There’s only so much heat you can handle during the summer in North Carolina. Residents of Mount Airy and surrounding areas rely on air conditioning for comfort and safety during peak temperatures, and there’s nothing worse than your AC fan not spinning just when you need it.
Why is My AC Fan Not Spinning? Common Causes
AC systems have two main fans — the condenser fan in the outdoor unit, and the blower fan in the indoor unit. If your indoor or outdoor AC unit isn’t running properly, the following issues may be responsible.
Thermostat malfunction
Thermostats detect temperature and communicate with your AC system to stop and start cycles. Dead batteries, incorrect programming, damaged wiring, or other issues can cause your thermostat to fail to start the cooling cycle and fan.
Clogged air filter
Air filters require replacement every few months to maintain the performance and efficiency of your home. When air filters become clogged from dust, pet dander, and other particles, debris can flow into the AC system and coat the evaporator coil and cause other inefficiency problems. As a result, the fan may have to strain to compensate for other AC components and eventually break down.
Power supply problem
Power surges, overheating, and other electrical issues can cause the circuit breaker for your AC system to trip, cutting off power to the entire unit and its fans. Check the circuit breaker box for the breaker connected to your AC — tripped breakers will be in the middle position. To reset it, turn it to the off position for a few moments and then to the on position.
There may be bigger electrical issues going on if resetting the breaker doesn’t restore power or the circuit persistently trips, such as overloaded circuits or damaged wiring.
Failed run capacitor
The capacitor is a metal cylinder that provides the initial energy required to surge your AC into operation and maintain its power throughout the cooling cycle. Capacitors can wear out faster than other AC components and are one of the most common reasons for malfunctioning and burnt out AC fans. A technician can provide AC capacitor replacement service to avoid further damage to your system.
Damaged parts
Damaged parts of the fan can cause it to perform poorly, incur further damage, and eventually break down or burn out if not addressed. For example, banging or clicking sounds can indicate bent or misaligned fan blades colliding with other parts of the unit during operation, which can result in broken blades, increase resistance against the fan motor, and eventual break down.
Likewise, fan bearings or axels can build up dust or debris, prevent the fan from running smoothly, and gradually wear down the motor. Repairs can sometimes resolve these issues, but they also often require AC fan motor replacement.
Broken fan belt
Fan belts connect the fan blade axel to its motor and transfer rotational energy to the blade fans to allow them to spin. Belts can gradually loosen, become brittle, or break and prevent the fan from running properly or at all.
Can I Fix a Broken AC Fan Myself?
Some solutions for malfunctioning AC fans are as simple as replacing an air filter or resetting the breaker, and these DIY AC repair tasks are approachable even with minimal mechanical or HVAC knowledge. AC systems and fan mechanics are complex and may pose risk of injury or electrocution to inexperienced homeowners. Attempting to diagnose and repair issues on your own could also result in further damage, higher repair costs, and more inconvenience than if you were to leave these problems to a professional AC technician.
Visually inspecting your AC system can help alert you to issues and prompt you to schedule repair services before they become bigger, more costly problems. If you notice the following signs, contact a licensed technician:
- AC fan won’t start
- AC fan won’t stop
- Rattling, grinding, clicking, or tapping sounds
- Limited or no airflow from supply vents
- Fan blades rotate slowly
- Long AC cycles
Why It’s Smart to Get AC Repair for a Broken Fan
Your AC system helps keep you cool during Mount Airy summers, but they do more for your home than provide personal comfort. Proper air conditioning is often necessary for your household’s health, especially if you have pets, allergies, respiratory problems, or other predispositions. Air conditioning also prevents heat and humidity from accumulating in your home, which is crucial for reducing the risk of moisture or heat damage to your possessions as well as mold problems, invasive insects, or structural damage.
With professional service from a licensed HVAC technician, you can have your fan and AC system performing its best again, often within the day. Promptly addressing broken AC fans can also prevent further damage to your system. With expert knowledge, skills, and experience, AC technicians can safely, efficiently, and accurately pinpoint and repair underlying issues to provide you with peace of mind.
What to Expect from AC Fan Repair?
AC repair always starts with thorough inspection and careful diagnosis to locate the problem’s source. If the fan breaks down due to normal wear and tear, your technician can simply repair or replace it depending on the extent of its damage. If they identify other contributing causes, such as broken components elsewhere causing the fan to strain, they can also address those problems to prevent your fan from breaking down again. Your technician should review their findings with you and provide a recommended repair and cost estimate before proceeding.
Don’t Sweat It: Get Your AC Fan Fixed Today with Jay’s Heating, Air, and Plumbing
Don’t suffer during hot and humid North Carolina summers — when your AC fan isn’t spinning, professional repair from our team is the best way to restore cool comfort to your home.
At Jay’s Heating, Air, and Plumbing, we’re committed to delivering 100% customer satisfaction with high-quality and prompt service. We serve Mount Airy and other areas in North Carolina. Contact us today to schedule a repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my AC, or should I turn it off completely?
Shut your system down and schedule an AC repair service if you suspect your fan is broken. Continuing to run your system can result in more damage and repair expenses.
What is the life expectancy of an AC system?
With proper maintenance and repair, AC systems can perform efficiently for up to 20 years.