why is my ac condenser fan not working

Home » Air Conditioning » 7 Reasons Why Your HVAC Condenser Fan Isn’t Working

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Why is my AC fan not working?

• Change the air filter.
• Clean any dirt or grime that has built up on your fan blades.
• Clear away any debris that could affect the way your AC fans spin.

How to replace an AC condenser fan?

• The first thing you need to do is clear the area around the condenser and pad. ...
• Blow or vacuum the fins and air louvers on the outside of the unit. ...
• Inspect the fins and ensure they are straight and parallel. ...
• Remove the top of the condenser shell with the fan and fan motor attached. ...
• Spray the inside of the unit with the garden hose and nozzle. ...

More items...

What can I do if my AC compressor is not working?

If the compressor has stopped running, check the connecting wires between the two units. If there is a blown a fuse or the circuit breaker has tripped, you have found the problem. Other problems may include a mismatch between the outdoor and indoor units, a faulty thermostat, or an AC that is just too old.

Why is my AC condenser not running?

• No cooling or inadequate cooling
• System turning on and off rapidly (short cycling)
• System running continuously or for unusually long periods of time
• Frost or ice on the coil or copper refrigerant tubing
• Condensing unit not turning on at all

Why won't my fan start running?

How to test if a fan motor is bad?

What to do if circuit board has no power?

How to fix a swollen capacitor in a condenser?

How long does it take to replace a fan motor?

Can a capacitor be bad?

Do fan motors have a circuit board?

See 2 more

What causes AC condenser fan to stop working?

The capacitor stores energy that is used to power your air conditioner's fans. There are several reasons the capacitor of your HVAC unit can fail. These include overheating, running too long, power surges, and age. When the capacitor fails, the condenser fan will no longer rotate.

What happens if AC condenser fan doesn't work?

If the condenser fan is running you will see the fan blade spinning at speed (typically at 1725 rpm) and you will feel air blowing out of the unit. at BURNED-OUT COMPRESSOR, if the condensing unit fan is not working the compressor itself may shut down or even be ruined by overpressure or over temperature.

Why is the fan not turning on my AC unit?

One of the most common reasons fans stop spinning is because of a dead capacitor. The AC's capacitors are small, cylinder components that send energy signals to power the fan motor and the rest of the AC unit.

How do you troubleshoot a condenser fan?

3:445:18How I Troubleshoot an Air Conditioner Condenser Fan Motor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCheck between the frame of the motor. And each winding. Common start and run make sure that you'reMoreCheck between the frame of the motor. And each winding. Common start and run make sure that you're not using a painted surface for the frame. Either you want to use a metallic base for this. Test.

How do I know if my AC condenser fan is bad?

Signs and Symptoms of a Bad AC Fan MotorThe 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.

Why is my outside condenser not running?

Make sure the AC hasn't been turned off. Typically, there's an on-off switch in a small box near the outside unit. Check the circuit box in your home to make sure the breaker for the outside unit hasn't tripped. If it has, turn it all the way off, then flip it back on.

Should condenser fan run when AC is on?

Shut off your AC and check the fan capacitor, contactor, and motor if the condenser fan isn't running when the compressor is on. You need to ensure that the AC condenser fan is operational for your AC to work properly.

Do AC condenser fans always run?

Your HVAC fan should turn on and off with the rest of your heating and cooling system. It's normal for the fan to kick on a couple of minutes before heating starts or to stay on for a couple of minutes after cooling stops, but your fan shouldn't run for hours on its own.

Should I turn off my AC if the fan isnt spinning?

If you don't turn off the power to your AC, you run the risk of heating the unit's compressor past its limits as it attempts to cool your home without a functioning fan.

How do you reset a condenser fan?

If your AC unit has a reset button on the condenser unit, you simply press it and hope that the problem resolves. Look for it first around on the exterior of your machine, especially along the bottom edge near the ground. An AC's reset button is typically red and visible, so it should be easy to spot.

How do you test an AC condenser fan?

0:513:59How to diagnose a bad condenser fan motor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSet your tester to continuity. Test for continuity across the two terminals. If there is continuityMoreSet your tester to continuity. Test for continuity across the two terminals. If there is continuity the board is good. Remember. This will only be true if the thermostat is calling for cooling.

When should the condenser fan come on?

The condenser fan (if it has a dedicated fan) or the radiator fan most always comes in (with AC on) when the compressor discharge pressure (or, alternatively, the liquid line one; look for where a sensor or a switch is located on the high pressure line) rises over an operative threshold.

How do you reset an air conditioner fan?

How to Reset an Air ConditionerPower down your AC. Start at your circuit breaker panel and flip the breaker that powers your AC. ... Find the button. Most air conditioning units are equipped with a reset button. ... Hold down the reset button for 3 to 5 seconds and then release.Restore power to your AC.

How do I reset my AC blower?

How do you reset your AC unit?Turn off your air conditioning system using the thermostat. ... Search for the breaker box. ... Shut off your AC unit at the breaker. ... Wait at least a full minute before switching the breaker back to the “on” position.Wait for 30 minutes before turning your unit back on at the thermostat.More items...•

Why is my AC unit humming but not spinning?

