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Why is My AC Running but Fan Not Spinning?

Mechanical Fan

Summers in central Michigan are hot, and you need a reliable air conditioner to provide relief indoors when it’s too hot and humid to be outside.

Unfortunately, air conditioners can break down for a number of reasons – leaving you to sweat it out while you search for a reliable HVAC company to make the repair. One frustrating scenario the HVAC technicians at A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling have seen many times is when an air conditioner’s condenser fan stops spinning, even though the actual system is running.

At A-1 Mechanical, we’ve provided homeowners in Grand Rapids and Lansing with reliable and trustworthy HVAC service since 1983. Our NATE-certified technicians are expertly trained to make all types of air conditioning repairs, including repairing condenser fans that suddenly stop working. Give A-1 Mechanical a call today to schedule service.

Why Did My Air Conditioner’s Fan Stop Running?

If your air conditioning is running but there is no cool air and the fan isn’t spinning, it’s best to call an HVAC company to properly diagnose the issue. There are several possible reasons why your air conditioner’s fan isn’t working, including:

Issues with the capacitor

One of the most common reasons fans stop spinning is because of a dead capacitor. The AC’s capacitors are small, cylinder components that send energy signals to power the fan motor and the rest of the AC unit. Each air conditioning system has several capacitors, including the start capacitor, which sends signals to the motor, and the run capacitor, which keeps the motor running. Capacitors can go bad over time and need to be replaced.

Power issues

It can be as simple as a power issue. If the circuit breaker is tripped due to overheating, it will cause your AC to stop running. This can be fixed by flipping the switch at the circuit breaker.

Burnt-out motor

Another common reason fans stop working is a burnt out fan motor. When fan motors are overworked – coupled with a lack of maintenance – they can tend to go bad and burn out. AC fan motors are expensive to replace and may lead to system replacement.

Blocked air filter

A blocked air filter restricts air flow, which can cause ice to build up. This puts more stress on the air conditioner’s fan and can cause it to shut down. Change your HVAC filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

A faulty belt

Older AC condensers use a belt. Over time, belts can slip off or break. This can be easily fixed by an HVAC technician, but it may be time to consider system replacement.

Issues with the contactor

The AC’s contactor switch, located inside your compressor unit, sends voltage to the condenser unit and fan so they will run. These switches can go bad over time, causing your fan to stop working properly. Contactors need to be replaced by an HVAC contractor.

Call A-1 Mechanical for AC Repair Services

If you’re having any issues with your air conditioner, including a fan that stops working, contact A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling for expert air conditioning repair. We repair all makes and models of air conditioners. Don’t let hot temperatures and high humidity be your enemy this summer. Call A-1 Mechanical today for the best AC repair service around!

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