I walked into my living room and noticed something weird. The room was warm. I immediately checked my thermostat. It read 78°F. This is strange because the AC has been on for hours. I checked my windows to see if they were open, but they were closed. Initially, I thought I needed to replace my air filter since the AC was not cooling my home.
To confirm the problem was not with something else, I stepped outside to see the outdoor unit and noticed unusual humming sounds. I looked closer and found the AC fan completely still. So, I realized that the AC fan isn’t working on the outdoor condenser unit.
I wondered if the motor burned out or if a broken part was preventing the AC fan from operating. I knew guessing would not be good, so I got out and tried to investigate why the outside unit’s AC fan wasn’t working. I am going down the path of discovering the most common problems behind this and learning the right ways to fix them. If you feel helpless like me, remember, you are not alone.
| Key Takeaway | TL;DR —
· Check for debris, tripped breaker, or faulty capacitor, motor, or contactor if the AC fan isn’t working. · Turn off the power before inspecting to avoid electrical hazards. · Call a professional if there’s a burning smell or if the breaker keeps tripping. · Regular cleaning and yearly maintenance help prevent fan issues. |
The Role Of The Outside AC Unit Fan
We need to first understand what the fan does on an air conditioner. Just like a car’s radiator fan, which helps cool the engine by drawing air through radiators, your AC’s outside fan regulates the system’s temperature. Without this fan, everything will overheat fast.
This is the way it works:
When running, your AC absorbs heat from the inside and takes it outside the house. The refrigerants absorb heat. Refrigerants are fluids that change from gas to liquid. It flows through a series of coils in the outdoor units. When you stand beside your AC on a hot day, you will feel hotter air coming from it because the AC fan pulls air through these coils outside.
If your fan is not spinning correctly, the build-up heat will be trapped, and the system will overheat. You will feel uncomfortably warm when the AC fan is not working on the outside unit. AC compressors will struggle. It is the most expensive component of the system. Thus, the fan is not just for show. It saves the compressor from getting failed as well.
The Basic Checks
The solution often is much simpler. Safety comes first. You need to prioritize your safety while handling electrical appliances. First, turn off the AC unit. Working while the power is on can lead to electrical shocks and accidents. Then, give a visual inspection. You can find obstructions while you examine. See for signs of damage. Leaves, dirt, twigs, or debris can accumulate around the fan.
Next, check the fan blades. Remove any visible obstruction near the fan with a soft brush. Avoid using metal tools, as they can accidentally bend the blades. Give the fan a gentle push when the power is still off. If it moves easily, then your work is done here.
If there is no visible issue, you can check your power supply. A tripped circuit breaker can also be a culprit. On hot days, we often have a power surge, lightning strike, or an overworking system.
After checking your circuit breaker, turn the AC on and see if the outside fan is spinning. If the fan does not start and the breaker trips again, you have an electrical issue. Then, it is best to call a professional. Ruling out the simple causes first will save you time and money.
Common Causes
Let’s explore some common issues that cannot be overlooked.
Capacitor failure
The capacitor is a small, cylindrical component. It acts like a battery and stores electrical energy. It gives a jolt to the fan and compressor to run. The fan gets a boost to run initially. When a capacitor fails, you can notice a humming sound. This means the motor is trying to run, but there is not enough power to run the fan blades. In this case, replace your capacitor. It is better to turn off the power before handling these or call a professional
Motor issues
Motors can burn easily when the AC is old or running continuously in extreme weather. The fan will not respond if the motor burns. There is no sound for a burnt motor. You will notice a burning smell when the motor is overheated. The main solution is to replace the motor, and it is costly.
Fan blades stuck
Fan blades often get stuck by dirt or debris. But, sometimes, the blades can be bent or out of alignment. You might hear a scraping noise when the blades are obstructed or stuck. The issue can be resolved simply by clearing the debris or straightening the blades.
Contactor
This is a small electrical switch inside your AC unit. It controls the flow of power to several components. The contactor should be closed when the AC turns on. Sometimes, this contactor becomes pitted, corroded, or fails to engage. You will hear a clicking sound when there is an issue with the contactor. You should not try to change the contactor. It is a job for the technician or professionals.
When To Call The Professionals
DIY repairs are rewarding, but there are times when you must call the experts. First, follow the basic troubleshooting steps. Then, avoid electrical issues. Electrical components can be dangerous, and safety should be your top priority.
One of the red flags I can warn you of is the smell of burning metaled plastics from outside the unit. It requires professional help. The most likely cause is the electrical short, a burnt-out motor, or internal wiring damage.
Another warning is when the fan works intermittently or the breaker keeps tripping when you try to run the unit. A licensed professional can inspect the area and find the root cause for these failures.
Maintenance Tips
- Regular cleaning to keep out the debris from outside the unit
- Check your units once a month and look for any disruptions
- Annual services by professionals and technicians