The AC Condenser Fan Motor is damaged - like the blower motor failing, a broken condenser fan motor can also create a humming noise when it breaks. If the indoor blower is working but the fan is not turning, your fan motor may emit a loud buzz. Some people perceive this noise as more of a hum than a buzz.

Condenser Fan Motor Does Not Run | Repair Clinic

To determine if the condenser motor is working, use a multimeter to test the incoming voltage to the motor. If the condenser fan motor is receiving the correct voltage but the motor still won’t run, inspect the capacitor to ensure that it is not at fault.

Why is My Air Conditioner Fan Not Working? | Carrier

Is your air condition fan not working? The experts at Carrier can help. From a broken fan blade to a frozen evaporator coil. Diagnose the problem at home with this list of common causes of a central air conditioner fan not working.

Why is my condenser fan not working?

Vibration or noisy operation would signal the fan blades are likely out of balance. If the fan blades don’t spin at all , it’s likely the condenser fan is not working and possibly burnt out, requiring replacement. In either case, we recommend calling a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and remedy the problem.

Why is my air conditioner not working?

Air conditioner fans not working can be a sign of a frozen evaporator coil. The evaporator coil sits inside your home within the air handler unit (furnace or fan coil), pulling heat and humidity from indoor air as it passes through. The evaporator coil can freeze up as a result of indoor blower fan malfunction, low refrigerant charge, ...

What to do if your AC fan is not working?

If you have a situation with a central air conditioner fan not working and you have exhausted the troubleshooting steps outlined previously, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a certified HVAC technician. Your local Carrier HVAC dealer offers the expertise needed to properly diagnose and service your AC system.

How to troubleshoot a broken fan blade?

To troubleshoot, turn off the system at the thermostat as a safety precaution. A broken or damage fan blade can be dangerous if the system turns on while you are inspecting it. Once you have ensured the system is turned off, go outside to the outdoor unit.

Why does my fan make a noise?

If a fan blade is cracked, loose or broken, it can cause unusual noises due to it being out of balance or physically striking other components in the outdoor unit. If you discover a broken or damaged fan blade, keep the system turned off and contact a local HVAC professional for repair.

What is an indoor fan?

The indoor fan, or “blower” as it is often called, is housed inside your furnace or air handler unit. It is responsible for blowing cold air out to your living areas, and pulling return air back into the system to be cooled by the evaporator coil. The outdoor fan, also called the condenser fan, is found in the outdoor unit.

How to tell if AC capacitor is bad?

If a run capacitor malfunctions, your AC system may not start, or it might start but continue to run, possibly making a humming sound. Other signs the run capacitor has malfunctioned include slow or delayed start-up, system shut down, or the system not blowing cold air.

Why does my condenser fan stop working?

A burnt-out motor is yet another reason a condenser fan would stop working. Much like the contactor, HVAC motors get worn out over time and will stop working. This will cut power to the condenser fan. Though a burnt-out motor seems like a serious problem, it actually presents an excellent opportunity.

Why isn't my HVAC fan working?

The condenser fan is the key to the lifespan of your HVAC unit. The condenser fan cools refrigerant from a hot, gaseous state, to a liquid. When the condenser fan is well-maintained, it prolongs the life of the entire HVAC unit. It is important to keep the fan in good repair.

What is a condenser fan?

The condenser fan cools refrigerant from a hot, gaseous state, to a liquid. When the condenser fan is well-maintained, it prolongs the life of the entire HVAC unit. It is important to keep the fan in good repair. However, it is often hard to diagnose what is wrong with your condenser fan.

Why does my AC fan not rotate?

There are several reasons the capacitor of your HVAC unit can fail. These include overheating, running too long, power surges, and age. When the capacitor fails, the condenser fan will no longer rotate. 2.

Why isn't my compressor fan working?

Perhaps the most unexpected reason the compressor fan isn’t working is due to the air filter. HVAC air filters should be changed every one-to-three months. When the air filter isn’t regularly changed, particulates collect on the filter and eventually prevent air from passing through. This blockage will strain your compressor fan.

What does it mean when the compressor belt breaks?

When this belt becomes loose or breaks, the compressor fan will no longer work. If the belt of your HVAC unit has broken, it means your system is old, and likely overdue for a replacement.

What is a contactor in an HVAC unit?

The contactor is a switch found inside your HVAC unit that controls the voltage distributed to the compressor and condenser fan motor. Over time, the contactor switch gets worn, and will stop providing voltage to the condenser fan. Naturally, this will cause the condenser fan to fail.

Why won't my AC fan work?

Improper installation. When your AC unit is not installed correctly, then your fan will not work. The reason why you must ensure the company you hire knows how to install your AC unit properly is because this can affect the wiring.

Why is my AC fan not spinning?

This issue can originate from a capacitor malfunction, bad installation, a compressor breakdown, or a damaged condenser.

Why does my AC fan make a humming noise?

Sometimes when your AC fan is not working, you might still hear a humming sound outside your house showing your compressor contactor is functioning. However, if you walk out of your home and see the fan is not moving, plus there is no sound, the problem is your compressor.

