They were probably offering an AmRad capacitor, which are much better than the Chinese/Mexican made capacitors. If it was an AmRad Turbo, those things last pretty much forever. Definitely worth the extra money because you’ll probably be calling them back in 1-2 years for the capacitor failing again.

 

The Chinese one is of much less quality and cannot take any kind of power surge - something that frequently happens.

The American one costs considerably more, probably has a higher voltage rating, can withstand more, and was likely a multi tap to allow for multiple micro farad ratings and cover a large replacement range. It's pretty much become the only one we carry.

 

Circus and Bob, Thanks for the advice!! Guess I didn't make the right choice, but I put a note in my HVAC file to go with the better one if there is a "next time".

 

If you get a surge again, you would be well served to also install a surge protector.

 

Thanks, I have a whole house surge protector in the electrical panel but I guess that didn't help.

 

I have a 4 year old split system Carrier that stopped working last week. The problem was the capacitor. I was given the choice between the "Chinese" capacitor with a 3 month warranty.

If it’s 4 years old, you should have at least a 5 base year warranty on parts from manufacturers date no?, if the system got registered you should have a 10 year parts warranty?

 

That is what I was thinking!!

 

See if this works for you, just need the complete serial number.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...rl=https://www.carrierenterprise.com/warranty/&usg=AOvVaw2eamrDgHgFAKJOu2t5A_3W

 

yes! it was "partially" covered under the warranty (according to what my wife told me who was there with the guy).

 

When you get a chance get the serial number of the outdoor unit and enter in the site given. See what it says. What does partially covered mean? Also even if you have the Chinese made capacitor it should be covered until either the 5 year period or 10 year period ( from startup date if you have the invoice ) if you registered the system and your the original owner, not warrantied for 3 months.

 

thanks for the website! I found it. I'm inside the warranty period which expires in 2021 (I guess I didn't know about the 5 year extension!).
The invoice from the company says "SERVICE:flat rate: cap40530 replace capacitor under partial manufacturer warranty and test operation." Charge was $180. Then another $89 for diagnostic.

Should I contact them for clarification?

 

Surges can start within the home as well as outside the home. Best to have surge protection at the panel, at the AC, as well as multiple protectors at conputers and electronics.

 

I was given the choice between the "Chinese" capacitor with a 3 month warranty, or the "American" capacitor with a 5 year warranty for two hundred more.

Why would the Tech. tell you the Chinese capacitor has a 3 month warranty, and not look up the serial number into the data base ( or look at the electrical data plate on OD unit, as sometimes it will have the built date. Take a look to see if there is a manufacturer date ) that was given you and tell you the Chinese capacitor is warrantied until 2021? It’s not like the Tech. is going to the Carrier distributor and fill out paperwork to claim that minimal cost capacitor under warranty. It’s not worth his time. That warranty site should tell you the month and even the day your warranty expires, not just 2021, no? That applies to your coil and compressor. Was the indoor section replaced at the same time also, as you can enter the serial number and find out the skinny on that part.