What happens when AC blower stops working?

Author: Mr. Weston Armstrong  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

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.

What happens when your AC blower goes out?

Your AC's blower motor is responsible for moving air through your air conditioner to cool it and then pushing it back out into your home. Without this incredible component, your AC can't provide any cooling effect, no matter how much the compressor runs.

What to do if an AC blower is not working?

What to do if the AC fan is not working?
  1. Step One: Ensure the thermostat is set to "Cool" and the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. ...
  2. Step Two: Locate the breaker box and check if the breaker for the AC unit has tripped. ...
  3. Step Three: Check the air filter for dirt and debris.

Can an AC still work without the fan?

MOST ACs have PASSIVE cooling on the condenser (which dumps heat to the outside) and no fan. Usually this is sufficient. However, in an INDOOR AC which can't dump heat into the room (which would defeat its entire purpose) the condenser blower is an essential component. No blower then no cooling.

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 to test and fix - no air flow. A/C not blowing, blower not working, no High or Low fan speed.

How do you know if your fan motor is burned out?

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

How do I know if my AC blower motor is bad?

Look for these key indicators that you have a bad blower motor.
  1. Strange Rattling, Clanking, or Screeching. ...
  2. Weak or No Airflow From The Vents. ...
  3. A Sudden Spike in Your Energy Bills. ...
  4. An Overheating HVAC System. ...
  5. Replace or Maintain a Part in the Blower Motor. ...
  6. Replacing the Blower Motor. ...
  7. Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance.

Is a blower motor easy to fix?

The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.

How long do AC blowers last?

Blower motors are designed to last just as long as your furnace itself, anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Just as with any HVAC system, the better maintained and serviced your equipment is by experienced HVAC technicians the longer it will last and the fewer repairs you'll face.

Why have my blowers stopped working?

The most common reason why your blower motor won't work on any speed is that you have a bad or blown a fuse. A fuse is a small wire inside of a connector that is used to protect the motor itself from a surge of electricity.

How do I know if my AC blower fuse is bad?

Blowing the fuse cuts the power to the unit to prevent electrical damage. If your AC has shut down and won't start again, especially if you've noticed odd electrical behavior immediately before the shutdown, chances are the fuse has done its job and will need to be replaced.

How do I reset my AC blower?

Most blower motors are controlled by a red or black switch on the side of the unit. Hold the button down for a few seconds (the manual will tell you precisely how long), then release. Replace the Panel and Restore Power.

Why is the blower on my AC not working?

The problem could be loose wiring at the connections or a bad control board. Remember to check for a thermostat signal at the control board calling for the blower motor to turn on. If the multimeter measures 24v from G to C terminals, the control board should tell the blower motor module to turn the blower motor on.

Where is the reset button on an AC unit?

Power down your AC: Turn off your AC unit and unplug it from the power source. This will ensure that you stay safe while working on the unit. Locate the reset button: Most air conditioning units have a reset button located near the outside unit. It is usually a small button located inside a small hole.

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

7 SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW AC MOTOR
  • 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. ...
  • Overheating of the Air Conditioner Fan. As a blower motor ages, it can start to overheat. ...
  • Weird Sounds. ...
  • Higher Energy Bills Than Normal. ...
  • Weak Airflow From the Vents.

How much is a new AC blower?

Cost for a single-stage blower motor could run between $300 and $900, while cost for a variable-speed blower could be between $600 and $1,500. Remember, though, the higher upfront costs for a variable-speed blower motor will be offset by reduced monthly energy bills.

What happens if the blower motor goes out?

If the blower motor is going bad, it will struggle to operate the fan. The result will be weak airflow coming from the vents inside your living spaces. This airflow issue can be one of the main symptoms that indicate the component needs to be replaced.

What is the lifespan of a blower?

More specifically, systems that include blower motors have a lifespan of roughly: Air-Source Heat Pumps: 10 to 12 years, with a maximum of 15 years or more. Furnaces: 10 to 20 years, depending on maintenance schedules. DX Air Conditioners: 15 to 20 years, depending on maintenance schedules and manufacturer quality.

What are the symptoms of a bad blower motor relay?

On some platforms, a faulty blower motor relay will cause the blower not to work at all, which means there will be no airflow from the A/C. On others, the blower won't work on “high blow” but all the other speeds will work. The blower motor relay fails because it regularly deals with high current loads.

How do I know if my fan motor or capacitor is bad?

Signs a Fan Motor or Capacitor Is Bad
  1. Fan Starts, But Only After a Delay. Demonstrates that the fan is operable, but underpowered.
  2. Motor Hums But Won't Start. Indicates electricity is flowing into the unit, but it doesn't have enough power to start up.
  3. Loud or Unusual Noises. ...
  4. Fan Runs Intermittently.

How often should you replace an AC fan motor?

Although AC fan motors can last 10-15 years or more, a lack of regular maintenance can shorten their lifespan. Here are some signs you may need AC fan motor replacement.

Can AC work without a fan?

Your AC is rendered useless without a functioning fan or furnace blower motor. This could also mean that you need a furnace repair or should start looking at costs for blower motor replacement. In addition, you will either suffer from no air or weak airflow with fan problems.

What causes a blower motor to burn out?

Some of the reasons a blower motor might fail are overheating, and excessive moisture. When dust, dirt, and debris build up, it can cause the windings and bearings to burn up more quickly.

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