Film capacitors have no significant inherent ageing processes and have a typical operating lifetime in excess of 100 years. If they should sustain minor damage they self-repair, and they are unaffected by elevated operating temperatures that would greatly reduce the life of electrolytic capacitors. They are ready for immediate use after storage, without the need for complicated and often inconvenient reforming.
The internal losses of film capacitors are up to 80 percent lower than those of electrolytic capacitors, which means reduced heat generation, higher VSD efficiency and lower cooling costs. Moreover, the special handling imposed by WEEE regulations for electrolytic capacitors is not necessary for film types, making their eventual disposal much easier and less costly.