Blazing temperatures this summer have made 2020 one of the five hottest summers in recorded history. This brings keeping cool to the top of your priority list.
AC fan not working? Then you want to read on and learn how to troubleshoot this problem fast!
Check the Power
Often the most straightforward solution fixes the problem. Check your power!
For central air, check your circuit breaker to make sure all of the switches are on. For a smaller unit, make sure the cord is plugged in and that you have power flow to the outlet.
If you do have incoming power to the motor, then take a look at your cooling unit.
Why Is My AC Fan Not Working?
Your air conditioner should suck in warm air over the evaporator coils and then recirculate the cooled air back into the room. Many parts work together to make this happen for both window units and central air.
Here are some suggestions for hunting down the culprit.
Check the Fan Belt
The fans in your unit run from a belt. If this belt slips off track or snaps, then the system will not run. Fortunately, you can quickly fix this issue at a reasonable cost.
Test for Continuity
On the control board of your AC unit, a thermistor monitors the temperature of the air. It then signals the unit to run or stop running to meet the set temperature.
If this small piece of the air conditioner stops working, it can cause the fan not to blow. Use a tool called a multimeter to check for continuity.
Check the Fan
If the fan cannot spin, then it will not work. Check that the blade can freely rotate without any debris blocking it.
Listen to Your Unit
Your unit should make little to no noise. Sounds can clue you in on what’s wrong.
Banging noises may indicate loose parts. You can potentially fix accessible loose screws but may need a professional for something deep in your central unit.
Clanging sounds may signal an unbalanced system. If you hear prominent noise, then the compressor may be loose.
When your ac unit hums, you might suspect a broken capacitor. Pay close attention because it could also indicate a potentially dangerous electrical issue. Do not attempt to run your system until you get this looked at by a professional.
Do You Smell Burning?
If your broken AC unit smells like burnt plastic, do not keep attempting to run it. You can cause a fire.
A burning smell could mean a problem with the electrical wires. It can also indicate an overheated fan motor or a faulty capacitor. Any of these issues requires the help of an HVAC professional.
Keep Cool This Summer
If you find your AC fan not working during this record hot summer, then you want to know how to troubleshoot the problem. With this guide, you might find a simple fix, or you will know when to call an HVAC professional for help.
We want to help you learn the little things that make a big difference in life. Read more of our recent blogs on our website!
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