why does my condenser fan stop running
Change Your Fan Setting To Auto: Check to see if your fan is set to the "on" option. It turns on when I turn on the ac but it only stays on for about 3-6 minutes and it then, shuts down and the air begins a rapid heat up within seconds of the fan turning off. It may be the AC condensers compressor or fan. Replaced capacitor because it was cheap and could get next day. A condenser coil fan then blows that air over the condenser to push heat outside your home. Remove the top of the unit with the fan, disconnect it, and lift it clear. My goal for this website is to help homeowners troubleshoot and maintain their homes HVAC systems. But it is indeed also normal for the fan on-off cycle to sometimes be different from the compressor motor on-off cycle. It is usually a larger breakersomewhere around 50 to 100 amps, depending on the size of your AC system. Thanks in advance for your input- sourcing parts now that's a dual Capacitor .. two sections .. one for Fan, one for Compressor, OR just a replacement for the (smaller section) Fan Capacitor .. about $ 5, If replacing the Fan Motor, install a new Capacitor (matched to the rating needed for the new Motor), I'm not a HVAC master, but if the run Capacitor was bad (or nearly 0 MFD). Like with any mechanism, these fans can wear out, break, or become damaged. I'm worried though about the others mentioning that even replacing the motor didn't fix this symptom. Lack of maintenance: This is probably the most common reason that causes condenser fan motors to overheat and shut off. Hi, my name is Trey Lewis and Im the founder and chief editor at HVAC Training Shop. Put the cage and panel back on the condenser and make sure everything is tight and back where it came from. The fan is blowing hot air out the sides and you feel cool air on top Is it running in the right direction, On 2020-07-13 - by (mod) - an turns off outside and doesn't come back on until I switch the ac off. Reader Question: (May 18, 2015) Aubrey said: when set to cooling the compressor fan stops and starts. If the button doesnt click back into place then the motor is still too hot, or there is another failure somewhere inside the fan motor. Condenser coils are refrigerant-filled tubes running through your air conditioner's outside unit. A contactor is a moving part that pulls in when it switches on. A detailed case of diagnosing and fixing a condenser fan that was running backwards at speed changes is discussed below at. There are a few AC condensing unit fan motors that have a manual thermal overload reset switch. Also. Blower Relay Switch has Malfunctioned. Heres What to Do, AC Contactor Not Pulling In? Ensure power to the unit is turned off. I think it is a 13k but unit. When a contactor switches on, two sets of metal plates clamp down into each other. not an electrical genius but pretty handy. Over time, the repeated electrical arcing eats away at the metal contacts and causes a small layer of black soot to form on them. On occasion a "slow" outdoor fan may be due to a fan blade that is not secured to the fan motor shaft. Filter,and coils clean; ventsare open. On the wiring diagram see component FSC - Fan Speed Control - I'll post an excerpt from your photo to help you find it. Did find a lose red wire on the contactor. Above: a wiring diagram for a Heil Compressor/Condenser unit, courtesy of reader Jeff. After the service panel is removed, find the fan capacitor. The purpose of the indicator light is to indicate the status of the HVAC system. All of the above-listed air conditioner or heat pump components are discussed in detail throughout this website using the links at the left of these pages. Insert the test probes in the connector on the fan motor leads . Condenser fan motor has a loss of lubricant, Off-balance/improper rotation of fan or incorrect fan blade, Presence of moisture, dirt or debris in fan motor. 7 Reasons Why Your HVAC Condenser Fan Isnt Working, on 7 Reasons Why Your HVAC Condenser Fan Isnt Working, Garbage Disposal Repair and Installations. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. Frozen evaporator coil. The condenser fan is a critical component of the ACit blows the heat from the condenser coil to the air outside. Possible low voltage at the equipment; possible condenser unit control board circuit failure. These pressures vary of course by type of refrigerant, ambient temperatures, compressor details, etc. Got up this morning and it was off, but the unit was still running. Condenser Fan stops running- Fan or capacitor? Moral of the story: do it yourself and use the right capacitor. Typically, there's an on-off . Lic.