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You’ll need to consider other AC capacitor cost factors, including local labor rates, the size of the AC, your location, and the season. Factoring in labor costs, budget to spend between $81 and $230. This capacitor helps provide power to keep the AC running for longer periods of time.
Additionally, by avoiding unnecessary on-off switching, you'll increase the longevity of your air conditioner. But an accurately sized system can help lower your monthly utility bills and provide more comfort in your home. If an air conditioner is sized too small, it will run a lot and not cool your home or remove moisture properly. A load calculation not only looks at the square footage of your home but also features that affect heat loss/gain. These features include the number and size of windows and doors your home has and the height of your ceilings.
When to Use an AC Capacitor
Below are some of the factors that determine the price of an AC capacitor. An AC capacitor costs $10 to $50 on average for the part alone. High-end branded capacitors cost $60 to $140 or more, depending on the type.

The type of capacitor required—run, start, and blower—can have a small impact on the overall cost. The larger your air conditioning system, the more power you'll need from a capacitor. Higher-end models that can provide more power tend to cost more. Most HVAC repair pros can replace a capacitor in under an hour. If labor costs and the price of the AC capacitor come in under $100, most companies will increase the fee to at least that to make the service call worth their time. The price for a new blower capacitor is typically between $9 and $12 plus the cost of labor, which is another $75 to $200.
How many capacitors are in an AC unit or heat pump?
These capacitors provide the jolt of power needed for the system to start a new cycle. Don’t forget to factor in HVAC contractor rates for a typical range of $84 to $380. Most dual-run capacitors cost between $15 and $45 as a stand-alone part, but prices vary depending on the brand and voltage. Dual capacitors can power two electric motors, making them ideal for larger HVAC systems. As the air conditioner runs, it collects and stockpiles energy that kick-starts the unit when it begins a new cycle.
So, if you want a longer-life capacitor in the future, keep your air conditioner unit clean and well maintained. Also, you could install a whole-house surge suppressor to reduce power supply surges. Discharge the old capacitor and wires and replace with the new one.
Causes of Capacitor Malfunction
The lifespan of every air conditioner is different, and there are several factors that affect how long an AC unit lasts. For example, the make and model of the unit can let a homeowner know what to expect. Brands with a better reputation boast reviews of how long their units last.
However, the year lifespan attributed to AC capacitors is based on a usage limit. So technically, the timeline has less to do with the years and more to do with your own usage. Luckily, AC capacitors are highly affordable, and that is good because they can go bad easily. Let’s look at some of the factors that determine the price of an AC capacitor.
Ace Hardware
But, in other cases, the unit may run intermittently, or the fan may continue to turn, but the unit won’t produce cold air. In these situations, it can be more difficult to determine the cause of the issue. It costs between $100 and $200 to have your AC capacitor replaced. Homeowners spend $30 on average on the part itself, but you could spend $10-$15 and still get a good one.
All homeowners should know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a failing AC capacitor. This will not only keep them safe but can also help save them money. Just like with most other home repairs, the earlier the problem is discovered, the less it can cost to fix it. The bad news is that all capacitors will begin to show wear and tear with age.
It can prevent the entire system from failing and costing a person even more money to replace it. Anyone who wants to extend the lifespan of their air conditioner should consider having the condenser inspected routinely. Condenser fan motor replacement cost is a small price to pay considering how often a household uses the AC during the hottest months of the year. It's something that most people want to have handled right away because it's essential. A home without a working air conditioner can be very uncomfortable.

Seeing how critical the capacitor is to your AC’s operations, you should know if your AC capacitor starts to act up. Below are some of the signs of a bad capacitor you need to watch out for. A bad capacitor can cause your HVAC system to consume a large amount of electricity and you end up with higher energy bills. Most of the time since the tech is already at your home, the cost to replace a capacitor is much less.
An AC capacitor is one of the most common causes of air conditioning problem, replacing it is simple. Remember that when you hire an HVAC contractor to replace an air conditioner capacitor, you’re not just paying for the part. You may even notice that the fan is running but the air coming out of the vents is not cool.