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View Full Version : Do all hvac motors have capacitors? I tried to find mine yesterday to no avail.


ice288
Jun 18, 2010, 07:12 AM
I have been trying to figure out why my indoor unit has low fan speed. After a little research I saw that someone suggested the motor's run capacitor could be to blame. Unfortunately after thoroughly searching for it around the motor I can't find. Do all home HVACs have a capacitor for the blower motor?

hvac1000
Jun 18, 2010, 04:11 PM
Most have a run capacitor for the motor. Brand and exact model of unit?

ice288
Jun 24, 2010, 02:00 PM
Most have a run capacitor for the motor. Brand and exact model of unit?

Sorry for the late reply, I was out of town. It's a Trane model #TWE040E130A0. As far as I know it is from '81.

hvac1000
Jun 24, 2010, 03:27 PM
Sorry for the late reply, I was out of town. It's a Trane model #TWE040E130A0. As far as I know it is from '81.

If we are talking about the indoor unit you might have the variable speed motor which is different than the regular 3 speed unit. If that is the case the motor is programed so to speak and unlss you really know what you are doing you can create problems and the problems are very expensive. I have seen repair quotes for 1000.00 to 1500.00 just to replace the motor. Does the motor speed up at all when you turn on the A/C unit?

ice288
Jun 24, 2010, 05:39 PM
If we are talking about the indoor unit you might have the variable speed motor which is different than the regular 3 speed unit. If that is the case the motor is programed so to speak and unlss you really know what you are doing you can create problems and the problems are very expensive. I have seen repair quotes for 1000.00 to 1500.00 just to replace the motor. Does the motor speed up at all when you turn on the A/C unit?

Correct, this is the indoor unit. So far as I can tell the motor and air speed never seem to change, except on occasion when it speeds up for a few seconds before turning off. I was really hoping for a simple capacitor swap but Im to willing to explore other options

hvac1000
Jun 24, 2010, 06:39 PM
Correct, this is the indoor unit. So far as I can tell the motor and air speed never seem to change, except on occasion when it speeds up for a few seconds before turning off. I was really hoping for a simple capacitor swap but Im to willing to explore other options

Unless you have the special testing tools for that motor setup you will be calling your local HVAC service person to take a look at it. Those motors and the associated end bell /circuit board electronics are not user friendly and should only be serviced by qualified persons.

Basically what I am afraid is the fact that if you do not know what you are doing in checking the system out you just might cause more expensive damage. Check the item below and look down the list for (Stays at low RPM despite system call for cooling or heat). If you can do the tests that it mentions OK but if not call in someone that does.