What Happens When AC Capacitors goes bad?
                     What Happens When AC
Capacitor Fails?
Air  conditioning  systems  deliver  the  best  cooling  performance  when
capacitors work smoothly and effectively. Capacitor stores energy in an
electrostatic field and powers the motors of the air conditioner to get them
started.
Capacitors are electronic devices used in various appliances, including air
conditioning systems, and are prone to failure when they work hard. Wear
and  tear  can  affect  the  performance  and  efficiency  of  the  whole  unit.
Consulting with experts in air conditioning service in Sacramento is the
best solution for a failed capacitor.
What Happens When AC Capacitors Fail?
Air conditioning systems are susceptible to malfunctions if the capacitors
fail. The motors may still attempt to gain ignition because of overheating
and causing them to burn out.  You’ll  probably need motor replacement
after that.
Failed capacitors give poor performance, making homes hotter or cooler
than the temperature set by your thermostat. You may even notice that the
fan is working, but the air emitting out of the vents may not be chilly.
Second, your unit  may experience improper voltage delivery leading to
wear and tear due to a heavy workload.
Moreover, capacitor failure may cause damage to additional components,
resulting  in  high  energy  bills  due  to  the  increased  power  demand  to
maintain the home temperature.
Symptoms of AC Capacitor Failure
The AC takes more time and energy to get started.
You hear a humming noise emanating from the appliance and working
long hours.
There  is  an  automated  shutoff  that  doesn’t  happen  during  the  regular
cooling cycle. Generally, it indicates that the unit is not receiving enough
energy from the capacitor.
The  unit  doesn’t  turn  on  at  all.  The  AC  capacitor  needs  replacement
because it has failed and is beyond repair.
Reasons for AC Capacitor Failure
Fluctuations  in  the  power  grid  cause  improper  voltage  or  current  in  a
capacitor resulting in malfunction.
Check the abnormal run-time because overheating the unit can affect the
AC capacitor.
Age-related wear and tear can happen. The average life expectancy of a
capacitor is 8-12 years, though most capacitors can last 20 years if they are
not exposed to extreme temperatures.
An old compressor needs extra energy to perform, putting pressure on a
capacitor and resulting in compressor failure.
Physical damage to the capacitor is one of the reasons for capacitor failure.
Conclusion
Capacitor failure can lead to a host of problems. When the AC capacitor
malfunctions, an AC capacitor repair is needed to keep the system running.
Consulting  an  experienced  AC service  technician  is  necessary  because
they can tell whether the capacitor needs repair or replacement. Finding a
team of certified technicians is essential  because experts follow highly-
detailed  maintenance  procedures  to  ensure  the  maximum efficiency  of
HVAC systems.
Source:
https://healdmechanical.home.blog/2023/01/11/what-happens-when-a-capacitor-fails/