The condenser fan motor is usually located close to the top of the condensing unit. It is protected by a guard or grille that prevents debris and objects from obstructing its fan’s movement. When hot gas moves through the condenser coil, the motor turns the fan blades and blows outdoor air over the coil.
Where is the condenser fan motor located on a gas furnace?
That condenser fan motor inside your air conditioner may break down for different reasons. Unless you want to just continue wallowing in the sweltering heat, you must do something about that busted fan motor. Replacing your air conditioner’s condenser fan motor is an option, but how much will that cost? The average cost to replace an air conditioner condenser fan motor is …
What is a condenser fan motor?
Sep 18, 2019 · The condenser fan motor is usually located close to the top of the condensing unit. It is protected by a guard or grille that prevents debris and objects from obstructing its fan’s movement. When hot gas moves through the condenser coil, the motor turns the fan blades and blows outdoor air over the coil.
How do I wire my condenser fan motor?
May 24, 2018 · On a dual run capacitor, there are 3 terminals. 1 labeled H or HERM of the compressor, one labeled C or COM for the common, and 1 labeled F or FAN for the fan motor. Since most OEM motors only have 3 wires and most replacement condenser fan motors have 4 wires, this creates a little confusion.
Why is the fan on my condenser motor not moving?
Dec 27, 2021 · The AC fan motor or condenser fan motor drives the fan that pulls heat from the unit into the outside air, preventing the compressor from overheating. The fan cools the refrigerant that's moving through the condensing coils of the AC unit and helps the unit blow cold air. The condenser fan motor is located in the outdoor condensing unit.
Where is the condenser fan motor located?
How do I know if my AC condenser fan motor is bad?
- AC Fan Doesn't Start. Even though you have the AC turned on, the fan does not start.
- AC Fan Doesn't Stop. ...
- Slow Rotating Blades. ...
- Outside Fan Blades Are Still. ...
- Rattling, Humming, and Buzzing Noises. ...
- AC Runs Intermittently. ...
- No Cold Airflow.
Where is condenser located?
How do I know if my condenser fan is broken?
- The fan won't start even though the AC is on.
- The fan won't stop, even when you shut the AC off.
- The fan turns on, yet the blades are rotating very slowly.
- There's a rattling noise coming from the condenser unit when the fan is turned on.
What causes outside AC fan to stop working?
What causes AC fan to stop working?
What is condenser fan?
Where is the condenser coil located?
Your condenser coils sit directly behind the condenser “fins”—the thin metal wiring that covers your outdoor AC unit (see the picture above). As refrigerant travels to your outdoor unit, it fills the many condenser coils, increasing its surface area so that heat escapes faster.Aug 24, 2017
What are the parts of a condenser?
- Condenser Coil. ...
- Fan Blades. ...
- Run Capacitor. ...
- Evaporator Coil.
Can you fix a condenser fan motor?
How much is a condenser fan motor?
What causes a condenser fan motor to overheat?
Can you install a fan motor that doesn't fit?
Size is pretty straightforward. You can’t install a motor that doesn’t fit. However, depth is what you really want to pay attention to. Even if the new motor positions the fan blades just a little deeper or shallower than they initially were, the blade placement may adversely affect the airflow.
Why won't my fan motor run?
There are a few other conditions that can cause a motor not to run. For example, wiring problems and failed capacitors are other issues that may cause the motor to stop running. Replacing the fan motor is not going to help anything in those situations.
Why is motor failure so common?
One of the reasons why motor failure is so common is because there are many ways that it can fail. Before you replace a motor, you should know what caused it to fail (and that you’re dealing with a motor failure in the first place). Some causes may include failing shorted, windings failing open, and bearing failure.
Why do fans need to be closer to the original position?
You’ll want the fan blades to remain as close to their original position as possible to prevent airflow and high head pressure complications.
What is the black wire on a fan motor?
The black wire connects the condenser fan motor to the other side of power on the contactor (T2). The brown wire connects to the other side of the capacitor from the jumped side, and you can cap off the brown-and-white wire, as it will remain unused. In a four-wire connection, you use all four wires.
Do you jump the wire to the side of a fan capacitor?
You DO NOT jump the wire to one side of the fan capacitor. Instead, the brown-and-white wire connects to one side of the capacitor. Just like before, the black wire runs from the condenser fan motor to the other side of power on the contactor (T2), and the brown wire connects to the other side of the capacitor.
Why is my motor not running?
Remember: just because the motor isn’t running, that doesn’t mean it failed. There are a few other conditions that can cause a motor not to run. For example, wiring problems and failed capacitors are other issues that may cause the motor to stop running.
What Is an AC Condenser Fan Motor?
The air conditioner is a remarkably complex machine and it utilizes numerous components to provide the cooling you need. One of the components responsible for keeping your air conditioner humming is the condenser fan motor. So, what does the condenser fan motor do exactly?
Related Questions
The cost of replacing the condenser fan motor can change based on the brand of your air conditioner. Replacement condenser fan motors for Trane units are the most expensive. You will likely have to pay about $200 for that replacement part.
