Has your condenser fan stopped spinning? Consisting of a motorized fan with blades, it’s designed to release heat from the refrigerant in an air conditioning system. The condenser fan will blow air over the condenser coil while subsequently cooling the contained refrigerant. If it’s not spinning, though, it won’t be able to perform this task.
#1) Debris Buildup
If there’s debris around your condenser fan, it may not spin. The condenser fan is part of your air conditioning system’s condenser unit, which is located outdoors. Over time, dirt and leaves may accumulate around your condenser fan where it forms an obstruction.
#2) The Belt Bas Slipped or Broken
A slipped or broken belt may prevent your condenser fan from spinning. Many condenser fans – especially older models – feature a belt. The belt connects the motor to the condenser fan itself. The motor will turn the belt, which forces the condenser fan to spin. If your condenser fan has a slipped or broken belt, it may fail to spin.
#3) Blown Capacitor
Another possible reason your condenser fan isn’t spinning is a blown capacitor. Capacitors are small and simple electrical devices that are designed to store electricity. A capacitor will provide your condenser fan with the initial electricity it needs to turn on. After turning on, your condenser fan will then draw power from your home.
#4) Blown Motor
A blown motor will prevent your condenser fan from spinning. While there are different types of condenser fans, they all require the use of a motor. The motor is responsible for turning and spinning the condenser fan. Motors, of course, can fail. Maybe it has an oil leak, or perhaps the bearings in the motor have worn out. With a blown motor, your condenser fan won’t spin.
#5) Ice Buildup
The presence of ice on your air conditioning system’s coils can cause issues with the condenser fan. Being that air conditioning systems are designed to produce cool air, many homeowners assume that ice is normal. Whether it’s on your condenser coil, evaporator coil or both coils, though, ice isn’t normal. Rather, it’s a sign of an underlying. And if you don’t fix the problem that caused the ice, it may prevent your condenser fan from spinning.
Ice on any of the coils will force your air conditioning system to work harder. The increased strain on the condenser fan may then force it to shut off. The condenser fan may shut off automatically, in which case it won’t spin.
