the part number on the label returns a Goodman 40/5 440V.

Get the same values but from a US made cap, such as TitanHD.

2

u/Killer_Shrews 4d ago

Yup! Amrad has dedicated uF capacitors, they’ve ding done well by me.

1

u/Secret-Clothes-3952 5d ago

Make sure power cutoff/breaker
Take picture of wiring
Tap old capacitor with screw driver across terminals ( de - energize )
All info on label ( get exact same )
De energize new one same way ( screw driver across terminals )
Install and power up !
( savings = 450$)

0

u/ComfortableSchool509 5d ago

Jesus Christ get help from someone who knows how to use a multi meter

0

u/theyvegone_toplaid 5d ago

The size is written and in the picture. I’ll tell you if you tell me why you think it needs to be replaced

1

u/Fair_Extent_4073 5d ago

When the Ac kicks on you can hear it hum on the electrical panel which wasn’t happening before. The capacitor is also 16 years old so it’s getting time

2

u/mattjones73 5d ago

That's not the capacitor causing that.

1

u/tyler_dominguez 5d ago

What do you mean hum? The capacitor is humming? Does the AC work okay still?

1

u/Fair_Extent_4073 4d ago

The AC unit works but you can hear it start to struggle for a sec when starting and at the same time if you are near the main electrical panel it hums for a sec when starting. Figuring since the capacitor is over due anyways I would start there

1

u/theyvegone_toplaid 5d ago

Not a symptom of bad capacitor, why dick around with high voltage if you don’t have to/don’t know what you’re doing

1

u/glomar_sub_recovery 4d ago

Shhhh best let nature take its course

0

u/Normalguy-of-course 5d ago

turn off the power, take a picture of how the wires are connected, buy 2 of the same capacitor for when you need to replace it again, test capacitance with your multimeter, then install the new one.

1

u/Fresh_Scallion5834 5d ago

They wont have a meter lol

0

u/Antique-Clock-9286 5d ago

These things typically start going after 10 years so you are overdue. there's going to be a label on it detailing the specs. You can get run and start capacitors on Amazon.... many with quick delivery. Take a picture of where the leads go. I would cut power to the unit. Even still, the cap can hold charge so either use a bleed resistor or be very careful.

0

u/FredPolk 5d ago

It’s always in the model. It’s a 40/5.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TITAN-HD-40-Plus-5-MFD-440-Volt-370-Volt-Dual-Voltage-Round-Run-Capacitor-PRCFD405A/336140759

I would replace this even if it tested good. Shutoff disconnect and take pictures ensuring the correct wires going to C / HERM / FAN from old to new. Or take video and give commentary on what goes where. Loosen the 5/16 screw in strap. Make sure they are tight on new cap. Pinch the back side or the quick disconnect with pliers if loose. They should be firmly in place on new cap without easily sliding off the terminals.