Why Is Your AC Unit Fan Not Spinning?
When you turn down your thermostat, you expect your air conditioner to kick on and immediately provide that cool relief you need during Tucson’s intense summer heat. When you hear it cycle on but the fan doesn’t spin, you’re left with a hot house and high energy bills. If you’re asking, “Why is my AC unit fan not spinning?” you’ve come to the right place.
At Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling, we offer expert AC repair services for every common unit malfunction in Tucson. Below, we explain the common reasons why your system’s fan won’t turn on and what you can do to troubleshoot this frustrating issue.
Common Reasons Why Your AC Fan Isn’t Spinning
Most standard central air conditioners have two fans: one that operates inside to blow cool air into your home and one in the outdoor unit that removes hot air from the system. If either fan malfunctions, the system will not be able to cool your home effectively.
Air conditioners contain a complex system of capacitors and motors that spin these fans. When a fan malfunctions, it’s likely due to an issue with one of these components or a power concern. Here are the most common culprits:
Power or Electrical Issues
Air conditioners often overheat during our intense, brutal summers. This can cause your circuit breaker to trip, shutting down power to the system’s motors and stopping the fans from spinning. We recommend resetting your breaker to see if that restores your cooling.
You may also need to check your thermostat settings. Occasionally, the fan may not spin if you’ve set your thermostat incorrectly. It should be set to “ON” or “AUTO” and below the current room temperature.
Capacitor Failure
If you’re still asking, “Why is my AC unit fan not spinning?” after trying the above troubleshooting steps, you’re likely dealing with a blown capacitor. The capacitor powers the fan’s motor and the entire air conditioner. It can fail over time, requiring a professional replacement from a licensed technician.
A Contactor Switch Malfunction
The contactor switch controls the flow of electricity to the air conditioner, directly sending voltage to the fan’s motor when the unit cycles on. If this switch breaks down, the fan will not receive power from the capacitor, and it will not spin. Contactor malfunctions require expert repairs or replacements.
Fan Motor Burnout
Fan motors themselves can occasionally burn out from excessive use, which is common here in Arizona. Routine maintenance prevents the motor’s bearings from breaking down. If the motor burns out, it must be replaced entirely.
Dirty Filters
Many air conditioner problems arise from clogged filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow to the unit, causing ice to build up on refrigerant lines. This strains the unit’s fans and motors, which may cause them to break down.
Restore Your Home’s Cool Airflow by Calling Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling Today!
Whether you’re wondering why your AC unit fan isn’t spinning or dealing with an unusually loud AC, we can help. Schedule expert air conditioner repairs today by calling Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling at (520) 207-0334.