
Air conditioning systems are often called refrigerant-based systems because they use the circulation of refrigerant to move heat from inside a building to the outside. But air conditioners don’t actually run off the refrigerant: they’re electrical devices that take the power to run their components from the electrical system in a building. They’re complex electrical devices as well, and the majority of malfunctions an air conditioner can encounter happen because of electrical problems.
We’d like to focus on two electrical components in your AC that are essential for it to work: the capacitors and the contactors. These parts work together to allow the motors in the air conditioner to run—and they will both eventually wear out, fail, and need replacement. It’s best to think of them as temporary parts. Regular AC maintenance will help technicians catch dying capacitors and contactors early, but you may find yourself caught off-guard and need AC repair in West Hollywood, CA.