Unit was replaced in 2018, bought the house in 2021. Supposedly has a soft start. April 2024 I have it serviced and they state that the capacitor was bad and the system wasn't running efficiently, but somehow the system was still running. Don't know if it was the fan side or the HERM side. The air wasn't super cold at that time but manageable. Capacitor was replaced for an exorbitant amount at that time. Tonight everything starts blowing warm and the compressor isn't running, but now I'm knowledgeable enough to be dangerous after a brief YouTube binge after the last time told me that checking the capacitor was fairly easy, and I find that the fan capacitor was done. All fixed now due to a random connection with a local tech in BCS dropping off one for us at 10:30 pm. Now I know to keep an extra one on hand.

So, some quick Google searches say that even the cheap capacitors should last 3-5 years. Why would mine only last 15 months? Suggested reasons from Google were focused on power surges, heat/humidity, frequent cycling, vibration, or corrosion. Anyone had similar issues and figure out what's going on?

There's a chance your fan motor may have its bearings start to drag. This increases the current flowing through both the start and run windings with the result being the additional current is causing the capacitor to overheat and fail prematurely. And, the windings will get progressively compromised until you have an outright failure.

I had something similar once (short-lived capacitors) and was puzzled by it, until I came home one day and the fan was actually running backwards, which I didn't think was even possible on a single phase PSC motor. That clued me in that the fan motor had major problems.

I replaced the fan (and another capacitor) and all's been well.

There's also a chance that you're using some 'cheap' Chinese capacitors.

To add to what Jason said, try to get the American-made capacitors, such as Amrad or the Titan HD (as opposed to 'Pro') brand, and spring for the 440 volt rather than the 370 volt for a little extra margin.

Ribeye-Rare said:

---

There's also a chance that you're using some 'cheap' Chinese capacitors.

To add to what Jason said, try to get the American-made capacitors, such as Amrad or the Titan HD (as opposed to 'Pro') brand, and spring for the 440 volt rather than the 370 volt for a little extra margin.

---

exactly what I was going to say...try NOT to buy your caps off Amazon.....