The summer heat came upon Tucson quickly in June, and now as we’ve moved into July, the monsoons have finally arrived, adding humidity to the mix. This is the time of year when air conditioning systems are put to the test. If a failure is going to occur it’s most commonly going to happen during these hottest months. Thankfully with a Long Advantage card, those needing service or repair can get a discount through D&H Air Conditioning.
If you don’t have a Long Advantage card please just contact Team Woodall, and we will gladly provide one for you.
Even though D&H does a fantastic job with their diagnostics and repair, handling an AC issue on your own can save you big bucks if you’re handy! Often one of the first components to fail on AC units is the capacitor for the compressor or fan motor. Capacitors are essentially short term batteries that either send a jolt of energy enabling the motor to start up (start capacitor) or provide additional current to a motor while it’s running (run capacitor) to optimize torque and performance efficiency. There are a variety of AC unit styles and different capacitor types (single/dual) and ratings to operate these different units. Capacitors are typically very inexpensive ($7-$30) parts that with a little research into your specific system can be replaced by a handy homeowner.
A note of caution should be interjected here that capacitors are part of the electrical system so caution should always be observed if attempting any diagnosis or repair. Additionally, capacitors contain chemicals that can be harmful if leaking so proper handling is also required.
Less than two weeks ago the AC unit on my rental property stopped functioning due to the fan motor burning up, which is a common result of a faulty capacitor. With a little research online I was able to find a motor with the appropriate specifications and install it along with a new capacitor. This DIY repair saved me literally hundreds of dollars and I was able to get the AC functioning again for the tenant. Working in the attic was a sweaty undertaking in the summer heat, but an online investigation saved me quite a bit of money & solved the issue.
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