Why is my central air fan not spinning?

If your capacitor is damaged, then your central air fan unit is not spinning. At first, you might notice your fan is spinning slower and then it will stop. That will let you know your capacitor is not functioning as it should. Take into account high temperatures can affect your capacitor.

What to do if AC fan is not working?

Take into account high temperatures can affect your capacitor. Then, the solution can just be as simple as turning off the condenser and letting it cool off for a while . If you turn it on again and the AC fan is still not working, you can try some other things.

Why is my capacitor not working?

High temperatures and high voltages can be the reasons why your capacitor is not working anymore. First, verify your warranty expiration date because if you are still covered, the company will repair it. Otherwise, it will be better to call a professional who can fix it.

How many fans does an AC unit have?

There are different AC units you can purchase for your home, the most common ones have two fans. The one placed in your house’s exterior removes the heat from the air while the other located on the inside helps cold air flow through your home. This means that if your air conditioner outside the unit fan is not working, ...

Why does my AC fan stop working?

Bearings inside the condenser fan motor can go bad due to wear and tear as well as lack of maintenance, or the entire motor may fail. Without the motor’s operation, your outside AC fan will stop working as a result.

Why won't my AC fan turn?

However, if your air conditioner is several years old, it may very well have a belt, and that belt could be why your AC condenser fan isn’t working. The belt can become loose over time and slip out of position on the pulleys – without a proper fit , the belt won’t allow the motor to turn the fan. This issue is usually repairable but it points to old age, which means it may be a smart decision to upgrade your unit now.

How to tell if outside AC fan is working?

If you take a look at the outside AC unit, you’ll notice the fan sits near the top. If your outside AC fan stops working, it will be easy to notice by peaking into the condenser from above. When the fan blades stop spinning as the air conditioner runs, one of the causes below are typically at fault.

What to do if your AC fan isn't spinning?

If your outdoor air conditioner fan isn’t spinning, don’t panic. Typically, issues causing the fan to stop are repairable by a professional, so call Grove Heating & Cooling to take care of this common malfunction right away. Request service today, and an HVAC professional will get your air conditioner back up and running in no time.

How does a blower fan work?

Inside, the blower fan circulates air through the system and into your living areas, sending cool air to keep you comfortable indoors. Outside, the fan in the condenser unit moves air across the condenser coil to keep components cool and helps them release heat into the surrounding air as part of the cooling process.

What is an air conditioner in Maryland?

Air conditioners are made up of various components. The conventional split system air conditioner found in many Maryland homes has both indoor and outdoor equipment, and summertime malfunctions can affect parts in either portion of the system.

What are the components of an outdoor air conditioner?

Two important components housed in the outdoor air conditioner cabinet are the compressor and the fan motor. Both of these components are controlled by the contactor. This electrical switch can fail over time, which prevents these components from receiving electrical power to operate.

Why won't my fan start running?

If the fan doesn’t start running when you give it a push then it’s most likely a bad fan motor. These motors can go out even after just 5 years. If yours is 10 or 20 years old than it isn’t uncommon to need replacement. Some units also have a fan control circuit board, while some don’t. You can follow the wires from the fan motor to see if there’s any going to a circuit board. It’s less common than the fan motor but sometimes it’s the circuit board.

How to test if a fan motor is bad?

You can perform the test by inserting the multimeter probes into the sockets of this connector. Of course you will test the end connected to the board to see if power is coming from the board. We’re mainly testing to see if power is reaching the fan motor. So testing power at the plastic clip applies either way whether you have a circuit board or not. If the wires to the fan do not have a detachable plastic connector, still just find where the wires connect and test from there. If you find that there’s approx 220 volts going to where the fan wires are connected then you have a bad fan motor .

What to do if circuit board has no power?

If the circuit board tested with no power, then test the capacitor as described here. The problem could be either the board or the capacitor. These parts are often only about $20 each, while fan motors can run $75-$150. Make sure to match your part numbers. Capacitors must have matching uf or MFD numbers. Fan motors must match volts & RPM.

How to fix a swollen capacitor in a condenser?

Before you touch anything inside or remove the panel on the condenser though, be sure to completely shut down the power. Turn off the breaker and remove the disconnect insert from the disconnect box on the wall next to the condenser. Then remove the panel and look at the capacitor. If it’s swollen that is your problem. Replace the capacitor as we’ve described.

How long does it take to replace a fan motor?

See our description about testing capacitors. Replacing a fan motor can be done in as little as 15 minutes, however, often the fan blade is rusted onto the shaft and can be very difficult to remove.

Can a capacitor be bad?

If the capacitor isn’t swollen it could still be bad. It would need to be checked with a multimeter as we’ve described. But first look also for loose or corroded connections. Next check if there’s a circuit board. If there is one you can test it with a multimeter. Testing with the multimeter of course must be done with the unit powered on. Do not power on though until the testing is ready as decribed below.

Do fan motors have a circuit board?

Some units also have a fan control circuit board, while some don’t. You can follow the wires from the fan motor to see if there’s any going to a circuit board. It’s less common than the fan motor but sometimes it’s the circuit board. Fan Control Circuit Board.