What happens if my fan motor is bad?

Author: Vida Macejkovic  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

The fan motor can cause significant damage to your system if it's not working properly. If the fan motor is stuck, it could cause the compressor to overheat and fail, which can cause your entire system to break down.

How do I know if my fan motor is bad?

7 Signs Your AC Fan Motor Is Failing
  1. The Fan Won't Come On. A sure sign of a bad fan motor is a cooling fan that will not come on. ...
  2. The Fan Blades Rotate Slowly. ...
  3. The Condensor Makes a Rattling Noise. ...
  4. The Fan Runs Intermittently. ...
  5. Fan Runs When Unit Is Off. ...
  6. You Smell Burning Smells. ...
  7. Frequently Tripped Breakers.

How much does it cost to replace a fan motor?

What's the Cost of Repairing or Replacing a Fan Motor? The average cost of a condenser fan motor is between $300 and $500 (not including installation). If the compressor breaks, you are looking at a much costlier problem which could cost up to $2000. In some cases, your fan motor may be under warranty.

What happens when an AC fan motor goes out?

A faulty AC fan motor can overload the electrical circuit, leading to frequent tripped circuit breakers. This occurs when the motor draws excessive electrical current due to a malfunction or damage. Professional inspection and repair can prevent further electrical issues and ensure your AC is operating safely.

What does it sound like when a fan motor is going out?

Unusual and Loud Sounds

A failing blower motor may emit unusual sounds. This may sound like screeching or squealing if it has bad bearings. You may hear a rattle or a banging sound if something inside the motor has broken or come loose.

Broken fan motor diagnosis for repair

What happens when a fan motor burns out?

The fan will stop circulating the air throughout your HVAC system. It most commonly occurs when the blower fan motor becomes aged or is overworked. A lack of regular maintenance is generally to blame for blower fan burnout.

How do I know if I need to replace my blower motor?

You should replace your blower motor when you notice the following signs:
  1. Weak Airflow. The first indication that you have a faulty blower motor is when the airflow out of your air conditioner is weak. ...
  2. No Airflow. ...
  3. Unusually High Energy Bills. ...
  4. Strange Sounds. ...
  5. Overheating.

Is it worth replacing fan motor on AC?

The Cost of Not Replacing It

Because of how hot the system runs, running your AC with a failed fan motor could result in your compressor failing, too. The compressor is a much more expensive component, typically running $1,400-$3,000, so procrastinating on AC repair could be a very costly delay.

Can an AC still work without the fan?

No, the pressures will build and go off on high limit or ruin the compressor. Also the coil will freeze. The system must have the condenser fan operational to work properly. Except when a low ambient kit is used for AC systems to work in colder applications.

What can cause a fan motor to go bad?

Overheating. Overheating is one of the most frequent occurrences that can render the blower motor inoperative. If the motor has overheated, it may shut itself down to prevent damage. You should keep your HVAC clean and clear of any blockages or debris to avoid overheating and maintain efficiency.

How long does it take to replace AC fan motor?

In general, it can take two to three hours to replace a typical blower motor.

What is the life expectancy of a fan motor?

A blower motor should last at least 10 years, and could last up to 20, depending on the type of HVAC unit you have in your home. There are a few warning signs that your blower motor is damaged, including little-to-no airflow coming from your vents, a burning smell, and skyrocketing energy bills.

Is replacing a fan easy?

With the right tools and careful attention to safety, most homeowners can successfully install a ceiling fan in just a few hours. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, whether you're replacing an existing light fixture or installing a brand-new fan.

What to do if fan motor is not working?

  1. Testing a Fan Motor. ...
  2. Make sure the thermostat is turned on. ...
  3. Check your circuit breaker. ...
  4. Investigate your filters. ...
  5. Check the windings on the fan motor. ...
  6. Check the capacitor.

How to tell if an AC capacitor is bad?

A sure sign of a bad AC capacitor is a humming sound from within the access panel. Any humming noises indicate a problem with the air conditioning system or the components of the AC unit. Try turning the power on and off again to see if it was a one-time issue with the motor or a recurring problem.

Will an AC fan run if the compressor is bad?

It pulls warm air from your home, passes it over the evaporator coils (where the cooling happens), and then distributes the cooled air back into your living spaces. So, will the AC fan run if the compressor is bad? In most cases, yes. The fan can operate independently of the compressor.

How to tell if the fan motor is bad?

The common signs that your fan motor is faulty include:
  1. The fan doesn't start even with the AC on.
  2. The fan doesn't stop even with the AC off.
  3. The fan turns on, but the blades are rotating slowly.
  4. A rattling noise comes from the condenser unit when you turn the fan on.

Can I run my AC if the fan is not working?

Without the motion of the fans, the air will not be moved properly, and thus the until will not cool your home. The best way to keep your AC fan motor running properly is to ensure it gets regular maintenance and air conditioning repairs by a professional.

How much does it cost to replace a fan motor in an air conditioner?

The average cost of a new condenser fan motor ranges between $300 and $700, depending on the model, your AC unit, and labor costs. While this isn't cheap, replacing your fan motors before they break can save you thousands of dollars in HVAC repair services.

Does turning fan AC increase your bill?

A constantly running fan will increase your utility bills and produce more humidity in your home because it will just blow warm air around without the AC absorbing moisture and heat.

What are the symptoms of a blower motor capacitor?

The Blower Motor Is Slow or Inconsistent: A failing capacitor can cause the blower motor to run slowly or fluctuate in speed. The motor can also overheat, short cycle, or run erratically. Call a professional if any of these issues occur.

Will AC work if blower motor is bad?

Less air will come out from the vents; the air coming out could be warm, and the system may continually run without actually cooling your home.

How do you know if your AC blower motor is going out?

If the motor is making rattling, clanking, or banging sounds, it may be because of a loose or broken part inside the system. Loud banging sounds are especially worrisome. They're usually a sign that something within the system is damaged or disconnected, potentially indicating the need to replace the blower motor.

How do I know if I need a new AC motor?

7 SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW AC MOTOR
  1. AC Fan Doesn't Start. If you have a bad AC fan motor, you may have problems with your AC fan starting in the first place. ...
  2. Overheating of the Air Conditioner Fan. As a blower motor ages, it can start to overheat. ...
  3. Weird Sounds. ...
  4. Higher Energy Bills Than Normal. ...
  5. Weak Airflow From the Vents.

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