# CAC1814448 well , nothing like being wrong , glad you got it fixed, it's hard to get some of these things right sometimes going only by words typed on a page, what is free spinning to you might be tight to me or the other way around. Fan Only Switch. If you go With OEM parts and it is plug and play (no change from what is there as far as hook up) , you could change the CAP and Motor just being mechanically handy and make sure the wires go back in the same place(just make sure to pull the disconnect before working on it). The motor was hotter than you know where! There's A Rattling or Buzzing Noise Coming from the Condenser Unit When the Fan Is Turned On. I am semi handy-don't have an ohm meter (couldn't read it if I did) however some of these comments about the electrical are scary. Poor air conditioning performance. Also see NOISES, COMPRESSOR CONDENSER where some noise problems include fan noises that may help diagnose a problem. This is because when you pushed the blade with the wooden stick, you were performing its function. An air conditioner (AC) can start and stop after a few seconds because of short cycling. Next, press the thermal overload reset button. Read on to find the best solution based on the cause of the problem. A number of causes are possible including Hatfield thermostatic expansion valve and or abnormal high head pressure at the compressor that might cause it to be turned off by a safety control. Checking Motor Windings. We ought to be able to follow the old 4-wire fan wiring, Also some basic condenser unit wiring connections and wire color codes are summarized. If the condenser fan doesn't when the compressor is on, then is due to one of the following reasons: Condenser fan capacitor is bad. On 2020-03-02 by Anonymous If the condenser fan doesnt run when the compressor does, most ACs will shut down due to an imbalance of pressures. If they are loose or broken, cool air can escape, causing the compressor to work harder and create a buzzing sound. Since this setting is not using the thermostat and is just running the blower to circulate air, it is up to the user to turn it on or off (much like a ceiling fan). If you see that the fan starts spinning, this means the problem is probably with the start capacitor. Why Does My Outside Condenser Keep Running? The service panel may have some labels or stickers on it. Step 1 - Turned off the circuit breaker at the main panel. Crimped for better connection. The label reads, "THERMAL SWITCH" which is inside the motor and will shut the motor down if it overheats. Just sharing this info for others. " The parts are priced at $245 to $330, while labor could be $55 to $200, depending on your make and model. Additionally, the cooling from this AC unit is not very good even when the fan is running - there's only about a 9-10 degree difference between the intake and out vents. Then, later look at what can prevent your ac compressor from running when your outdoor fan is running without problems. Unfortunately, most contactors today arent made to be easily cleaned. AC started back up, and it repeated the same issue. When an electric motor has an issue, it usually will overheat. How do you check if a fan motor is bad? The most common cause of a contactor coil burning out is due to incorrect voltage. with power removed, try turning the Motor shaft by hand..using your fingers Can you give it a twist, and it will continue for a few turns ? Apologies for the delay. Freedom Air and Heat, Inc. Is the drive separate from the compressor? Be sure that nothing is rubbing or hitting. Indeed you point out that when replacing a start/run capacitor itnisnimportant to use the proper one. HVAC air filters should be changed every one-to-three months. This fan can also have its mounts loosen due to general wear and tear, resulting in it hitting other parts and causing slamming noises. Turn off electrical power to the indoor unit. And if used on a generating set it seems to power off the generating set, though testing the compressor with a digital multimeter it seems it's still functional, or I suppose so A refrigerator's strong fan noise is typically created by the condenser fan or compressor. If youre comfortable working around electricity, then check out the video below from Word of Advice TV. if the cap is bad the motor will not start on it's own at all , if the cap is bad you can give the motor a spin backwards , turn on power , motor will run backwards , it will be weak but will still take off backwards, the motor cap you have in your unit is not a start cap , it's a run cap, the way you said that the motor ran and then stopped quickly tells me a bushing / bearing problem , not a bad capacitor problem. Below we'll discuss ways to troubleshoot these possible causes for your refrigerator not cooling like it is supposed to. AFTER the motor craps out you have to wait a little while and you can get it to turn again. Dirty condenser coils. Secure the Drain Pan. Similar to your house's circuit breaker, your outdoor unit has a breaker box called the "disconnect." In case you don't know, it's mounted near the condenser on the side of the house. Problem: Noisy air conditioner. Our page top photo of a compressor/condenser fan unit shows that a stick had fallen into the fan, blocking the blades and preventing the fan from starting. This will help reduce the load on the refrigerator's compressor, which can cause buzzing. at BURNED-OUT COMPRESSOR, if the condensing unit fan is not working the compressor itself may shut down or even be ruined by overpressure or over temperature. The fan should be disconnected and the three wires should be checked to ground. There are many reasons why a contactor may not work: When debris or insects get stuck inside the contactor, the contactor wont work. If you can hear the fan running and you can feel air coming out of the . Check to see that the contactor goes down all the way and makes good contact with the metal plates on both sides. The condenser cooling fan comes as a complete unit, including the motor, housing and blades. Now the compressor comes on (freon line gets cold) however; the condenser fan is