
AC Component Guide: Capacitors
While you may use your air conditioning system in Phoenix, AZ throughout much of the year, you likely are not familiar with many of the different components that actually allow that air conditioner to cool your home. That’s fine, of course. You aren’t a professional air conditioning technician, and this isn’t the type of material that most homeowners would choose to study for fun. Even so, we do think that it is beneficial to have a basic understanding of some of the important components of your home cooling system. The capacitors in that system, for instance, make it possible for your AC to operate reliably and successfully.
What Are Capacitors, and What Are They Doing in My AC?
Motor capacitors, including start and run capacitors, as well as dual run capacitors, are electrical components that store energy and put that energy to use when needed. Start capacitors, as you may have guessed, are used when your air conditioning system first starts up. Your air conditioner is going to require the most energy when doing so, which means that it may need a little help to get going successfully. The start capacitor boosts the starting torque in the motor briefly to get it over the hump, so to speak.
Just as a start capacitor helps your air conditioner to start up, the run capacitor helps it to keep running in a reliable manner. They ensure that proper, consistent levels of current are moving through the system, so that your air conditioner does not come grinding to a start. As you can imagine, a failing capacitor of any sort can spell serious trouble for your air conditioner.
If your start capacitor is bad, you may hear your system humming away, without actually starting up. Perhaps it will begin to start up, but fail before it has really gotten going. If your run capacitor is bad, you may hear your system start up, and it may even begin to blow some cool air, but it will cycle off before it should. This short cycling wastes energy and puts a lot of strain on an air conditioning system.
If you suspect the need for any AC repairs, remember that Goettl Air Conditioning is the company to call.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us









I think the guy that was supposed to be assigned to me had problems. My appointment was from 9-1 and Austin was assigned to me at 1:30 and Drove over an hour to get to me.
Now that's 💜
11/24/25 Seems this is an update not its own post. Adam was out to repair our filtration system. No muss no fuss and it was fixed. Awesomely competent guy







Job done quickly and efficiently. Thank you


March 2025 - Jesus Gloria came out in an instant to help us out and quickly fixed our problems. Give this man a promotion!
February 2025 - Our unit was working properly with the cold weather, but Michael showed up and had it fixed in no time! He was also nice enough to give my son a stuffed animal and flashlight. Great service.
September 2024 - Johnny Rivera and Billy Solis came by to fix some work for me and did a fantastic job. Give these guys a raise!




A special shout-out goes to Pablo, our technician. He was on time, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. Pablo took the time to explain everything he was checking, walked me through the condition of each component, and gave helpful tips on how to keep our system running efficiently year-round. His attention to detail and pride in his work really stood out. Because of his professionalism and the overall quality of service, Goettl has definitely earned my trust and future business.
Highly recommend Goettl HVAC—and if you can, ask for Pablo!

Veronica and Kdyn did a great job cleaning our ducts too!

I have seen Goettl vans all over town and so I called them.
Got appointment right away and the Technician, Jef Eusepi, took care of our problem.



Call Goettl and was able to get us on the schedule due to a cancellation they had.
Jef Eusepi our tech was fantastic.
He explained everything and showed us pictures of what he was doing and fixing.
Would definitely recommend this Company and Jef.

He was knowledgeable and friendly and was able to flush the tank and get my hot water flowing again. Thanks again...






(Oldest)Jared was great. Got here promptly and fixed it quickly. Lifesaver on a 100+ degree day!







8/14/25 Update:
Billy, Goettl technician, service our AC late on Sunday night, then scheduled to come and double check the unit in a few days. Everything checks out and is working well now. Thanks Billy for great customer service
8/10/25 Update:
AC not working again since Friday night (8/8/25). I contacted Goettl as instructed, not satisfied with the response, still waiting for resolution and contact/communication from a manager.
*****
7/30/25 Update:
Goettl assistant install supervisor Nacho and his crew (Manny & Julio) assessed the entire system again today. They were polite and professional and made sure all our concerns were heard and addressed. It is believed the issue has been identified and fixed. Thanks Goettl for making the situation right!
7/22/25 Update:
Issues continue. Techs to arrive again today. Updated review to follow pending outcome.
7/2025 Update:
Goettl service technicians have returned to assist with some issues. Both Ian P. and Will M. we're both very professional it was believed issues were resolved. Dispatcher Betty was also able to hear my issues and arrange for a tech to arrive as quickly as possible.
*****
Initial review 2/2025:
Jorge "George" was respectful and easy to communicate with. He listened and answered all our questions. Informed us of what and how Goettl could do with the 20+yr old system in our home, and gave us time and space make the best decision for us. So far very pleased with Goettl's professional conduct and standards.







