Today we were called out for a cooling issue. Upon inspection, we found both the capacitor and contactor had failed. Additionally, the system was low on refrigerant. We presented both repair and replacement options to the homeowner. They chose to proceed with repairs for now and hold onto the estimate for future system upgrade planning.
Walking around the condenser, we immediately noticed some signs that the system might be under strain — the fan sounded labored, and the unit was cycling more often than it should. We hooked up our refrigerant gauges and got an initial reading that confirmed the pressures were low. That pointed us toward two possible causes: refrigerant loss or a mechanical issue with one of the key components. We opened the condenser panel for a closer look.
Inside, it didn’t take long to spot the problems. The dual-run capacitor was swollen and visibly failed — no longer able to support the compressor and fan motor properly. The contactor also showed heavy pitting across the terminals, which meant the electrical connection wasn’t as reliable as it needed to be. Between those two issues, the system was working overtime just to stay running. Low refrigerant charge compounded the problem, making the unit inefficient and barely keeping up with the summer heat.
First, we replaced the failed capacitor with a new Titan 70/5 μF 440V model, ensuring the compressor and fan motor had the proper start-up support. We also removed the worn contactor and installed a fresh replacement to restore clean, strong electrical contact. After replacing the components, we rechecked pressures and topped off the system with 1 pound of R-410A refrigerant to bring levels back to manufacturer specs. All repairs were made carefully, using factory-authorized parts and verified with post-installation testing.
Once the repairs were complete, the system kicked back on smoothly. The refrigerant pressures balanced out, the fan ran strong and steady, and the homeowner immediately noticed the difference in cooling output inside the house. They were relieved to have the system back in action without the need for a major replacement — though they also appreciated receiving an honest future replacement estimate for planning ahead.
HVAC systems involve electricity and potentially harmful refrigerants that can pose serious safety risks. Attempting DIY repairs or maintenance on air conditioning systems may result in:
All HVAC system work shown in this article was performed by licensed professionals following industry safety protocols. For your safety and the protection of your property, always consult with certified HVAC technicians for repairs, maintenance, and installations.
At Bob’s Repair, we make it a priority to explain every repair and replacement option clearly, so homeowners can make the best decision for their needs. Plus, Bob’s Repair was just named #1 Trane installer in Las Vegas for 2024 by Yahoo Finance — a title we earned through honest service and expert craftsmanship.
Contact us today for fast, professional HVAC help.