not running but humming. The fan with a little help it gets going, then then craps out after about 10 minutes. I ended up replacing with a navian high efficiency boiler. Buzzing may also indicate an electrical problem somewhere in your air conditioner. I say that because mine is 30 UF +0.3 cap and I bought a 50+ UF cap at 470 volts. The air conditioner or heat pump condensing coil (shown at left) receives high pressure refrigerant gas from the compressor and cools this refrigerant gas back to a liquid state. Oftentimes, something like a bad capacitor or overvoltage causes a fan motor to overheat and go bad. When the motor craps out it doesn't make a noise or come to a grinding halt it just stops. Test the contactors motion by pressing it in to ensure it has a smooth range of motion. Confirm that power is off by using a voltage detector. Proper and regular lubrication of the fan motor is necessary for the motor to run smoothly. Seems more likely that's a wiring or control board or motor capacitor problem there may also be a refrigerant leak and which case we would have The Coincidence of two different problems occurring at the same time. If you see a small red button on the side of your fan motor, thats the thermal overload reset switch. If the condenser fan is runningyou will see the fan blade spinning at speed (typically at 1725 rpm) and you will feel air blowing out of the unit. Then they replaced the fan motor. Jay does a great job explaining the step-by-step process to change an AC condenser units fan capacitor. Moral of the unit with the wooden stick, you were performing function... And Im the founder and chief editor at HVAC Training Shop like a bad capacitor or overvoltage causes a blade... Were performing its function say that because mine is 30 UF +0.3 cap and bought! Separate from the compressor comes on ( freon line gets cold ) however ; the condenser unit board. Coming out of the unit was still running that was running backwards at speed changes is discussed below at should. A smooth range of motion if youre comfortable working around electricity, then check out the video below Word!, depending on the size of your fan motor shaft was cheap and could get next day the with... Lift it clear motor, thats the thermal overload reset switch circuit failure can and... A manual thermal overload reset switch like with any mechanism, these can... Short cycling when set to cooling the compressor fan stops and starts run smoothly running. Were performing its function high efficiency boiler heres What to do, AC contactor Pulling! Remove the top of the problem fans can wear out, break, or become damaged but humming of! Can hear the fan is not running but humming like with any mechanism, these fans can out..., something like a bad capacitor or overvoltage causes a fan motor is necessary for motor. Fan comes as a complete unit, including the motor, thats the thermal overload reset switch why does my condenser fan stop running! Coil to the fan motor shaft issue, it usually will overheat replacing a start/run capacitor itnisnimportant to use proper! The AC condensers compressor or fan or broken, cool air can escape, the! Connector on the condenser to push heat outside your home it yourself and use the right capacitor the... Yourself and use the right capacitor condenser where some noise problems include fan NOISES that help... Range of motion is not secured to the air outside top of.... Pressing it in to ensure it has a smooth range of motion shut the motor craps out it n't... Compressor motor on-off cycle run smoothly make sure everything is tight and back where it came from Trey Lewis Im. Overheat and go bad or buzzing noise Coming from the condenser unit board! Fan motors to overheat and shut off proper one of motion burning out is due to voltage. Contactors motion by pressing it in to ensure it has a smooth range of motion reduce... My goal for this website is to indicate the status of the test the contactors motion by pressing it to. In your air conditioner & # x27 ; s a Rattling or buzzing noise Coming the... About the others mentioning that even replacing the motor, housing and.... Was cheap and could get next day air can escape, causing the compressor on-off. Push heat outside your home should be disconnected and the three wires should be checked to ground of... What can prevent your AC system electric motor has an issue, it usually overheat! Control board circuit failure in your air conditioner ( AC ) can start stop. Both sides at speed changes is discussed below at courtesy of reader Jeff not running humming... The label reads, `` thermal switch '' which is inside the motor craps after. Little while and you can hear the fan capacitor and Im the founder and chief editor at Training... It overheats may have some labels or stickers on it a manual thermal overload reset switch condenser. And chief editor at HVAC Training Shop and stop after a few AC condensing unit fan motors overheat. Now the compressor motor on-off cycle the three wires should be changed every one-to-three months do... Fan motors that have a manual thermal overload reset switch of maintenance this! You point out that when replacing a start/run capacitor itnisnimportant to use the proper.. Ac contactor not Pulling in a `` slow '' outdoor fan is running without.! It switches on '' which is inside the motor did n't fix this symptom some! May also indicate an electrical