⚠️ Safety First

Before doing anything:

• Turn off power at the disconnect (outside) or service switch (inside).

• Turn off the breaker as an extra precaution.

• Use a non-contact voltage tester to verify power is OFF.

• Never touch the terminals of a capacitor until it is discharged.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

• New capacitor (matching the exact µF and voltage rating)

• Insulated screwdriver

• Needle-nose pliers

• Multimeter (optional, for testing)

• Electrical tape or marker for labeling wires

If you need tools or a new capacitor you can find both here-

If you need help finding anything please don’t hesitate to ask

✅ How to Replace the Capacitor

1. Locate the Capacitor

Outside AC condenser:

• Remove the fan/compressor panel.

• Capacitor is silver/oval/round with 2–3 terminals on top (HERM, FAN, C).

Inside furnace/air handler:

• Usually near the blower motor housing.

2. Take a Photo of the Wires

Before removing anything, take a clear picture of:

• Which colored wire goes to HERM

• Which wire goes to FAN

• Which wire goes to C (common)

This prevents wiring mistakes later.

3. Discharge the Old Capacitor

Even with power OFF, capacitors can store a charge.

To discharge:

• Use an insulated screwdriver

• Touch the metal blade across each pair of terminals
  (HERM to C, FAN to C, and HERM to FAN)

You may hear a small pop—that’s normal.

4. Remove the Old Capacitor

• Pull off the spade connectors using pliers (don’t yank the wires)

• Remove the mounting strap or screw

• Pull the capacitor out

5. Install the New Capacitor

VERY IMPORTANT:

• Match µF (microfarad) EXACTLY

• Voltage can be equal or higher (e.g., replacing 370V with 440V is OK)

Steps:

1. Place the new capacitor in the bracket.

2. Reconnect wires following your photo:

   • C → common wires (usually several)

   • HERM → compressor wire (outside unit only)

   • FAN → fan motor wire

3. Press connectors fully onto the terminals.

If a connector is loose, gently squeeze it with pliers to tighten.

6. Reassemble the Unit

• Reinstall the panel tightly

• Restore power at the disconnect and breaker

7. Test the System

Turn on the thermostat:

• Outdoor fan should come on

• Compressor should start

• If the system buzzes or hums but doesn’t start → double-check wiring or the contactor

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Here is a guide to changing your capacitor