As we move into the warmer weather in Newcastle, the last thing you need is a faulty air conditioner. Here we’ll work through some reasons your air conditioning fan isn’t working. The problem might be simpler than you thought. And, if not, we’re here to help.
The Unit Has Overheated And Tripped The Circuit Breaker
When an air conditioning unit’s motor is running hot and the temperature outside is cold, it will trip the circuit breaker to avoid damaging the power outlets in your home. Check the fuse box located on the exterior of your home to see if the air conditioning switch has flicked itself off. If this has happened, you can flick the switch and enjoy the cool air once again. If this is a common problem, it might be time to call a professional.
Air conditioning units sometimes have a shutoff on the side of them as well. Check the outside unit to see if yours has one and whether it is switched on or off.
Thankfully, this is something you can usually fix yourself very quickly!
The Unit’s Capacitor Is Defective
A capacitor stores energy and powers the fan in a unit. If the capacitor is worn or weak, it will not produce enough power to effectively run the fan, causing the unit to stop working. If the issue is within this small component, you should not attempt to fix it yourself.
Putting off this problem could lead to further repair and more time your air conditioner is out of action. Contact an HVAC professional to replace the capacitor and the unit should run smoothly again.
The Unit’s Fan Motor Is Old Or Worn
Think of the fan motor as the driving force of the unit. When it is overworked without scheduled maintenance, it will burn out and stop working. If the unit is quite old, replacing it might be your best option. This will also save you further expenses as the unit continues to age.
However, if the unit is still fairly new, an HVAC professional might be able to fix the issue. Please do not attempt to fix it yourself.
The Air Conditioning Unit’s Air Filter Is Clogged
Just like other filtration units, an air conditioner recycles the air, and the filter catches the dust before clean air is pumped back out. Filters become clogged with dirt, dust, pollen and other air pollutants, so sometimes all it takes to get the unit running again is replacing the air filter.
A regular check of the air filter should be performed to avoid this issue. This is another fix you can do yourself unless you see evidence of ice around the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is a series of thin metal fins that are cooled within the system to allow for cold airflow. If you are unsure, always ask a professional!
The Air Conditioning Unit Has A Faulty Belt
Just like the belts in your car, an air conditioning belt can become frail, dry and chip away. This causes the fan to stop spinning. This is another common reason a unit’s fan stops working and is also another quick fix. While you can change the belt yourself, it’s best to contact an HVAC professional to replace it for you.
If you’re still having trouble with your air conditioning unit or wish to have a professional look at it, we at Breeze Air Conditioning specialise in installing and repairing air conditioners and offer fast breakdown repairs to reduce your downtime and save you money. Contact us today!