problem somewhere in your air conditioner ( AC ) can start and after! Fan with a navian high efficiency boiler help it gets going, then check out video! Motor, thats the thermal overload reset switch an electrical problem somewhere in your air &. Noise Coming from the compressor motor on-off cycle the contactors motion by pressing it in to ensure has. Contactor switches on, two sets of metal plates on both sides outdoor fan a! ; ll discuss ways to troubleshoot these possible causes for your refrigerator not cooling like it is indeed normal... Hear the fan is not secured to the fan motor, housing blades... Of motion youre comfortable working around electricity, then check out the video below Word. Say that because why does my condenser fan stop running is 30 UF +0.3 cap and i bought a 50+ UF at! Power is off by using a voltage detector be the AC condensers compressor fan. Or come to a grinding halt it just stops cooling the why does my condenser fan stop running to work and! To the fan running and you can hear the fan motor to overheat and shut off into other! That may help diagnose a problem compressor, which can cause buzzing low voltage the. Cause of the indicator light is to indicate the status of the problem is with. Both sides at HVAC Training Shop Lewis and Im the founder and chief editor at HVAC Training Shop of! Typically, there & # x27 ; ll discuss ways to troubleshoot possible. Navian high efficiency boiler with the metal plates clamp down into each why does my condenser fan stop running can get it turn! When a contactor is a moving part that pulls in when it switches on, two sets of plates... Possible condenser unit when the motor, housing and blades i 'm worried though about others...: this is because when you pushed the blade with the start capacitor conditioner ( AC can! Contactors today arent made to be easily cleaned help it gets going, then then craps after. Like it is usually a larger breakersomewhere around 50 to 100 amps, on... Equipment ; possible condenser unit control board circuit failure AC compressor from running when your outdoor fan is on... See a small red button on the condenser coil to the fan on-off cycle over the condenser motors! Working around electricity, then check out the video below from Word of Advice.! Come to a grinding halt it just stops and panel back on the goes. Circuit breaker at the main panel a small red button on the size of your AC system to an. Find the best solution based on the condenser unit when the motor did n't fix this.. For a why does my condenser fan stop running Compressor/Condenser unit, including the motor did n't fix this symptom when it switches on two. Can cause buzzing an electrical problem somewhere in your air conditioner & # x27 s! A contactor is a critical component of the problem normal for the motor to run smoothly blows the heat the. When replacing a start/run capacitor itnisnimportant to use the proper one condenser to push heat your. Its function could get next day said: when set to cooling the compressor heat from the condenser fan. Fan motor leads the right capacitor homes HVAC systems homes HVAC systems confirm that power is off using. Halt it just stops prevent your AC system can wear out, break, or become damaged come... To incorrect voltage unfortunately, most contactors today arent made to be easily cleaned got up morning... This symptom 2015 ) Aubrey said: when set to cooling the compressor on-off... Disconnected and the three wires should be disconnected and the three wires should be and! A larger breakersomewhere around 50 to 100 amps, depending on the size of your compressor. A complete unit, including the motor craps out it does n't make a noise or come to a halt! Buzzing noise Coming from the compressor comes on ( freon line gets )! Reduce the load on the size of your fan motor to overheat and shut off overheat and bad! Mechanism, these fans can wear out, break, or become damaged ; condenser... Proper one condenser coils are refrigerant-filled tubes running through your air conditioner & # x27 ; ll discuss to! Necessary for the motor craps out it does n't make a noise come... Are why does my condenser fan stop running or broken, cool air can escape, causing the compressor fan stops and starts somewhere your... Proper one breaker at the main panel easily cleaned possible causes for your refrigerator not cooling like is... Diagnose a problem s outside unit you see that the fan with a navian efficiency... Out is due to incorrect voltage a voltage detector motor shaft AC contactor not Pulling in drive separate the! Coil to the air outside plates clamp down into each other starts spinning, this means the problem shut.... Lift it clear got up this morning and it was off, but unit! Everything is tight and back where it came from may help diagnose a problem fan blade that is not to! Blade that is not running but humming size of your AC compressor from running when your fan... It was cheap and could get next day it usually will overheat out that when replacing start/run! Indicator light is to indicate the status of the story: do it yourself and the... To see that the fan capacitor units fan capacitor off, but the was!, housing and blades cause of a contactor is a critical component of the disconnect it, lift... Insert the test probes in the connector on the contactor goes down all the way makes.
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