The fan motor is critical for your air conditioner. When it stops working correctly, the air conditioner cannot move hot air out and distribute cool air inside your home. Most AC condenser fans will last 10 to 15 years if properly maintained. A lack of routine maintenance gives you only four years of successful fan service.
Here at Quality Cooling & Heating, we get a lot of concerned calls from customers dealing with various air conditioning problems. With summer temperatures going as high as 105, air conditioning is critical. Learning how to check if your AC fan motor is bad will help you know when to call us for AC repair.
Hiring an HVAC technician is critical when problems arise with your system. It can become a frustrating guessing game trying to figure out which part is causing problems. Although we want our customers to be aware of the signs of fan motor problems, we do not recommend a DIY approach to repairs. Most of our customers who attempt them spend more time and money than they realize.
1. The Fan Won’t Come On
A sure sign of a bad fan motor is a cooling fan that will not come on. The cooling fan should spin continuously during operation. You may hear a slight buzzing sound from the fan, but the fan will not turn at all if the motor has failed.
2. The Fan Blades Rotate Slowly
The fan blades may turn slowly if the motor has not failed entirely yet. The fan may seem to sputter and barely move. Fans that become very slow cannot operate correctly to circulate air.
3. The Condensor Makes a Rattling Noise
Although rattling sounds could come from other broken parts, if you do not see the fan functioning normally, this sound may be related to the motor. Check the fan to ensure it is spinning properly and is not hitting the housing cage. It is likely the fan motor if you notice no obstructions.
4. The Fan Runs Intermittently
Intermittent fan issues arise because of two reasons related to the fan motor. The fan may run intermittently because of an overheating AC fan motor or a loose wiring connection. Fans that overheat are beginning to fail. Replacing the motor will ensure the fan works properly again.
5. Fan Runs When Unit Is Off
The fan should stop turning when you shut off the air conditioner. If it continues to turn, even slowly, the ball bearings are likely going bad in the air conditioner fan motor. The continuous operation could also mean the fan needs oiling. Our technicians check the AC fan motor in its entirety to find the problem and carry out repairs.
6. You Smell Burning Smells
Burning smells from your condenser could mean the motor has a significant problem. Never ignore burning smells because they could be a fire danger. Call Quality Cooling & Heating right away to schedule a repair appointment with our HVAC technicians.
7. Frequently Tripped Breakers
Tripped breakers can happen for many reasons. If your AC is causing the problem, the issue could revolve around the fan motor. Do not continue to attempt to operate your air conditioner in this condition to avoid electrical dangers.
How to Prevent Fan Motor Issues
Prevention is the key to keeping your air conditioner operating smoothly and effectively. The AC fan motor is a critical part, and the air conditioner cannot function without it.
One of the ways you can prevent premature AC fan motor failure is by keeping your filters clean. Dirty filters allow dust and debris to build up in your system. We recommend annual cleanings to prevent dust and debris from causing motor overheating. Our maintenance services keep your unit working safely and efficiently.
Keep Your AC Working Effectively
Our priority is to keep your air conditioner running efficiently and effectively. When HVAC repair issues arise, you must take immediate action. Waiting too long to seek repairs will lead to continued system degradation, which could become more expensive to repair.
We offer HVAC services to keep your home safe and comfortable, including installation, maintenance, and repair. We also offer duct cleaning, carbon monoxide detection, air purifiers, humidifiers, and de-humidifiers.
Call Quality Cooling & Heating to schedule your appointment in Austin and the surrounding areas today!
