
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

Cameran took the time to thoroughly explain the differences between replacing with a traditional tank water heater versus opting for a tankless model. He laid out the pricing and options in a very transparent manner, answering all my questions patiently and ensuring I understood the benefits and costs of each option. This level of transparency was refreshing and much appreciated, as it helped me feel confident in making an informed decision.
Overall, Cameran provided a fantastic experience. His professionalism, knowledge, and genuine approach were exceptional, making what could have been a stressful situation both easy and informative. I highly recommend Cameran to anyone in need of water heater services. Thank you, Cameran, for your outstanding service!







He was organized and methodical when servicing our unit/property.
Austin was easy to understand and helped to sell us on the savings program.👍🏽😃













Thank you for your service this morning.





Caleb was professional and clear. He showed me what he found and told me how I could proceed. Thank you Goettl 😊 and thank you Caleb!





Very professional!






Tech was polite, friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Explained what happened and why. Checked entire system to insure there was no further damage. Great job! Very pleased.










Thermostat. Stopped working on Monday night 10/20 /2025. GOETTL Tech. Kevin Andrew text to notify me of his ETA. Was very punctual. Explain what the problem was, he checked it out , went up to attic and found the problem. Explain to me the issues that was causing the A/C Thermostat to turn off. Went into detail explaining to me what was causing the A/C Thermostat to turn off. He was very professionalc and ourteous.
Thank you Kevin... Blessings




Had Andrew come out to remove garbage disposal and repipe sink. He also swapped out 13 emergency water shut off valves in 3 bathrooms.
Andrew was professional, courteous and expedient. He did have to run out to get some supplies. He stayed until 7pm to complete the job on one trip.
May 2023 update. Technician Steve came today to do the summer rejuvenation. Friendly and professional tech. Explained the process and findings. Both systems are new, so everything checked out good. Did a god cleaning of coils and now all set for the summer season. Had them out for fall prevention service and to review the systems that are here. I just bought the house and needed to understand what was in place.
The service tech, Kevin was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. He explained and provided photos and video of all components. He ensured keeping house clean and wore booties.
My second unit is not in the best shape, and Kevin explained each of the issues. I will follow up with service managér to determine next steps (repair or replacement).
I signed up for there service plan and am very pleased with the service and communication to date
12/21 Luis C came today to do routine maintenance on hot water heater. Professional and courteous. He did a through job and explained everything.
10/15. Juan came today and did a great job. He was professional, courteous and friendly. Was here for exterior water bid but also did a hot water heater. Took his time and explained everything.
10/22 update. Timothy was here to due furnace rejuvenation. Very professional, courteous and friendly. He did a very thorough inspection. Everything looked good, but did comment on lack of insulation as has been noted before. Did not have current code. But was ok. Explained the benefit of higher level/depth of insulation. Scheduled so as to get current rebates.



My concerns have been resolved satisfactorily. They will continue to get my business. Thank you!



After toughing it out for a night I scheduled a service check with Goettl. Jorge came out and I'm so thankful that he was the one to show up. I was greeted at the door with a gift for my doggo and a new flashlight. Jorge took a look at my system and he knew his stuff. Optimal operating temperatures, pressures and the whole works. He took the time to explain it to me, show me the failed parts and even give me a list of options. With those he gave me realistic expectations at each price point.
He was able to work his magic and get my system back online and my house cool again. This isn't my first time calling on goettl and it won't be my last.





I’ll be canceling my home warranty and working directly with Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing from now on. Their reliability and customer care are unmatched. I’m very grateful for Jesus’s honesty and dedication highly recommend!








I do appreciate it n value you advice n tips n suggestions. Thank again . Shelly Adams







I was so impressed I joined the maintenance program, so an additional shout out to Ryan Angle who completed my water heater service and plumbing inspection, same as the others Great Job… Thanks
Had my AC serviced yesterday, another 5⭐️ for Goettl, Brandon Moreno got everything squared away, Happy Summer 😎👍🏼🆒
Just had my winter service completed by Brandon Moreno, as always with Goettl 5⭐️ again, always courteous, friendly and professional. Happy Winter ❄️⛄️😎





Did work for me twice, i would definitely ask for him again.
Daniel was professional and very knowledgeable. Did a great job of explaining everything when doing my HVAC maintenance.



He explained, while he saw no immediate problems. what we might expect going forward, given the furnace's age and condition. After I asked about major component vs. whole-unit replacement, he provided a thorough explanation, and pricing, of options for us to consider.
Very good experience with Jef! Highly recommend!


His experience led us to a solution for our pipes, which saved us thousands and thousands of dollars.
He’s a good man to have on your side



The service was perfect. The technician Julian Bray was pleasant, knowledgeable and completed the install quickly. The area was left cleaner than when he arrived.




Jesus was are tec came in check everything let me know what would need to be done or taken care of came in respectfully with a great attitude
Highly exceptional service we definitely will be requesting him if possible great experience today





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Sally
















If there was a 6th star, he’d be getting it!








Thank you Preston





Professional, knowledgeable and efficient. Very polite and courteous
Also installed surge protectors on the the condensers









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!

I definitely recommend Goettl for all your needs.


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!


Hopefully, we will get Jack for our next service call.







Robert, Tyler, Adrian & Luis, Thank you all so much.


