How To Troubleshoot A Window Air Conditioner Fan
Posted on: 11 June 2018
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Every window air conditioner has a fan to pass air over the coils, which cools the air entering a room, but they get damaged. If your unit makes unusual noises, shuts off suddenly, or produces hot air but runs, you could have a fan problem. You may be able to troubleshoot and fix the fan problems yourself by following these steps.
Troubleshoot Fan Not Starting
Sometimes, the obvious solutions are overlooked when the unit won't start at all Cords can get accidentally disconnected, so make certain is pressed firmly into the wall.
Run a drop cord to another outlet, and test the air conditioner, and if it runs, the outlet could be faulty. Also, inspect cords for damage, and replace them.
Use a screwdriver to disconnect the main clerical service panel cover, and look for tripped breakers. An overheating part other than the fan can cause tripped breakers. A tripped breaker will be moved in the opposite direction of the other breakers or in the middle.
Another possible cause of the fan not running is overheating. Allow the unit to cool, and try to run it again. Inspect the control board, which signals the fan to turn and controls timers.
Fix Noisy or Blocked Fan Motor
If the unit makes too much noise, the fan could be blocked by debris, insulation, or other obstructions. In other cases, the blades can get bent or come loose, causing the noise.
Open the cabinet in front of the unit, and examine the blades for obstruction or damage. Wear rubber gloves, and clean debris around the fan blades with a vacuum and attachment or a small brush. If no debris is present, attempt to bend the blades back into place, or tighten the screw with a screwdriver.
Check for Damaged Belts and Motor Bearings
Determine if the fan belt is damaged or loosened, and replace damaged belts. To tighten the belt, shut off the power, look for the adjustment nut or screw, and rotate it to the right using the screwdriver or wrench, but don't make it to tight.
Bent fan blades usually mean you have damaged fan motor bearings. Attempt to move the blade shaft manually side to side, and replace bearings, if the shaft moves. Otherwise, oil the bearings, if the blades don't rotate freely, but not bent.
Sometimes, the motor is completely burned, and it needs to be replaced. Unplug the unit, unhook the wire harness from the motor, detach the hardware, and take it with you to get the correct replacement. Universal motors may save money, but the exact motor is the better investment. For more help, contact an air conditioning repair service.