AC need new capacitor

[DottieR]

The A/C repairman just left, charged me $147 to replace a melted contactor on the outside unit. Nordyne MGHA-056ABFC-01 Serial MGH9203-03844.

He said my capacitor measured 28, should be 32-37 or something like that. Wanted another 167 to replace that. I have 2 questions.

The contactor is on the capacitor. Isn't that charging twice?

How much is the capacitor, where can I get it and can I replace it myself? The thing is already 18 years old, but he said the fan bearings are good, etc.

Oh, another question. How much is this diminished capacitor function adding to my electric bill?

Help much appreciated. Thank you.

[DottieR]

I just looked at the unit again. The capacitor is separate, round, 35/5, 440. Can I replace it with anything with those specs? It looks like it would be easy to just unplug the wires.

[Robert]

Hi,

Dual Run Capacitor # 1498 - 5361 can be seen and ordered from the right side here :

http://www.mobilehomerepair.com/ColemanAC.html


It won't really effect the electric bill.


I'm sorry that he stole from you by overcharging you and trying to do it twice.


The capacitor as you will see is less than $32.

Your contactor is $30 or less also.

So $65 would buy them both.


Both can be changed out in about 15 minutes.


You do the math. $140 or less should have taken care of both replacements and he wanted $300+.


Do not touch the capacitor terminals, they can hold a charge that can kill if high enough even with unit off.



Thanks,
Robert

[DottieR]

Thanks, Robert. You said, "Do not touch the capacitor terminals, they can hold a charge that can kill if high enough even with unit off." So how do I unplug the wires if I can't touch them?

I did find a capacitor locally for $25.

[Robert]

With voltage/electrical insulated needle nose pliers. You're very welcome, happy to help.


Thanks,
Robert