AC went out... Need capacitor... where to buy? Not online... (2024)

I need a part for my HVAC and have no idea where to get it. It's a capacitor which seems pretty common. Home Depot and Lowes don't carry them.

Where in the word would I find one??? I hate the thought of waiting until next week.

Radioshack?

Edit: Details of the cap you need?

Radio Shack?

Have any local electronics supply houses?

Local appliance repair store? Any local motor repair service (they usually have this type of item)? How about a HVAC dealer?

I doubt that The Shack will carry anything this large guys. A 120V "single phase" motor starting capacitor is quite a bit larger than those things that RS usually carry.

By the way OP, how do you know it's the starting capacitor? Does the motor (fan or blower I assume) not start? If it's the fan, can you push it and make it start by hand when power is applied?

Example of motor starting capacitors - 5 MFD seems to jump to mind

IamDavid said:

I need a part for my HVAC and have no idea where to get it.. Its a capacitor which seems pretty common.... Home Depot and Lowes don't carry them... Where in the word would I fnd one??? I hate the thought of waiting till next week....

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If you know its the capacitor, then you should know where to get one...

So, how do you know its the capacitor?

I'm assuming its the starting capacitor on an AC single phase motor?

What is its rating, voltage, size etc?

definitely not radio shack.

its probably some beer can looking thing 440VAC rated, it may be a dual motor start/run capacitor.

sorry, i bought one - online.

MagnusTheBrewer said:

I've heard of replacing controller boards but an individual capacitor?

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Capacitor replacement was a practice of the past, but you will not find a mechanic that replace just the capacitor nowadays due to insurance & warranty issues.

iGas said:

Capacitor replacement was a practice of the past, but you will not find a mechanic that replace just the capacitor nowadays due to insurance & warranty issues.

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because its usually done by an electrician... :sneaky:

Wow, thanks for all the quick replies..

Its a GE Capacitor 370 VAC 3 phase...

It's bulging out the top and no response from my multi meter...

I tried calling local service places but they won't sell me the part.... they will install it for $$$$$$$$$$.. I be a cheap ass.. lol

Analog said:

because its usually done by an electrician... :sneaky:

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Exactly... Spend $250 or more for a $20 part that'll take 5 minutes to install......

IamDavid said:

Wow, thanks for all the quick replies..

Its a GE Capacitor 370 VAC 3 phase...

It's bulging out the top and no response from my multi meter...

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3 phase? Is this a household application? Or does it have three capacitors in one?

It should have a microfarad value, so the voltage is not enough. To test a capacitor appropriately, you need a capacitor meter. My Fluke has a capacitance / leakage setting.

Analog said:

3 phase? Is this a household application? Or does it have three capacitors in one?

It should have a microfarad value, so the voltage is not enough. To test a capacitor appropriately, you need a capacitor meter. My Fluke has a capacitance / leakage setting.

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Yes sir.... Its for my HVAC unit... I swapped out the fan from the upstairs to the downstairs to narrow it down to the Capacitor... 100% positive its the problem..

iGas said:

Capacitor replacement was a practice of the past, but you will not find a mechanic that replace just the capacitor nowadays due to insurance & warranty issues.

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insurance & warranty???

i had a bad GE capacitor on the outside unit. the top was bulging but not yet leaking. maybe made worse by the fire ant suicides in the contactor.

Analog said:

because its usually done by an electrician... :sneaky:

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Electrician doesn't replace capacitor, it is the job of an instrumentation mechanic or an electronic technician.

HVAC mechanic/plumber/gas fitter can have a cross over electrical certification that allows them to work on low voltage appliances of less than 600V. And a good HVAC mechanic are well verse enough to work on electronic circuitry.

PS. I'm not an electrician, however I possess a cross over electrical cert and I got 100% on the Red Seal Cert Exam thank you.

IamDavid said:

Yes sir.... Its for my HVAC unit... I swapped out the fan from the upstairs to the downstairs to narrow it down to the Capacitor... 100% positive its the problem..

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well, if you are certain of this, then take it to an HVAC contractor or an electrical supply store (the kind contractors go to) they usually have cash sales. Or if you're in Mid-Michigan, I have a box of them sitting in the shed.

PottedMeat said:

insurance & warranty???

i had a bad GE capacitor on the outside unit. the top was bulging but not yet leaking. maybe made worse by the fire ant suicides in the contactor.

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Warranty on the work, and fire/home insurance.

iGas said:

IMHO there is more to it than just a failed capacitor.

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Maybe but when mine went it sounded like a shotgun going off, here is a pick http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff296/butch100_2007/?action=view&current=badcap.jpg OP, you gonna have to wait till monday to get one of those, I got mine at a wholesale AC supplier for $8.00, you won't find one at Lowes, Ace, ect., I tried

PottedMeat said:

insurance & warranty???

i had a bad GE capacitor on the outside unit. the top was bulging but not yet leaking. maybe made worse by the fire ant suicides in the contactor.

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That's the kicker.... Warranty ende 8/10/2010!!! Not cool.... No biggie though if I can find the part..

Mines on the outside unit as well.. very easy (and safe) to get to and replace....

BUTCH1 said:

Maybe but when mine went it sounded like a shotgun going off, here is a pick http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff296/butch100_2007/?action=view&current=badcap.jpg OP, you gonna have to wait till monday to get one of those, I got mine at a wholesale AC supplier for $8.00, you won't find one at Lowes, Ace, ect., I tried

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Thats what i was afraid of.. That photo is my capacitor... Isn't this internet thingy useful....

BUTCH1 said:

Maybe but when mine went it sounded like a shotgun going off, here is a pick http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff296/butch100_2007/?action=view&current=badcap.jpg OP, you gonna have to wait till monday to get one of those, I got mine at a wholesale AC supplier for $8.00, you won't find one at Lowes, Ace, ect., I tried

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Normally there are more than one cap that fails, and most of the time due to high resistant failed motor/blocked return air/dirty filter/faulty wiring/faulty compressor.

Engineer said:

You sure it's not a 3 tap capacitor (split value) instead of 3 phase?

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Unlikely 3-phase.