Troubleshooting an AC fan that Won’t Turn On
Dealing with an AC fan that isn’t working can be a hassle, to say the least. In this article, we’ll provide easy-to-follow troubleshooting steps on how to get your AC fan motor running smoothly.
Overview of AC fan Motoring Mechanisms
Before delving into troubleshooting steps, it’s important to gain a basic understanding of how an AC fan motor operates. An AC fan motor has, aside from its fan blade, three main parts: an electrical shaft, a centrifugal switch, and an electric start capacitor.
The main job of the electric start capacitor is to start the AC fan when power is supplied. As the fan rotates, the centrifugal switch transfers the electric current from the start capacitor to the main electric energy supply. The switching of the electric current from the capacitor to the main electric energy supply is what allows the AC fan to maintain its consistent speed.
Common Causes of AC Fan Motor Issues
If your AC fan isn’t turning on, before doing any troubleshooting make sure to turn on the power switch and test the circuit breaker.
In some cases, the problem may be caused by a worn-out motor, meaning your best bet is to replace it. However, many times an AC fan motor can just be “frozen” due to a lack of lubrication or dusty / dirty parts. When this happens, the fan blades won’t be able to rotate and you’ll need to clean and lubricate them.
If your AC fan is humming but not rotating, that could be a sign of an overloaded electric motor. This is caused by an imbalance of power, so you’ll want to make sure that your power source isn’t overloaded.
Troubleshooting Steps for AC Fan Motor Problems
Fortunately, troubleshooting your AC fan is relatively simple when you know what to look for.
First and foremost, check the power supply. Make sure the power switch and circuit breaker are working. If these components don’t appear to be functioning properly, contact an electrician for assistance.
If the power source is functioning normally, then check to see if the fan blades are dusty, dirty, or locked with debris. Dust and debris can cause the fan to struggle or stop rotation altogether. You’ll want to carefully clean the fan blades and lubricate them with a light oil, such as vegetable oil.
If the fan blades are clear of any dust, dirt, or debris and still won’t turn on, then you’ll need to test the motor. You will want to make sure the motor isn’t seized or frozen, which is a sign that it needs replacing. If it appears to be running normally, but the fan is still not turning, then you’ll want to check the capacitor.
The capacitor is responsible for supplying power to the electric motor and, if it isn’t working correctly, it will affect the electric current and the fan won’t rotate. To test the capacitor, you will want to grab a multimeter and check the resistance. If the capacitor is working correctly, it should read about 3 to 6 Ohms. If the reading is 0 or infinite, then the capacitor is no longer functioning correctly and needs to be replaced.
When to Call a Professional Repair Service
If you’ve gone through all of the above troubleshooting steps and the AC fan is still not turning on, then it’s likely time to call a professional repair service. Trying to take apart the AC fan or replace parts yourself can be dangerous and potentially damaging to your system, so it’s best to leave it to the experts.
Local Reliable Appliance Repair is a reliable and experienced repair service that can help troubleshoot any problems you may be having with your AC fan motor. To get in touch and schedule a service call, call (866) 311-8590.
AC Fan Not Working: Tips From Manufacturers and HVAC Professionals
To ensure that your AC fan is properly functioning and to prevent premature failure, manufacturers and HVAC technicians recommend taking certain steps to maintain the system and avoid AC fan not working issues. Depending on your unique situation and the age of your unit, the following tips can help keep your air conditioning system running smoothly and efficiently.
Inspect Existing Components
The first step in addressing potential issues with the AC fan is to inspect all of the existing components, including the fan, motor, and filter. You should check the fan for any signs of wear and tear, such as physical damage or loose or missing blades. Visually inspect the motor for any signs of rust or corrosion, and remove and inspect your air filter for signs of buildup or debris.
If any of these components seem to be in poor condition, you should consider replacing them to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, always make sure to wear safety equipment and use caution when inspecting and replacing AC components.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to preventing AC fan not working issues. HVAC professionals recommend scheduling a preventive maintenance checkup with a trusted technician every spring prior to the start of the hot season. This evaluation should include a detailed inspection of all internal components, including motors, fan blades, and thermal sensing units, as well as a complete clean and tune of the unit.
