Oklahoma Service Technician Practice Exam

A capacitor in HVAC systems plays a vital role by storing and releasing electrical energy as needed to help the equipment operate efficiently. When the electrical energy is stored, it can supply a boost of power to motors, such as those found in compressors and blower fans, during startup. This additional starting torque is especially important for large motors, which require more power to begin turning than to sustain running speed.

By seamlessly releasing energy, capacitors help regulate the flow and performance of the system, allowing for smoother operation and reducing the risk of overheating or potential damage to the motor. Their ability to stabilize voltages also contributes to the overall efficiency of the HVAC system, ensuring that equipment runs effectively over time.

The other choices do not align with the primary function of a capacitor in an HVAC context. For instance, while converting AC to DC is a function of rectifiers rather than capacitors, and increasing airflow is typically the result of fan design or ductwork rather than a capacitor’s action, capacitors do have secondary roles in filtering or supporting voltage regulation under certain conditions but are not primarily designed for that purpose.