Will an AC fan work if the compressor is bad?

Author: Mr. Adelbert Kozey MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

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.

Will an AC fan run with a bad compressor?

As far as the fan running but not the compressor, that is absolutely possible. Usually when that happens it is caused by one of two things, a bad capacitor or a bad contactor. The capacitor gives the unit extra power needed when starting. It may have more than one capacitor.

Can AC work without a compressor 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.

Why is my AC fan working but the compressor not?

If the AC compressor is not working but the fan is running, potential causes include a faulty capacitor, electrical issues, low refrigerant levels, or compressor failure. It's best to consult a professional HVAC technician to accurately diagnose and repair the problem.

Does the AC compressor control the fan?

Your air conditioner has a fan that turns on/off with the compressor. However, you can select “Fan Mode” so the fan stays on even if the unit isn't cooling your home. Either way, the fan will blow to circulate air. The AC fan is an essential part of your air conditioning system.

Will AC fan run if compressor is bad?

How do I know if my AC compressor fan 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.

Does AC fan mode use compressor?

No, the fan mode on your AC does not use a lot of electricity. It is more energy-efficient than the cooling mode because the compressor is off, and only the fan is running. This helps in saving electricity and lowering energy bills while still maintaining airflow in the room.

Why is my AC not blowing air but fan running?

Check Your Air FilterOn the opposite side, if your AC and fan are both running and you still are not getting airflow through your vents, you will want to check for a dirty air filter. The air filter collects dust and debris and can block airflow through your system if not changed routinely.

Will an AC fan run if the capacitor is bad?

If the start capacitor malfunctions or wears out, it usually prevents the HVAC unit or the blower from turning on. A bad run capacitor won't prevent the unit from starting, but it can lead to the unit shutting down prematurely, overheating or making more noise than usual.

How much does it cost to replace a fan motor in an AC unit?

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.

What happens when AC fan stops 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.

Should the outside fan run when AC is on?

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.

Can I run my AC with a broken compressor?

The compressor is a vital part of your AC unit, responsible for compressing the refrigerant and circulating it through the system. When it fails, your cooling system can't function properly, and you'll be left in an uncomfortable, hot home. When your compressor dies, it often means the AC must be fully replaced.

Can AC work without compressor fan?

Without a functioning compressor, your AC can't cool the air effectively. On the other hand, the fan is responsible for moving air through your system. 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.

Why won't the fan kick on my AC unit?

Check the fuses and relays related to the AC system to see if any are blown or faulty. If they seem okay, it could be a problem with the compressor clutch or the condenser fan motor. It's best to have a professional HVAC technician diagnose and repair the issue to ensure it's fixed safely and correctly.

What are the two typical signs that a capacitor is bad or has failed?

The short answer is you may have a failing AC capacitor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
  • Your AC system isn't blowing cold air.
  • You hear a humming noise coming from the outdoor unit.
  • Your monthly energy bills are rising unexpectedly.
  • Your air conditioner will shut off unexpectedly.

Will the fan still run if the AC compressor is bad?

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.

How much does it cost to replace a fan capacitor on an AC unit?

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.

Why is my compressor not working but the fan is running?

Power connection problem

In most systems, the fan will receive power from inside your home, so it won't be affected by power connection issues plaguing your compressor. Check the circuit breaker for the exterior unit. There may be a blown fuse or a tripped breaker.

How much does it cost to replace an AC compressor?

On average, AC compressor costs range from $800 to $2,300, with most folks paying $1,200 for a new one. However, your price will vary depending on factors like the size and brand of your compressor. Before you schedule your replacement, read on to learn about all AC compressor cost factors.

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.

Does a condenser fan always run when a compressor is on?

The condenser fan should cut in when the compressor starts, that is when the pressure is low. The on/off cycling time is about 8-10 secs on/off but this can and does vary.

Can you run just the fan on an AC unit?

You can run the fan independently of the AC by switching the fan to “Fan On,” which will keep the blower fan running whether there's a demand for cooling or not. The AC can still come on, but you'll have continuous air circulation when it's not. You can also shut the AC off completely so only the fan runs.

Does AC fan speed affect compressor?

This is important as, again, the system won't work properly if the speed is too low. In most cases, this problem will cause your evaporator coil to quickly freeze up every time your AC runs. This puts a huge amount of stress on the compressor motor and can cause it to burn out.

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