Gilbert Castaneda was our technician today for A/C maintenance. He was informative with all my questions, did his job in a timely manner and a very pleasant young man to work with.


Really a 5 star on original review.









On time, clean, and very thorough with any potential issues.
Thank you.



Thank you Jesus!
Adrianna Cardenas
Tyler Leija came to my home and flushed out my two water heater’s. This had never been done to the home since it was purchased in 2017. Let me tell you the stuff that came out of the water heater’s was an eye opener! It was filled with so much calcium deposits. Tyler was very knowledgeable and explained everything going on. Thank you Tyler for coming to our home and flushing out our water heaters.











Chris R came out for our Sadie Membership inspection and review before the cold comes here in TX. He did a fantastic job and really knows his stuff. Thank You!


As always great experience with Goettl services and staff. Thank you!
















Mike provided truly exceptional service. From the moment he arrived, it was clear he was extremely knowledgeable; he quickly and confidently diagnosed a very tricky issue that we had with our pipes, explaining everything clearly and answering all of our questions with patience. He also installed our new water heater and did an outstanding job. If you need a plumber who gets the job done right the first time, we highly recommend Mike. Thank you!








The Goettl team has been very professional and helpful to me as their customer. Thank you, Kelli Stoika.
PS… If there would’ve been 6 stars on the scale, that’s what I believe they should’ve received.




Sally






UPDATE Julian and his team, Nick & Jeffery, were here to fix my sewer pipe. They explained everything thoroughly and kept me apprised of their progress. When they finished, it looked as if they hadn’t been here even though they dug a giant whole in my yard! Most impressive! I highly recommend Goettl.
UPDATE November 14, 2025
Goettl continues to be a 5-star company for me. Always, on time, clear explanations, fair pricing, respectful of property and competent, friendly staff. Caelin was my team member today and upheld all of these values.


Jason and Marco operated like a well oiled machine with one replacing the AC unit while the other replaced the furnace. Clean up was excellent and the system works beautifully now.

I will definitely use their services going forward.
Thank you Goettl Air crew!

Greg Sanches

Thank you Jef, for helping me keep my home cozy and safe.

I especially want to give a shout out to Connor, who did the replacement, he was awesome. He was respectful and cleaned up afterwards. I even commented on how impressed I was that he was able to fit everything needed in a small space.
Overall I would recommend Goettl services especially in an inconvenient situation like mine. They will make you a priority.





Thank you,
Greg Sanches





















This past week our service technician was Andrew Morgan and he is such a friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled technician. He spent time making sure the job was done correctly and he explained it in terms that I could understand. Not only is our unit functioning even better than before, I also gained knowledge of how the system works.













I highly recommend Goettl as this is the second time l've used them in less than a year. (2 seperate issues)... and I highly recommend them..anytime and anyday.
They have exceeded to top any expectations I could have ever had with any company.


Jerry also noticed our water pressure was low after flushing toilet then trying to wash hands in bathroom sink which were so he suggested a new pressure regulator as we have had a new better water conditioning system installed. We now have the best water pressure even when using a shower and kitchen sink faucet at the same time. Also Jerry is a master plumber and we appreciate his knowledge and experience. Will definitely call Goettl again when a plumber is needed.
Ralph & Kathy Lesmeister



Darean Guerra today. He arrived on time and took the time to explain what he was going to do. He was very knowledgeable which helped me trust what he was doing. He left his work area clean. I am very pleased with his work.




Now we have a new flange, installed correctly, and ready for the new toilet!






The company is installing a tankless heater and the customer service is outstanding.
I recommend Geottl to all!


They made sure my carpet was covered and when they were all through they cleaned up perfectly
I would recommend your company to anyone looking to put in a new air conditioner.
Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Sincerely, June Jones

And I would highly recommend the company and the quality technicians like Jarod.
Jarod is the go to if you want excellent
Customer service and communication for any AC related issues. He is very knowledgeable, personable and trustworthy. I am grateful and satisfied.







They listened to my issue, were very through, checked for leaks, etc. I’ve lived in Lakeway for 30 years, used MANY local plumbers - but Goettl will definitely get all my business moving forward. HIGHLY recommend!
Ty, Wil & Adrian!

Everyone from the Goettl sales representative Christian, Tech / Advisor Josias recommended a HVAC A/C and Heating system replacement. Technicians team Veronica and her partner.


Jeremy Canchola serviced our mini-split today with the usual Goettl efficiency and professionalism.
Highly recommended!





