What is the primary purpose of a capacitor in an HVAC system?

The primary purpose of a capacitor in an HVAC system is to store electrical energy for starting motors. In many HVAC applications, particularly in scroll and induction motors, capacitors provide the necessary boost in electricity at startup. They store a charge and then release it quickly to help the motor overcome initial inertia and begin to operate. This is especially important in systems with high starting torque requirements.

As motors typically require a larger amount of energy to start than to run, capacitors play a crucial role in ensuring that the motor receives this burst of energy at the moment it needs to start up. By facilitating this process, capacitors enhance the efficiency and reliability of the HVAC system.

In contrast, the other options relate to functions not associated with capacitors. Recycling refrigerant, measuring temperature changes, and adjusting fan speed are tasks handled by different components of the HVAC system, making them unrelated to the primary function of a capacitor.