Check these Things Before Calling a Pro When Your AC Fan isn’t Spinning
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 an HVAC professional like Jansen Heating & Cooling.
But first, here are some things you can try:
- Power supply
Make sure the unit is getting power. Check the circuit breaker or fuse box to see if a circuit braker has tripped or a fuse has blown. If so, reset the breaker or replace the fuse.
Visual inspection
Make sure the fan is not jammed by looking for dirt or debris around the axle.
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.
- Cleaning
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
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.
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 is 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.
Call a pro with a good local reputation
If you don’t have a regular heating and air conditioning provider, consider Jansen Heating & Cooling. We are centrally-located and 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.
Why Consider Jansen?
We offer benefits many other contractors don’t, such as:
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- Seven-day service hot-line
- Upfront 100% price guarantee
- Service on all makes and models
- Maintenance Club with service reminders and discounts
- Excellent warranties available:
- One-year warranty on our workmanship
- 10-year manufacturer warranties on some same-day system replacements
- 10-year labor warranties at an extra cost
Want to discuss your HVAC system? Shoot us a message today, or give us a call.