Fan Not Working on Your Outdoor AC Unit? Key Reasons and How to Repair

As a Louisiana property owner, having a working air conditioning (AC) system during summer is more than a preference, it is a necessity. High heat and humidity can make even indoor spaces uncomfortable or unsafe if there is nothing to counteract them. But if any one critical component of your AC system—such as your outdoor AC fan—fails, the entire system may begin experiencing issues. 

In a split system AC, the outdoor fan serves to cool refrigerant and blow hot air away from the unit. If the outdoor AC fan is no longer functioning properly, the refrigerant retains the heat it has collected, and your indoor AC cannot properly cool the air. Thankfully for those experiencing this issue, Optimum Air Solutions is here to help. With over 20 years of experience servicing and replacing AC units of all makes and models, we can bring cool air and a comfortable climate back to your property in no time. 

What Is an Outdoor AC Fan?

In a split-system AC, there are two primary components: the indoor unit(s) and the outdoor unit. When functioning properly, they work together to draw hot air and humidity from the interior portion of your property and expel it outdoors. And while all of their components are necessary, two of the most important are their fans. The indoor AC fan serves to blow air over the cooled, liquid refrigerant, sending the now-chilled air into your property to lower the internal temperature. During this process, hot air is drawn into the unit and absorbed into the refrigerant. This component, now in a gaseous state, is then circulated into your outdoor unit, where the compressor pressurizes the gas. This increases the temperature, making it easier for the refrigerant to release trapped heat once it enters the condenser. Here, a fan blows air over the condenser coils, helping to cool the refrigerant and return it to its liquid state. 

The fan in your outdoor unit is powered by a motor which is, in turn, powered by capacitors, or small devices which store and send out electricity. When the cooling cycle begins, the start capacitor sends a jolt to the motor, which helps to jumpstart your unit. Following this, the run capacitor sends a small but steady stream of energy to the unit until the cooling cycle ends. 

Key Reasons for Outdoor AC Fan Breakdowns

As with many appliances, there are a wide range of potential reasons for your outdoor AC fan to stop functioning as intended. Some common causes include:

1. Electrical problems

Even if the rest of your AC unit is functioning properly, disruptions or a complete halt in the flow of electricity can lead to a shutdown. Resolving this issue may be as simple as flipping your breaker switch back on, or as technical as dealing with blown fuses or frayed or loose wires. If the breaker trips again shortly after flipping it, call a professional to diagnose and resolve the problem as soon as possible. 

2. Issues with your motor, capacitor or contactor

Over time, motors and capacitors can wear out or become damaged, negatively impacting their performance or causing them to stop functioning entirely. If your fan won’t start, or if you notice signs of potential issues such as a low humming noise or a slow start time, one of these components may be at fault. The problem could also be with your AC’s contactor, or a device which controls the flow of electricity to parts including your compressor, condenser and motor. If the contactor burns out, the electrical flow to these components is cut off, preventing them from functioning. 

3. Compromised fan blades

While the electrical components of your AC unit power the fan, it is the fan itself which serves to cool down the refrigerant and expel hot air from the unit. Over time, fan blades can sustain damage, becoming bent, cracked or broken. They may even begin to loosen from the motor shaft, impeding the fan’s ability to function properly. Causes of fan blade issues may include impact damage, corrosion and a buildup of debris on the blades and/or inside the unit.

4. Cracked or broken fan belt

While fan belts aren’t common on modern AC systems, most older units are equipped with one. Over time, these belts can loosen, tear, break or slip off entirely, preventing the fan from functioning even if the rest of your unit is working as intended. Thankfully, this is usually an easy fix—a technician just needs to replace the belt. 

5. Malfunctioning thermostat

Your thermostat is in charge of reading the indoor temperature and signaling your AC to turn on as needed. If your thermostat is damaged or improperly calibrated, however, it may fail to send that signal, preventing your AC from activating. However, simply assuming that your thermostat is broken may lead to a much larger bill than necessary should you call a technician to come repair it. First, check to make sure that your thermostat has power, is turned on and is set to cool instead of heat. 

How to Repair Your Outdoor AC Fan

Once you’ve determined that your outdoor AC fan is no longer functioning properly, how can you or your technician go about solving the problem? Some solutions are easy: try flipping the circuit breaker, replacing your thermostat batteries or air filter, and removing any obvious and easily accessed obstructions from your outdoor unit. Additionally, if the compressor seems to be working but the fan isn’t moving, you can try kick-starting it by giving it a good spin with a long stick. If it turns on, it’s usually a clear indication that the capacitor is at fault. 

Most issues, however, need to be handled by a professional. While they may be able to repair some existing parts, others may be too damaged to fix. In either case, leaving these tasks to technicians helps to not only ensure the longevity of your unit, but also to keep you safe and lower costs by making sure the repair is done right the first time.

Keep Your Cooling System Functioning Year-Round with Optimum Air Solutions

If your AC system suddenly stops working, or if your unit begins blowing warm air into your property, the outdoor AC fan may be at fault. The functionality of this fan depends on a system of interconnected parts which, if damaged, may cause the fan to stop working. And while the problem may be as small and easily resolved as a tripped breaker or a piece of debris, it may also call for wiring replacements or a new motor. 

As such, it is important to call in a professional to diagnose and resolve the issue in order to ensure all problems are dealt with as soon as possible. And for property owners in New Orleans and Belle Chasse, Optimum Air Solutions is the perfect choice. With over 20 years of experience troubleshooting outdoor AC fan issues and resolving cooling system concerns, our process is prompt, efficient and cost-effective. So if you are in need of repairs for your outdoor AC unit, just give us a call or send us a message to schedule an appointment today.