AC Fan Not Spinning? Check These Things Before Calling a Pro

If your Cincinnati outside AC unit is not turning on, or your outside AC fan is not spinning at all, you may need to contact a trusted, local HVAC company like Jansen Heating & Cooling to get it sorted out.

But first, here are some things you can try on your own before you make that call or while you’re waiting for the AC technician to arrive:

Power supply

Make sure the unit is getting power. Make sure the unit hasn’t accidentally been unplugged or switched off (it happens!). Check the circuit breaker or fuse box to see if a circuit breaker has tripped or a fuse has blown. If so, reset the breaker or replace the fuse, and if it stays on, you’re probably ok without a visit from your HVAC company.

Inspect the wiring leading to the AC unit. Look for any signs of damage, such as fraying or exposed wires. If you notice anything, turn off the power to the unit before attempting to repair or replace any wiring.

Visual inspection

Make sure the fan is not jammed by looking for dirt or debris around the axle.

Sometimes debris such as leaves, dirt or grass clippings can accumulate around the fan blades, blocking them from spinning. Turn off the power before removing any debris, and then see if you can manually spin it once it is clear.

Capacitor (might be better for the pros)

If the fan is clean and moves freely, you may have a bad capacitor. This is a small, cylindrical component that helps start the fan motor. If the capacitor is faulty or has failed, the fan may not start spinning.

Capacitors can be tested with a multimeter to determine if they are functioning properly:

• Turn off the AC power and connect the multimeter probes to the capacitor and set it to “capacitance” mode. Take the value and compare it to the expected capacitor. If it is within 10-20% it is good; if not, it is bad – contact your trusted, local air conditioning service company with this information, or order a new capacitor if you feel confident in being able to replace it yourself.
• Be cautious! Capacitors store electrical energy even when the power is off, so it’s best to have a professional handle this task if you are not skilled at electrical work.

Thermostat settings

Make sure your thermostat is set to cooling, not heating.

Air filter

Replace the air filter if it is clogged with dust, dirt, pollen, fur or other debris.

More potential issues

These additional situations may be preventing your outdoor AC fan from spinning:

• Burned out motor: The motor will need to be replaced by a professional.
• Broken belt: The fan belt may be loose or broken. Here is a YouTube tutorial on how to replace an AC belt.
• Low refrigerant: The AC compressor will not spin if there is a leak. Your HVAC technician can find the leak, fix or replace the part, evacuate the system and recharge it.

If none of these problems are apparent, you should turn off the unit and have a professional HVAC technician come out to inspect and repair it to prevent further damage.

In general, if you are not knowledgeable about air conditioner functioning, you should have a licensed contractor look at the unit. Trying to fix it yourself without the right skills and tools can cause further and potentially expensive damage. There’s no shame in outsourcing your HVAC headaches to your local heating and cooling company – that’s what we’re here for!

Call an experienced local pro with a stellar reputation

If you don’t already have a trusted, local heating and air conditioning provider you typically work with, consider Jansen Heating & Cooling. We are located in the Cincinnati area and are proud to serve the Tri-State.

We are always happy to provide references in your area! We’ve been in business since 1953 and have served most neighborhoods in Greater Cincinnati. Chances are, some of your neighbors rely on Jansen for any Cincinnati AC repair that may come up. We’ve built our reputation and our business by providing top-notch service to your friends and neighbors, and we look forward to showing you how we can share our expertise with you.

Why consider Jansen?

We offer benefits many other HVAC providers don’t, such as:

1. Upfront 100% price guarantee,
2. Service on all makes and models,
3. Maintenance Club with service reminders and discounts,
4. Excellent warranties available:

• • One-year warranty on our workmanship,
  • 10-year manufacturer warranties on some same-day system replacements,
  • Up to 10-year labor warranties at an extra cost.

Want to discuss your HVAC system? Shoot us a message today or give us a call. Here at Jansen, we’re here to take care of your heating and cooling headaches so you can focus on the more important things in your life.