Several factors can cause a central air system to randomly stop working, including a tripped circuit breaker, a malfunctioning thermostat, a clogged air filter, or issues with the compressor or capacitor. If your central air system has stopped working unexpectedly, it's recommended to check for these common issues or consult with a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and address the specific problem.
Central air conditioning units often have a reset button on the outside unit, typically near the compressor. If your system is not working correctly, pressing the reset button may resolve certain issues, such as tripped safety features or minor malfunctions. However, it's crucial to understand that resetting is a temporary solution, and persistent problems may require professional inspection to identify and address the underlying issues. Always refer to your unit's manual or consult with a qualified HVAC technician for guidance
First, make sure the thermostat is set to the desired temperature by checking the settings if your central air conditioning unit stops operating. Look for tripped switches on the circuit breaker and reset it if needed. Make sure the air filter is clean; if not, replace it. Check for obstructions or debris inside the outdoor unit. It's best to get in touch with a qualified HVAC technician for a comprehensive examination and repairs if these fixes don't work, as there may be underlying mechanical or electrical problems that need to be professionally fixed.
How To Remedy Issues In Your Central Air Conditioning
In the desert climate of the Coachella Valley, cooling season is most of the year. That means your central air conditioning system is vital to your home comfort. If it isn’t working correctly, your house can become dangerously hot quite quickly, and you’ll need to troubleshoot the problem.
Your central air conditioner has two fans: one located inside which blows cool air into your home, and one located outside which blows over condenser coils in order to release heat from your home’s air. If there are problems with either of these fans, your air conditioner will not be able to cool your home properly. Let’s look at some likely reasons for a malfunctioning central air conditioner fan, and what you can do to resolve the problem!
5 Common Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Fan Is Not Working
- Capacitor problems. A capacitor stores up energy that provides power to your air conditioner’s fans. However, your capacitor can go bad for various reasons and stop working properly, which will force one of your system’s fans to stop spinning. Often a bad capacitor will need to be replaced by a professional.
- Contactor problems. An air conditioner contactor is an electrical switch that controls the compressor and condenser fan motor. It is common for the contactor to go bad over time, which restricts the outside fan from working properly. This is another part that must be repaired by a professional HVAC contractor.
- Burnt out motor. Fan motors go through a lot of wear and tear, and can burn out when they undergo too much stress. This is especially true for air conditioners that are not properly maintained. A bad fan motor is a serious issue that will either require professional repairs or a system replacement, depending on the age and condition of your system.
- Loose or broken belt. In older systems with belt-powered fans, the belt can become loose or break and cause the fan to stop spinning properly. This can be repaired, but it’s often a good sign that it’s time for a new air conditioner.
- Unit not receiving power. Some air conditioner fan problems might be a power issue, rather than anything to do with the fan’s assembly. Various parts of your air conditioner can overheat and trip your circuit breaker, forcing your air conditioner to shut down. If this is the case, you can flip the switch at your circuit breaker back on. However; repeated power issues should be looked at by a professional.
Your outside AC fan may not be working because:
- The motor is broken. Fan motors are subjected to a lot of use and they might burn out if they are overworked. This is especially true for air conditioners that have been neglected. Depending on the age and state of your system, a malfunctioning fan motor is a major problem that will necessitate repair or replacement.
- The air filter is clogged. The air filter plays a crucial role in maintaining the airflow and preventing debris from entering the system. When the filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust, and other particles, it can restrict the airflow and put extra strain on the fan motor.
- The capacitor is broken. A capacitor stores energy that provides power to your air conditioner’s fans. However, your capacitor can go bad for various reasons and stop working properly, which will force one of your system’s fans to stop spinning.
- A bad contactor. The compressor and condenser fan motor are controlled by an air conditioner contactor, which is an electrical switch. It's not uncommon for the contactor to fail over time, keeping the outside fan from functioning correctly.
If you suspect there is something wrong with your AC fan, but you lack the correct HVAC knowledge, you should have an experienced HVAC technician inspect and repair it for you.
A few ways you can tell if your AC fan motor is bad include:
- Your AC fan continues to run after your AC is off.
- Your AC fan doesn’t turn on at all.
- There are rattling noises coming from your condenser.
If an air conditioner condenser fan isn’t working, it will prevent your air conditioner from cooling your home.
If you continue to try to run your air conditioner with a broken condenser fan, it can damage your air conditioning system and lead to more repair needs. If your air conditioning system’s condenser fan is broken, you should have it repaired immediately.
If you notice any of these issues, you should turn your AC off and have it inspected by an HVAC technician right away. To get your AC fan motor repaired, contact us today.
