#dehumidifiers

Tech Tips:

Traditional & Desiccant Dehumidification and When to Use Each (or Both)

This tech tip is based on a conversation with Nikki Krueger and David Schurk. Nikki is a longtime contributor to HVAC School and is a relatively frequent podcast guest and symposium speaker. David Schurk is the Director of Applied Engineering and National Sales Manager at Innovative Air Technologies. Nikki specializes in traditional cold-coil dehumidifiers, and […]

Tackling the Unknown with Data & Common Sense in Sizing & Installing Dehumidifiers

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In this short podcast episode, Bryan goes through the process of testing and replacing a run capacitor.

Run capacitors provide continuous phase-shifted current to the start winding, allowing the motor to run in the right direction and with the appropriate amount of torque. These capacitors are needed in most of the single-phase PSC motors we work with. Run capacitors are in the circuit all the time and are connected in series with the start winding (compared to start capacitors, which need to be taken out of the circuit after startup). They don’t actually “boost” voltage. The bigger the capacitor, the more current can move in and out of the start winding.

Run capacitors are made of foil and oil (and the manufacturing quality usually correlates to the capacitor’s lifespan), and they usually fail due to overvoltage or overheating. Capacitors may also be replaced with one of a higher voltage rating but not a lower one.

Before you test a capacitor, perform a visual inspection. Bloated tops and oil leakage are signs of failure. You’ll also want to measure the microfarads and make sure it’s within range. An under load test occurs while the system is running (and should NOT be done on blower capacitors for safety reasons). Bench testing happens while the system is off and the capacitor is disconnected and discharged. We have calculators for testing on our app.

To test under load, measure the amperage on the start wire and multiply it by 2652. Then, divide that number by the voltage to find the capacitance in microfarads. If the capacitance is over 10% low, replace the capacitor. When replacing a capacitor, make sure the system is off, the capacitor is discharged, and that you tighten the strap and wire it up correctly. It’s also a good idea to bench test the new capacitor.

“Capacitor Testing and Replacement Procedure” tech tip: https://www.hvacrschool.com/capacitor-testing-and-replacement-procedure/

“What Is Up With Blower Amps & Watts w/ Steve Rogers” podcast: https://www.hvacrschool.com/podcasts/what-is-up-with-blower-amps-watts-w-steve-rogers/

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Search Episodes

Capacitor Testing and Replacement – Short #247

07/01/2025

Bryan Orr

Cold Coil vs. Desiccant Dehumidification

06/26/2025

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Learning Better – Short #246

06/24/2025

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Intro to The Sigma Capacitor

06/19/2025

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What’s up with Refrigerant & System Regulations w/ Copeland

06/18/2025

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TXV Troubleshooting – Short #245

06/17/2025

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Learning and Teaching GRIT w/ Ty Branaman

06/12/2025

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Band-Aids, Hacks, and Ethics – Short #244

06/10/2025

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Why VRF Compressors Die w/ Roman

06/05/2025

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No Serve Situations – Short #243

06/03/2025

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#dehumidifiers

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#dehumidifiers

Tech Tips:

Events:

Users with Tag #dehumidifiers

To continue you need to agree to our terms.

The HVAC School site, podcast and tech tips made possible by generous support from

The HVAC School site, podcast and tech tips
made possible by generous support from