Why Is My AC Fan Not Spinning? 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.
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.
An outside AC fan not spinning could be caused by power supply issues, a faulty capacitor, a burnt out motor, contactor issues, wiring problems, debris or obstruction, a faulty thermostat or control board, or frozen evaporator coils. Contact your local Carrier dealer to help troubleshoot the issue further.
If the fan outside isn't spinning, it could be due to a faulty motor, a blown capacitor, or a problem with the wiring. It's best to have a professional HVAC technician check it out to diagnose and fix the issue.
Running your central air without the outside fan unit working is not recommended. The outside fan helps dissipate heat from the condenser coils, and without it, your system can overheat and potentially get damaged. It's best to get the fan unit fixed before using your central air again. I hope this helps you out!
Why Is My AC Fan Not Spinning? 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.
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.
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.
A run capacitor is a metal cylinder located in both the indoor and the outdoor unit of your AC system. It controls and supplies the power that starts and operates the motor.
If you don't turn off the power to your AC, you run the risk of heating the unit's compressor past its limits as it attempts to cool your home without a functioning fan. If the fan doesn't start to spin on its own, it might be more than a bad start capacitor or contactor.
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.
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.
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.
It is myth that uses of ceiling fans while using air conditioners reduces the cool comfort in the room as ceiling fans tend to circulate hot air thus increasing the load on air conditioners.
For AC capacitor replacement, anticipate spending between $150 and $400, depending on the capacitor's type and accessibility. A bad AC capacitor is a fairly minor repair, and most HVAC technicians will recommend a repair rather than replacing the unit when the capacitor is the problem.
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 main reasons your AC unit outside is not turning on could be something that has tripped the circuit breaker, something is blocking the fan's airflow, or the condensing unit is damaged. Other potential issues could be the thermostat isn't set correctly or the compressor could be malfunctioning.
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.
If you find that the inside part of your AC is buzzing along but the outside unit isn't cooperating, there's a chance that the issue could be as simple as a lack of power. Power issues are not uncommon, and they can occur for various reasons, including a flipped disconnect switch or potential wiring problems.
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.
If the compressor is not working, the fan will not be able to do its job properly and cool air will not be circulated. In some cases, the AC fan may still run even if the compressor is bad, but it will not be as effective in cooling your home.
Electrical Issues: One primary cause of a non-functioning condenser fan is an electrical problem. This could include a blown fuse, a tripped breaker, or a faulty motor. Check the fuse box and circuit breaker to ensure they are intact. If they appear fine, the fan motor might need to be replaced.