What to do if your AC fan doesn’t work?
You rely on your AC unit to keep your home or business cool and comfortable. But when the fan fails, all the cooling air in the world won’t help if it can’t get pumped out and circulated.
Central AC units typically have two fans. One fan is located within the home/business and is used to pump cool air throughout the ducts and into the rooms of the building. The other fan (located in the unit outside of the property) is used to blow air over the condenser coils.
Issues with either fan can cause your property to heat up fast. Here’s what you can look for or do when your AC fan stops working.
- Power Up: Turn off the AC. Check the breaker. Turn it off, then on. Power up your AC and see if the fan spins. If you don’t hear the compressor running it could be a ‘contactor’ issue. This is the electrical switch that controls the compressor and fan motor.
- Check For Jams: Go outside and inspect the top of your AC unit for any jams caused by debris that may be preventing the fan from moving. Never stick your hands in the blades to remove debris.
- Kickstart the Fan: If the fan isn’t jammed, you can try to kick start the fan using a long stick or another tool. The unit must be turned on when you try pushing/spinning the fan manually. If the fan starts spinning, you may have a capacitator problem that needs to be addressed by a pro.
- Identify Motor Failure: If the fan refuses to spin but you DO hear the compressor running, this could indicate a failed fan motor that needs repair or replacement.
