Furnace Blower Motor Capacitor

[D45]

So the air conditioner was on and running but no air was coming out of the vents. Even with the fan on mode, no air blowing out.

Furnace is around 20 years old.

Upon closer inspection the furnace blower motor wasn't spinning.

I could spin the blower motor by hand and it would keep going. But it won't start by itself.

The capacitor had a small deformation in the top of the cap.

For $10 I ordered a new capacitor and it fixed the problem.

Question is, how often are these prone to going out?

 

[mm08822]

Mine lasted 25 yrs before I had to change out the blower motor. I changed the cap also with the new motor anyway.

For $ 10, buy another and hide it in the furnace so it's onhand.

 

[karoc]

Since yours is 20 yrs old, maybe every about then. But, caps I always keep extras for both furnace and condenser.

 

[PoorUB]

Thirty five years in our house and never replaced a capacitor in our furnace or air conditioner. Plus, I have a furnace and AC in my garage.

I also did HVAC service for twelve years and replaced a few capacitors, but not enough to say it is a big issue.

I would be willing to bet I sold more thermostats than capacitors.

 

[D45]

I was initially thinking the blower motor was going out and caused the capacitor to fail?

But it sounds and runs smooth

 

[fitter30]

Its a good idea just to purchase either a muilti tap cap or separate caps for furnace, a condenser and a contactor. Stick them next to your furnace so ou know they are.

 

[micromind]

In my experience, anywhere from 5 to 25 years. I don't know what makes them last long or short though.