What is a condenser fan motor?
A condenser fan motor is a component in the condensing unit of an HVAC system, which is located outdoors. It has a significant effect on the comfort level in your home because it plays an important role in sustaining the cooling process in your air-conditioner.
How many fan motors are there in an air conditioner?
There are two fan motors in a central air-conditioner: the condenser fan motor and blower motor. These two components are often mistaken for one another because they both use a fan to perform their functions. However, there are distinct differences between them. Here’s a guide for understanding the differences between a condenser fan motor ...
What happens if you don't maintain a condenser fan?
Without proper maintenance, a condenser fan motor can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris and experience increased wear and tear over time. This can lead to warmer air, poorer airflow, and a stuffier indoor environment.
What happens when hot air moves through a condenser coil?
When hot gas moves through the condenser coil, the motor turns the fan blades and blows outdoor air over the coil, causing the gaseous refrigerant to turn into liquid. During this process, it also transfers the latent heat that comes from the refrigerant to the surrounding air.
Why is my outdoor condenser fan moving so slowly?
Fan is Moving Slowly or Stationary. If the fan in your outdoor condenser is moving slowly or not moving at all, it can be because of a variety of problems. First, you may have a bad capacitor. A capacitor stores power and delivers it to your condenser motor fan.
Why does my outdoor condenser smell?
If the smell is an electrical burning smell, it can mean that the condenser fan motor or fan belt is overheating and the condenser unit is likely to break down soon .
Why does my condenser make a rattling sound?
If you hear a rattling sound, it may be because a sizable object or debris is caught in the unit or a certain component is loose, misaligned, or damaged . In either case, it’s best to call in a professional to see what’s wrong with your condenser or condenser fan motor.
How many wires does a fan motor have?
While most original condenser fan motors only have three wires, it’s very common for replacement condenser fan motors to have four. This guide will explain how to wire your new condenser fan motor using a four wire setup or a three wire setup when using a single run capacitor or a dual run capacitor.
What is a run capacitor?
Condenser units also use a component called a run capacitor. Run capacitors allow condenser fan motors and compressors to run more efficiently and they’re rated by a unit of measurement called microfarad. Dual run capacitors are used for both your condenser fan motor and your compressor.
AC fan motor cost
AC condenser fan motor replacement costs $200 to $700 on average if not under warranty or $100 to $300 for labor under warranty. Central air conditioner fan motor prices are $100 to $400 for the part alone, depending on the brand, model, and voltage.
Condenser fan motor replacement cost
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
HVAC fan motor replacement cost
HVAC fan motor replacement costs $200 to $1,200, depending on the motor type. Air conditioning systems also include a blower motor and a compressor motor.
Cost factors to replace AC condenser fan motor
Brand vs. generic – Branded condenser fan motors cost more than generic or universal models.
Frequently asked questions
The AC fan motor or condenser fan motor drives the fan that pulls heat from the unit into the outside air, preventing the compressor from overheating. The fan cools the refrigerant that's moving through the condensing coils of the AC unit and helps the unit blow cold air. The condenser fan motor is located in the outdoor condensing unit.
Tips for hiring an AC repair company
Before AC repair technician near you to replace your AC condenser fan motor:
What direction does a condenser motor go?
Yellow to yellow rotates clockwise while yellow to purple runs counterclockwise. If you read the electric motor data tag on your condenser motor, you should see a set of letters telling you which way the motor should go. CW for clockwise and CCW for counterclockwise.
Can AC fan motors run backwards?
They are not made to run both ways unless it is a multidirectional motor. Any kind of motor that runs the opposite way than what is intended will not produce the effects they are supposed to. In other words, your AC will not blow cold air. If your condenser fan motor is running backward, there is something wrong.
What to do after power is turned off on a condenser?
After you turn the power back off, replace everything the way it was. Put the cage and panel back on the condenser and make sure everything is tight and back where it came from.
Can AC motors run clockwise?
Most motors are designed to run only one way, clockwise or counterclockwise. They are not made to run both ways unless it is a multidirectional motor. Any kind of motor that runs the opposite way than what is intended will not produce the effects they are supposed to. In other words, your AC will not blow cold air.
Why is my AC fan not blowing cold air?
In other words, your AC will not blow cold air. If your condenser fan motor is running backward, there is something wrong. Either the wires are crossed, the motor is failing, or the start capacitor is going out.
Why won't my AC blow cold air?
In other words, your AC will not blow cold air. If your condenser fan motor is running backward, there is something wrong. Either the wires are crossed, the motor is failing, or the start capacitor is going out. But since there are several types of motors, you have to know what you are working with first.
Why is my AC fan running backwards?
The Most Common Cause of a Reversed Motor Fan. According to the experts, the most common reason for your condenser motor fan running backward is if wires are crossed. If you have had someone replace the motor or do any other kind of work on your AC lately, call them back to fix it for free. If not, you can fix it yourself pretty easily.
