[curiousNC]

I recently had my gas furnace cleaned and while the technician was here he told me that the capacitor on my furnace was close to the 10% level that says it needs replacing. He also told me that if I didn't replace it and it went bad then that could ruin my motor and I would have to replace the motor as well.

I just want to make sure that I am not being taken advantage of by this company. Since I'm asking, what makes a capacitor go bad and how long should one last? One last thing is how much do you think it should cost for a professional technician to replace the capacitor in the Charlotte NC area? Thanks so much for the info.

[ma0641]

Yes, it will indeed burn out the motor. Age and load make them go bad. I have seen them last 2 years and 20 years. If you have a service tech replace, it will cost a service charge, parts cost and time, probably $200 DIY should be less than $50 and a pretty easy job. Discharge the capacitor and take it to an HVAC supply store. Make sure to note the wiring before taking them off. You will have 3 or 4 wires.

[Grady White]

If you are charged $50 for a capacitor while the tech is there for routine maintenance, you are being over charged. It is rare for a single capacitor to cost more than $10. Labor, normally less than 5 minutes.