During the appointment, the technician should also check the AC’s coolant levels and pressures to ensure that the system is running efficiently. Additionally, having your AC system professionally cleaned yearly can help prevent the build-up of dirt and debris in the air handler or evaporator coil, which can reduce the unit’s energy efficiency and cause AC fan not working.
Consider Replacing an Older Unit
If your current AC unit is old and dated, replacing the unit with a newer, more energy-efficient model may be the best solution for AC fan not working in the long term. Newer AC models are designed with more durable motors and fans and are constructed from more reliable materials, helping to reduce the risk of fan failure. In addition, modern AC units may use as much as 20 percent less energy than their older counterparts, resulting in a more efficient system and lower energy costs.
Utilize Fans to Help Improve Air Circulation
When you suspect AC fan not working, using additional fans to help improve air circulation may help mitigate the issue. Fans are particularly helpful in reducing strain on the AC unit and circulating cooled air throughout the home. They are also helpful in improving air flow in any rooms located farther away from the unit, where it may be more difficult to feel the cool air.
Call a Reliable HVAC Technician
If all else fails or you are unable to find the root cause of the problem, the wisest decision is to call a trustworthy and experienced HVAC technician for advice. A professional technician will be able to determine the cause of your AC fan not working and suggest the best course of action for your particular situation.
At Local Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating, our team of qualified technicians is available 24/7 to provide emergency repair and maintenance services. To speak to one of our friendly technicians, call us at (866) 311-8590.
Average Repair Cost for an AC Fan Not Working
An AC fan not working can be a costly issue to fix, but with the right advice, it can be avoided or repaired efficiently.
The expected repair cost for an AC fan not working in California is between $100 and $800, depending on the complexity of the repair. This cost includes the cost of parts and labor and is subject to a 20% increase due to market fluctuations.
To repair an AC fan not working, certain parts may be necessary, including:
– Limit switch
– Fan motor
– Fan blade
– Wiring harness
– Grommets and bolts
Each of these parts will have a separate cost and the cost of repair will depend on the model of the AC unit and the condition of the above parts. Some AC units may require additional parts or more complicated repair efforts, thus raising the total repair cost.
If you would like to have a more accurate estimate of the cost of repair, it is recommended to schedule an inspection with a reliable HVAC technician in the local area. Local Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating is available to provide free estimates and can be reached by calling (866) 311-8590.
AC Fan Not Working: Get Reliable Service Today
No one likes it when their AC fan stops working. But you don’t need to suffer in the heat because of an unreliable air conditioner. California Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating is here to the rescue.
Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating is a family-owned business that prides itself on same-day service for appliance repair and HVAC installations. Our highly-trained technicians have a minimum of 5 years of experience and deal with AC fan not working all the time. We provide reliable and affordable services that come with a 90-day warranty on all repairs.
Plus, California Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating is fully licensed and insured to give all of our customers peace of mind, knowing their AC fan is in the hands of professionals.
Don’t wait around in the heat. If your AC fan is not working, choose California Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating and get same-day service so you and your family can be cool and comfortable in no time.
FAQ: Troubleshooting an AC Fan That Won’t Turn On
Q1: What Could Cause an AC Fan Not to Work?
The underlying factors causing a non-functioning fan could be related to the fan itself, the transformer, or the fan limit switch.
Q2: How Can I Test the Fan?
You can test the fan by resetting the fan limit switch, replacing the transformer, and inspecting the wiring for problems.
Q3: How Do I Know if the Fan Limit Switch is Working?
To determine if the fan limit switch is working, locate the label located near the limit and reset it by pushing the red button.
Q4: What is the Transformer and How Can I Test It?
A transformer regulates the amount of electricity to the fan and can be tested with a multimeter to ensure it’s functioning.
Q5: How Do I Inspect the Wiring?
When inspecting the wiring, ensure that no loose connections exist and look for signs of burning and discoloration.
Q6: How Do I Diagnose the Problem?
In order to diagnose the problem, you must first check all of your connections, test the transformer, and reset the fan limit switch.
When troubleshooting an AC fan that won’t turn on, if these methods do not resolve the problem, it is advisable to contact a local, reliable appliance repair service at (866) 311-8590.