How to Discharge a HVAC Capacitor

How to discharge or de energize an AC or HVAC capacitor. In this video I show how I go about discharging a capacitor in a residential furnace or air conditioner. I also cover many of the frequently asked questions that may arise regarding this topic, such as: how long does a capacitor store a charge, does a new capacitor need to be de-energized, will this damage the run capacitor, and many more.
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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This video is for educational purposes. All appliance and HVAC repair work should be done by a trained professional. Word of Advice TV is not responsible for any possible damages or injuries caused by the use or misuse of the provided information.
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#wordofadvicetv #capacitor #howtodischargecapacitor #airconditioner #hvac #DIY

[WordofAdviceTV]

🔋 Capacitor Videos For Further Info:

Original Video on Replacing a Capacitor:
20 Common Capacitor ?s Answered:
How to Replace a Capacitor Full Guide:
How to Order The CORRECT Capacitor:
How to Check Capacitor With Multimeter:
How to Replace a Start Capacitor:
How to Combine Capacitors:
What to do if Capacitor is Rusted:
How to Install SPP6 Hard Start Kit:
How to Install 5-2-1 Hard Start Kit:
How to Wire A/C Condenser Unit:

[tomboren]

Great video! Was just quoted $317 to replace my blower capacitor. I think I'll order the $5.98 part instead and do it myself. Thanks!

[chelseagarrett]

Thank you for posting this clear, concise, step-by-step instructions. The close up angles were golden. Well done!

[joebidendidthat]

Wow it’s very refreshing to see a video this good. Clear and up close in focus shots, no annoying background music, clear commentary and simple to follow. You should make videos on how to make videos !

[adviseandmorecarsandmore]

This information can save people's lives and give us a "relaxation" while working with power and capacitors. Thank you for this info. So now let's just discharge now and feel free to touch the wires. Thanks

[zahedaminullah]

The best way to discharge a capacitor is to set your multimeter to Volts. Go across each terminal and read your meter and you will see it go to 0 Volts. I was taught this way, safest and professional way. Good vid!

[jreicher]

Be has verbose and detailed as you need to be! The more you talk the more confidence I have. You were the finishing touch on me not only swapping out the capacitor, but the switch and the fan motor as well. Guys like you are saving me thousands! Even if I were to swap out the compressor, I still will have saved on what these typical HVAC guys want to charge. THANKS!

[jmina]

I want to thank you for your easy to understand video! My A/C stopped working yesterday and I discovered the condenser fan was not turning. I did research and found the likely culprit was the capacitor, but I felt a little uneasy messing with it. After watching your video my confidence was boosted. I ordered a replacement capacitor, followed your steps, and I am very happy to say I have A/C again! What probably would have cost a few hundred dollars for a service call only cost $11 from Amazon and 15 minutes of my time! Thanks again!!!

[carissalynnftw]

I love the “How do I know this? Because I tried it” bits 😂 Thanks for adding some comedy to this very helpful instruction video.
&Thank you for making this video in the first place! My grandma’s A/C went out (mid summer in the valley - worst timing EVER) and the repairman quoted nearly $500 for the repair. He said the capacitor needed to be replaced(2nd time for this system) & told my grandma it was possible to replace it without hiring a professional. I’ve worked on cars in the past and am pretty good with repairs, so I’m going to save her about $400 by doing the job myself. The only bit I was worried about was discharging the capacitor, which led me to this suuuper helpful video! :) My grandma and I both really appreciate it!

[harh]

I love this guy, he is a beautiful person giving free advise only with the spirit of helping others. Blessings

[ModernNeandertal]

Thank you for this video. My air conditioner pooped out during the night and the capacitor has been changed a few years back and I am hoping I can just change it out again on my own. My neighbor did it last time because he had a capacitor and the knowledge. I helped him and paid attention. I changed a microwave capacitor once and bled the voltage off with a screwdriver but really didn't exactly know what I was doing. Your video is clear and concise.

[fenixrisen]

I can't thank you enough for posting these vids. My old capacitor was a 70+10 +/-6%. The new one I installed (thanks to you) is a 70+10 +/-5%. Does this 1% difference matter? Again, TY for being so thorough and speaking for the true beginner, and never assuming that we "must already know" certain details that others leave out, that could kill us if we don't.

[Calango]

I've been doing HVACR work for many years and I have only used the screwdriver method and have never had a problem doing it that way.

[lwmorgan]

Like always precise and to the point, I'd like to have the money you've saved people over the years of your advice. Easy to follow directions. Thank you again for another great video.

[Kybo-Cali]

I just wanted to thank you for these step by step video lessons. They guided me through diagnosing my AC problem and was able to order correct parts to repair myself. Im truly grateful. Thank you.

[stephaniecobian]

You’re a life saver. This is the best video I’ve found!

[Ratlins]

Giving a “ like “ an being a subscriber is the least I can do for you. Your videos have helped me immensely and saved me money when I didn’t have much.

[scottdeemer]

the best explanation on the web, thanks alot.

[bigd]

Back in my service call days I did use a resistor to discharge capacitors by holding the resistor with needle nose pliers. Just the way I was taught to do it.

[stephandalejo]

I’m checking my camper’s A/C unit capacitor tomorrow and I was dreading this task mostly because I’ve always heard capacitors are dangerous. Thanks for the confidence boost, you were detailed and straight to the point ⚡️