The condenser fan motor plays a vital role in how well your HVAC system works, and is located within the condensing unit. Its purpose is to transfer heat from the refrigerant system into outdoor air, which keeps the compressor from over-heating. If it overheats, it could lead to an expensive repair or even a system replacement.
Possible Issues
- Condenser fan blades not turning. This could be due to several different issues and not necessarily a problem with the motor itself. For example, the fan blades not turning could be caused by an electrical issue. However, if the motor has locked, it will need to be replaced.
- Condenser fan makes a noise. A clicking or clanking sound may be due to an obstruction in the path of the fan blades. Also, with normal wear over time, condenser fans can become warped due to several reasons, one being worn bearings.
- Condenser fan is operating slower than it should. This often indicates that your equipment’s voltage is lower than it should be, or that there are problems with the A/C’s circuit board.
- Condenser fan blades may be loose. If this is the case, the problem may be as minor as a few screws needing to be tightened, or more major such as a motor issue. Loose blades can easily become bent or broken, causing damage to the rest of your system.
- Condenser fan is struggling to start or the condenser fan is short cycling. If the fan motor has difficulty starting, this is often a sign that it’s getting older and leading to failure. Short cycling may be due to your system being too large for your home, or it could indicate pressure issues in the condenser. Either way, short cycling can seriously damage your system and shorten the overall life span.
Preventing Condenser Fan Motor Issues
Even though some equipment failures can’t be avoided due to age and other factors, planned maintenance can keep your system running at peak performane for much longer than a system that does not reeive scheduled tune ups. If any underlying issues are discovered during the tune up, they can be addressed immediately, before they turn into more serious problems.
For service repairs, planned maintenance, or new HVAC installation, contact the experts at Jackson and Sons.
