Why Is My AC Fan Not Working?

When you turn on the AC unit but the fan doesn't start running, or it won't turn off and runs all the time, there's something wrong with your AC fan. If your AC fan isn't working, you won't get much cooling from your unit because it's responsible for circulating the cooled air through your home.

A malfunctioning fan has no significant impact on temperature, which can be critical, particularly in a place like Arizona. With heat waves that bring temperatures exceeding 110 degrees in the summer, having access to reliable cooling is essential. In this blog, we explore factors that might affect your AC blower, including:

If your unit experiences frequent issues and the cost of repairs is mounting, it might be time to consider installing a new unit. Repairing an AC fan is often relatively inexpensive, so if that's the only problem, fixing it is likely the best course of action.

There are several reasons why your AC fan might stop working. You can resolve some common issues without professional assistance, but others require a call-out. Keep reading to learn how to approach various causes of fan failure.

The first thing you should always check when you notice an issue with your AC fan is whether a circuit has tripped or there's a power interruption. If this is the concern, fixing it is usually as simple as resetting the circuit.

A loose connection or bad wiring between the fan and other parts of the AC system can cause trouble. If there's faulty wiring, it may experience frequent breaker trips or fail to turn on at all. If the issue is a wiring fault, you'll probably need help from an HVAC pro or licensed electrician.

The motor that turns your fan blades can wear out over time. If your unit won't come on at all, and your electric connections are in good shape, the motor might be the culprit. Replacing the motor for your AC fan is generally a relatively inexpensive repair.

Your AC fan may turn off automatically if the unit starts to overheat. This can be a real risk in Arizona since your AC is likely to run nonstop for months at a time. Heavy use and high outdoor temperatures can make your unit overwork and overheat.

If your compressor is humming differently than usual, it might be time to replace your fan capacitor. While capacitors are fairly sturdy and long-lasting, they wear out eventually. Fortunately, they're inexpensive parts, and the repair will likely cost less than $400, depending on your make and model. It may even be less than $200.

If your fan isn't turning on, the thermostat is another possible source of trouble. Your thermostat tells the air conditioner when and how hard to run. If it's broken or improperly set, your unit may not respond properly. Check your thermostat's settings before looking at other possible problems.

Check the simplest repair options if your AC fan isn't working. Start by ensuring the unit has power and check your thermostat. Then, look at the outdoor unit and clear away any dirt or debris slowing the fan blades. Be sure to check the air filters, too. A dirty filter can make the AC fan work harder, making it more likely to overheat.

Whenever your AC unit encounters an issue that standard troubleshooting doesn't resolve, it's advisable to contact a professional HVAC technician. If you need to open up the unit for repairs, you risk voiding your warranty or exacerbating a minor concern.