If a motor hums but will not start, what is a potential first step in troubleshooting?

When a motor hums but does not start, checking the start capacitor is a critical first step in troubleshooting. The start capacitor is essential for providing the initial boost of energy needed to get the motor running. If the capacitor is faulty or has failed, the motor may not receive the necessary voltage to initiate rotation, resulting in that characteristic humming noise as it struggles to start.

Inspecting the capacitor can help determine if it is functioning correctly or if it needs to be replaced. This approach helps narrow down the potential cause of the issue efficiently and can prevent unnecessary replacement of the motor if it is indeed only the capacitor that requires attention.

While inspecting the power source connection, cleaning the motor housing, or even replacing the motor might seem like viable actions, they do not directly address the specific issue of the motor humming without starting as effectively as checking the start capacitor does. Therefore, evaluating the start capacitor first is a logical and effective approach to troubleshooting this problem.