Is it expensive to change a capacitor in an outside a/c unit and how do you do it?

Answer 1

Nope, not expensive and easy to do. There are two types you may find in the condenser (outside unit). May be a single or it may be a dual capacitor. A single capacitor has two places to hook up wires and a dual has 3. If it's a single capacitor, it will just start either the fan or the compressor. If it's a dual, it's used for both. On a single capacitor, it doesn't matter which wire you hook to which post. On a dual capacitor, there will be 3 wires. Check your old capacitor and hook up the same way. One post will be labeled "herm" for the compressor, the next will say fan, and the third will be common.

Answer 2

It is not expensive; capacitors cost only a few dollars. The capacitor is connected by (usually) two wires, which are simply disconnected from the old capacitor and connected to the new one. But I must ask: how do you know the capacitor is bad? There are a number of reasons why the machine may not work properly, and capacitor failure, although possible, is usually not one of them. If the capacitor failure was diagnosed by a serviceman, he should have replaced it on the spot.

Answer 3

No it's not expensive to do.
However, if you have to ask, you'll definately get hurt.
You can't just turn off the power & grab the capacitor leads without running the distinct possibility of getting a nasty shock, or even worse, getting killed.
There is a way to discharge the capacitor, but I won't tell you because I don't want to worry if you did it right or not. Capacitors hold alot of power in storage, that's their purpose in life.
That's why you can't just cut the power & grab the leads.
Call a pro, for about $100 they'll fix it for you, & everybody will be happy.
Hope this helped, good luck!!

Answer 4

if you do try to d.y.i. don't touch the terminals with your hands Daniel s is right about the stored energy it can zap you weeks, months down the road if not properly discharged if you still want to attempt after this warning it is as easy as removing the wires from the terminals with insulated pliers the pros use a tool to discharge it but placing a screw driver with an insulate handle across the terminals insulated tools and eye protection are a must !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

It's very simple but, remember to turn the electric off.