Home Repair Where can I buy a capacitor?

Ours seems to have died, and rather than pay an arm and a leg to have a repair man fix it, my husband would like to give it a shot. He's pretty handy, but we don't know where to go to buy it. Home Depot? A specialty shop? He has had to go to a shop in Sterling before to buy things... maybe there?

Thanks!

 

We are in the same boat. Maybe we can get a group discount!

 

Just got mine at Grainger on International Drive in Sterling. $16. Just have the model number and the ratings (voltage, microfarads) plus shape and size (for easier replacement).

 

And, by the way, it was the capacitor. It had failed (you can see the bulging). Upstairs in now cooling down nicely.

 

ME Flow in Leesburg (behind the Salvation Army). Also about $15. Also, be sure to pull the disconnect. Don't try to test the capacitor. There are methods (even a voltmeter that has μF setting), but for reasons that I won't explain here, they basically can not be properly tested. It has to do with storing the actual voltage, not the very low testing voltage. It is almost always easier to just buy one. Make sure it is fully discharged before you touch the prongs (even the little ones in your microwave oven can cause serious injury). Just remember, it stores a lot of volts. If the top is bulging, it is definitly bad.

 

Many, many thanks to Mr. Sharse for coming by and rescuing us from an unnecessary call to the AC Company.

 

"Mr. Sharse"... I think I'm gonna pay for that one...

OUCH.

 

Tribbles on shaw road (sterling) ... same place I get my igniters for my furnace and appliance parts.

 

Appears that I may have cursed myself. My upstairs AC unit went out last night. Tribbles had the right size but not the right physical form factor .. didn't care, zip tied it in and now I'm up and running. Ordered a replacement from Grainger. They both were $13.xx. Grainger only had two left in the area and they had to come from Springfield.

Re: ME Flow - Called them this morning and they said $45+tax. That's price gouging and would not recommend their services based on that. Maybe they only have a certain brand left, but they should state that. With this heat, the units are cycling a lot and that many charge/discharge cycles are tough on them. So if you go get one .. I recommend getting two

Send an email to pauley71@gmail.com if you want any advice on replacing one (or a furnace ignitor). It couldn't be any more simple (and safe if done correctly).

 

Pauley, do you know if Tribbles carries gas oven igniters? Mine need to be replaced.

 

Pauley - your doing a good service here. I was in a pinch a year or so ago and couldnt wait - so I called in a professional... $275/ thats a true RIP OFF. Im all for paying for services and even some mark up on parts - but I think he quoted me $175 for the part - that's like a 1000% mark up....

 

Absolutely .. their main business is appliance repair. Just take in your old one or make sure you have the exact make/model. I replaced a refrigerator control board that I purchased there a year or so ago.

 

That's good to know, thanks.

 

Hi,

Tribles is the best appliance parts store. There are several locations throughout the Metro DC/MD/VA and PA areas. We have used them for various appliance parts too. DH loves them and has great customer service.

Also, there is a location in Fairfax, VA and Sterling, VA areas too. See "Locations..." tab for details.

Web site is below--enjoy!

www.etribles.com (Tribles' site/info.)

Foodie (Katie)

 

I used to go to Tribles all the time. Recently they've gotten VERY overpriced. Dryer parts on line cost me $17 (new), Tribles wanted $45 for the same brand/part number/packaging.

 

I got one at Grainger (they looked at me odd when I told them I didn't have a business). Looks like Ebay has them cheap too. If you know what your AC uses, might be a good time to order a few spare ones.