When your air conditioner isn’t running or cooling properly, it can be hard to pin-point where the problem is coming from. An air conditioning system has a number of components that can develop problems and need repairs or replacements. As many symptoms can point to many different components it is hard to know where the failures are coming from. Absolute P&M Services would like to put the focus on the air conditioner’s fan motor and some of the signs and symptoms of a bad fan motor.
How Do I Know if My Fan Motor is Bad?
An air conditioner’s fan is located in the condenser unit that is located outside. The fan is on the top of the condenser unit and is easily seen. You often can look at the fan to determine if it is rotating or not. The fan can develop a few different problems and often will produce certain symptoms when the fan motor develops a problem. Common signs or symptoms that the fan motor will develop are:
• The fan will not start even when the air conditioner is on.
• The fan will not turn off even when the air conditioner is off.
• The fan blades are turning or rotating very slowly.
• The condenser unit makes a loud rattling noise when the fan is running.
When the fan motor has developed these types of symptoms, the problem may be the fan, the motor or the motors capacitor. It can be hard to know which part of the fan’s operating system is having the problem. Often an HVAC technician will need to take the cover off of the condenser and begin inspecting the fan’s system piece by piece. However, there are steps that can be taken to ensure the problem is with the fan.
How Do You Diagnose a Bad Fan Motor?
If the fan appears to not be working properly, there are steps you can take to help troubleshoot the fan and see where the problem is originating from. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the fan motor.
• Step 1. Check the thermostat and make sure it is set to “on”.
• Step 2. Next, check the breakers and see if the condenser unit breaker was tripped.
• Step 3. Change the air filter as a clogged filter can have a chain reaction which can affect the fan.
• Step 4. Go outside and check the fan and see what the fan is doing. (Rotating slowly, running constantly, not running or shaking)
• Step 5. If obstructions are present, you will want to turn all power off to the condenser unit and clear out anything that may be obstructing the blades.
• Step 6. Test the fan motor’s capacitors by using a capacitor tester if you have one and see if the capacitor is running.
Central Air Conditioner Maintenance, Repairs, Replacement & More in Santa Fe, Tomball, Sugar Land, Galveston, Austin & Greater Houston, Texas
If after running through each of these steps and you cannot find the problem or get the fan operating properly, consider seeking professional assistance. A professional will diagnose the fan, the fan’s motor and electrical system to determine what repairs are needed to restore your cooling system. For HVAC services, contact Absolute P&M Services today.
