Out with the old, in with the fly: Welcome to Dragonfly Heating & Cooling – formerly known as All Pro Air!
Out with the old, in with the fly: Welcome to Dragonfly Heating & Cooling – formerly known as All Pro Air!
When your air conditioner won’t start or struggles to keep running, a failed capacitor is often the culprit. Dragonfly Heating and Cooling has been helping Riverside homeowners stay cool since 2010, and our certified technicians can quickly diagnose and replace AC capacitors so your home comfort isn’t interrupted for long. With Riverside’s long, hot summers putting extra strain on cooling systems, having a trusted local team on call makes all the difference.
An AC capacitor is a small but essential component that stores and releases electrical energy to help start and run your air conditioner’s motors. Most systems use two capacitors: a start capacitor that provides the compressor and fan motor with the initial jolt of power needed to get them moving, and a run capacitor that keeps them operating smoothly. Without a properly functioning capacitor, your system’s compressor and fan may not start at all, or they may run inefficiently, and place added stress on other components.
Riverside’s climate makes this part especially important. Summer temperatures regularly climb into the 90s and above, forcing air conditioners to run for extended periods throughout the day. That added runtime causes capacitors to heat up and wear out faster than in milder climates. Combined with the dry, dusty conditions common throughout the Inland Empire, capacitors here often experience greater stress than in other parts of the country.
Capacitors are rated in microfarads, and even a small drop in capacitance can prevent a system from starting properly. Because these parts are relatively inexpensive compared to a full compressor replacement, catching a failing capacitor early can save homeowners money and prevent a small issue from turning into a major repair.
A failing capacitor usually gives off a few noticeable clues before it stops working completely. Catching these signs early can help you avoid a full breakdown during the hottest part of the Riverside summer.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to schedule service quickly. A struggling capacitor can put unnecessary strain on your compressor, one of the most expensive parts to repair or replace.
Capacitors naturally wear out over time, but several factors can accelerate the process. Heat is one of the biggest contributors, and Riverside’s extended cooling season means capacitors work harder for more months each year than in cooler regions. High outdoor unit temperatures during summer heat waves can push internal component temperatures even higher, accelerating wear.
Power fluctuations and electrical surges are another common cause of early failure. These surges can occur during storms or from fluctuations in the local power grid, placing sudden stress on the capacitor. Age is also a factor, since most capacitors are built to last around 10 to 20 years, but that lifespan shortens when a system is oversized or undersized, or when it runs more than it should due to poor airflow or ductwork issues.
Humidity swings throughout the year can play a role, too. Riverside experiences dry summer heat followed by periods of higher humidity, and these shifts can affect how components expand and contract, gradually loosening internal connections. Dust and debris buildup around the outdoor unit can also trap heat, making it harder for the capacitor to stay cool. Regular maintenance helps catch these issues before they lead to full capacitor failure.
Homeowners throughout Riverside, Orange County, and the Inland Empire choose Dragonfly Heating and Cooling because they want a company that stands behind its work and treats every customer fairly. Here’s what sets us apart.
Our team understands the urgency of a broken air conditioner in Riverside’s heat, and we work efficiently to get your system back up and running without cutting corners.
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