If you are a regular homeowner, you are most likely not to be aware of the technical and mechanical details of your air conditioner. This can result in issues that can be frustrating to solve and require AC repair services. However, if you are aware of the basics, you are most likely to solve the issues with ease. So, if your AC fan motor has gone bad, you should observe these signs to prevent the issue beforehand.
The Fan Will Not Start Even If The AC Is On
The most common sign of your AC fan motor going bad is that it will simply fail to turn on even if the air conditioner is working. Therefore, if the fan fails to work, it means there is surely something wrong with the motor. As a result, there is a huge chance that the evaporator coils will freeze since the air conditioner is running without the fan and is not circulating air.
That said, you will immediately need to call in a professional. If the problem is with a newly bought air conditioner, you will be able to replace the fan motor under warranty. However, if the unit happens to be relatively old, it might be that the bearings have gone or the motor has reached its maximum lifespan.
The Fan Runs Even When The Air Conditioner Is Off
The next is totally opposite. If the AC fan motor has gone bad or is about to go bad, it means there is something wrong with the fan motor. Typically, it is a sign of a bad blower motor resistor. Or it can be due to a faulty thermostat. You can try replacing or recalibrating the thermostat to see if it solves the issue.
However, if it doesn’t you will need to check the relay switch and the motor resistor. In either case, you need to replace the components as they cannot be repaired. Relays are responsible for opening and closing the electrical circuit in the air conditioner. As a result, if the relay becomes stuck, the circuits remain closed. This causes the blower motor to remain turned on along with the fan.
The Fan Rotates Very Slowly
A fan rotating slowly can be an irritating issue. The reason is that for a regular homeowner, it won’t be easy to determine whether there is a problem with the motor or if the system itself has slowed down the speed. But, you need to keep in mind that a slow-turning fan will generate weak airflow. You should check the fan speed at different speed settings. If the fan fails to increase its speed, it means there is something wrong. In most cases, the capacitor comes out to be faulty.
The Fan Runs Intermittently
Another possible sign of a fan motor going bad is that it runs intermittently. Mostly, two factors are involved in this problem. The first is that the motor is overheating, which is causing it to shut down automatically. Secondly, it could be due to a short in the motor or a loose wire or connector. Such problems are rare in new units but common in relatively old units.
But if the problem comes out to be with your newly purchased unit, it means someone had damaged the wires while installing the AC unit. At the same time, it is important that all such electrical problems should always be dealt with by a professional. Playing around with a fan motor can lead to electrical shock that can cause severe burns.
Rattling Or Buzzing Noise
Finally, it comes down to rattling or buzzing noise. Air conditioners produce a smooth humming sound while running but if you hear something more than that, it means there is a problem with the fan motor or any other component. It might be that stones, chips, or debris are caught inside the condensing unit. Meanwhile, a rattling noise could also be due to unbalanced or loose blades.
However, upon inspecting, if you find out that everything is fine, then the problem is most likely with the fan motor.
Final Word
Concluding, identifying a faulty AC fan motor is not always easy. However, the above-mentioned tips can surely help you idenitfy the issue. But when it comes to replacing the motor, always consult HVAC contractors Vienna.
