Does The AC Fan Outside Always Run? The answer to this is no. The AC fan does not run non-stop. It's intended to cycle on and off, depending on the needs of the HVAC unit.
The main reason your AC unit fan isn't spinning could be a lack of power to the fan or an obstruction. The other potential issues are the fan isn't getting enough voltage, the fan motor is too hot, something is stuck in the fan blades, or the fan belt needs to be replaced.
Make sure the outside unit is turned on (there's probably a switch near the unit). If the outside unit has a separate circuit breaker, check your circuit box and make sure it hasn't been tripped. A more serious issue if the outside air conditioning unit's not working is a broken compressor, capacitor or fan.
The short answer: Definitely not. (Unless you have manually engaged your outside fan to run constantly, but it shouldn't be running for hours on it's own.) If your HVAC is functioning correctly, it should keep your house cool by cycling on for 15-20 minutes at a time—with distinct pauses in between each cycle.
The outside unit may not run if it's shut off or the safety switch is engaged. Worn parts, like fan motors or contactors, can prevent the unit from turning on. Debris inside or outside of an AC unit can keep it from running properly. If a bad compressor is to blame, you'll need to install a new cooling system.
No, most outside units have a timer where the compressor waits for 5 minutes before coming on.
In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.
Does The AC Fan Outside Always Run? The answer to this is no. The AC fan does not run non-stop. It's intended to cycle on and off, depending on the needs of the HVAC unit.
The system will often complete a full cycle every 15 to 20 minutes, then turn off for up to 10 minutes before turning back on. Following this process, the system should turn on and off about three times every hour. Is your system doing more than that? Perhaps it is doing so less often than you think it should.
If the temperature is set to 74°F but the thermometer shows 78°F, you will have to recalibrate the thermostat to account for this 4-degree deviation. Even with older AC units or furnaces, you might have to recalibrate your thermostat from time to time.
When the outside unit breaks down but the inside unit is running, the culprit may well be a broken compressor in the outside unit. That's typically a major repair, something that might even warrant a system replacement.
To fix this issue, you will need to reset the circuit breaker by switching it off and then back on again. If this doesn't work, then you may need to check for any loose or corroded wiring connections, replace any faulty fuses or circuit breakers, and ensure that your AC system is getting enough power supply.
Air conditioning without an outdoor unit is called water cooled air conditioning, because it uses mains water to cool down the internal refrigerant, rather than outside air. This allows the system to be fully internal, as all of its components are located within the property.
The warmer the temperature is outside, the longer your AC will run to get your home to your desired temperature. Longer runs times are good in these conditions: it means your air conditioner is working the way it should. But even then, you should still be able to hear your air conditioner turn off and on as needed.
When things are working right, your central air conditioner should run for 15 to 20 minutes and then turn off for a few minutes. It will do this two or three times every hour. It may run longer when it's sweltering outside. And, much shorter cycles can mean there's a problem.
Most furnaces kick on and off between three to eight times an hour, depending on things like outdoor air temperatures, the furnace's age, and how much insulation you have. That's why, instead of asking how often a furnace should cycle, it's best to stay alert to changes in how your furnace is running.
Keeping your fan on AUTO is the most energy-efficient option. The fan only runs when the system is on and not continuously. There is better dehumidification in your home during the summer months. When your fan is set to AUTO, moisture from cold cooling coils can drip and be drained outside.
Ideally, a properly operating air conditioner should cycle for roughly 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times per hour. If the temperature inside your home is very high, is much higher than the temperature that your thermostat is set at, or the outside temperature is very high, the run time will increase.
In short, common issues that can cause an air conditioning unit fan to stop spinning are electrical issues, problems with the capacitor, contactor issues, a burnt out air conditioner motor, a broken fan belt, or clogged air filter.
Common Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner is Not Turning On
Resetting your thermostat is often all that's necessary to get it working again. A tripped circuit breaker is another common reason why your AC won't turn on. Using too many appliances at once can trip the circuit breaker.
Shut off your system by hitting the isolation switch, wait 30 to 60 minutes and then turn it back on. This manual reboot fully disconnects your AC unit from power, allowing all electrical components to reset.
Electrical component issues often result in an air conditioner that won't stop running. Problems such as a stuck relay switch or a defective compressor contactor can cause the AC unit to operate continuously, even when it's not necessary.