There is nothing more frustrating than when your air conditioner has stopped blowing cool air during the middle of the summer. Now what? After performing a surface inspection of the AC unit to discover the source of the problem you notice that the fan is not spinning. If this is the case, it's important to determine the cause right away.
Most Common Reasons Your AC Fan Is Not Turning
Whether the fan will not start at all or only runs sporadically, there may be a variety of reasons behind the problem.
1. Start Capacitor Breakdown
Capacitors are composed of electric devices used to run the motor in the condenser unit. As long as the capacitor is running, the motor also runs. But when it fails, the fan motor will spin slowly until it stops working. Similar to batteries, capacitors may also shut down because of high voltage or high temperature. With extreme outdoor temperature, the capacitor will stop doing its job. Try turning your condenser on and off to see if the fan works. If it stays at rest, then bring in professionals for expert help.
2. Defective Condenser Unit
Sometimes, the problem lies in the condenser unit itself. A faulty AC unit may cause the fan to not spin no matter how hard it tries. If the unit has trouble starting, the fan motor will not start either. As a result, your AC’s outdoor fan will no longer spin which restricts the air from circulating properly in the entire house. If you experience a problem such as this, do not hesitate to call A-TEMP for inspection and repair services.
3. Faulty Condenser Installation
In some cases, the fan motor does not spin because the outdoor unit is incorrectly installed. Faulty installation may affect the power that runs through the electrical wiring connecting every component of the condenser. When the unit is positioned at the wrong angle, the compressor will not do its job in delivering the right amount of power into the fan motor. In this situation, checking the circuit breaker will help you come up with the right and effective solution.
Other Potential Reasons Why Your AC Condenser Turns On, But Fan Doesn't Spin:
• Power Issues
When your AC overheats, it can trip a breaker in your home's electrical box. This cuts power to the unit, including the fan, to prevent damage. The fix can be simple: locate your circuit breaker box, find the switch for your AC, and flip it back on. But be aware that if the breaker trips again, you may have a problem that a professional electrician needs to address.
• Contactor Issues
AC fan not working? The culprit might be a worn-out compressor contactor. This switch delivers power to the fan and condenser, but it can break down over time. If that happens, your AC won't cool and the fan won't spin. Replacing or repairing the contactor might be the fix, but call a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair. A-TEMP can ensure your AC gets back in action safely.
• Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter could be the culprit behind a fan that won't spin. Packed filters restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder and potentially leading to ice buildup inside the unit. This icy situation puts a strain on the fan motor, risking a breakdown. Prevent fan woes and ensure smooth AC operation with regular air filter maintenance. Simply schedule routine servicing and filter replacements to keep your cool air flowing freely.
AC Running But Fan Not Spinning? When to Call for Repairs
Like the other AC components, your condenser fan is also susceptible to failure over time. In case of emergency inspection and repair, call us at A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical and we will help you identify the cause of the problem. Our experts can give you efficient and affordable solutions to your heating and cooling needs.
If your AC fan has stopped spinning and you would like to schedule a professional AC repair service in Portland, give A-TEMP a call at (503) 694-3396 or contact us online today!