Fans are an integral part of an air conditioner. The fans keep the circulation of air flowing, where the warm air is exchanged for cooler air. As such, the fan motor is one of the hardest working components of the entire system. But how long do these motors last before they need to be replaced?
The fan motors inside an air conditioner typically last up to 12 years, sometimes even more if you maintain it properly. Conversely, the motors will survive for a significantly shorter period without proper maintenance. The production quality of the motor can also impact its durability.
Since the fan motor is such a vital part, it is important to know how this component works, how it deteriorates over time, and how to take care of them properly. And in this article, we will go over all of that and more.
How Does the Fan Motor in an AC Work?
Your air conditioner does not magically generate cool air for your comfort. Rather it takes the heat from the air in your surroundings, be it a car or house, and releases the cool air back.
The role of the fans, in this case, is to provide a circulation of air. It draws in the warmer air and, after it cools down, returns it to the environment. So, the motor is continuously working inside the air conditioner, even when you set it on fan mode.
Why Does AC Fan Motors Fail?
When the motor fails to function properly, the fans cannot circulate the air. And if the AC cannot take in any air, it cannot generate a cooler climate.
There are multiple reasons as to why the fan motor can malfunction. And knowing them will help you be better prepared to take care of them. So, here are some of the more common causes for the failure of a fan motor inside an AC:
Jammed Air Filter
One of the more common causes of a motor malfunction is the air filter not ventilating properly. This happens when the filter becomes jammed or clogged with dust particles or pet hairs.
Whatever the reason may be, if the filter does not allow for proper airflow, then your motor will not be working properly.
Tripped Breaker
Power overload is fairly common in most residential areas. This can cause the circuit breaker to overwork itself and break or trip.
Check your circuit breaker panel to see if it is running smoothly or not. Switch it off and turn it back on and then try running your AC. If the AC is still not running, you can suspect a bigger issue in the circuit.
Obstructions in the Motor Blades
If the motor blades are jammed, it can also cause the motor not to work properly. Again, the obstruction can be caused by debris or dust, and sometimes dead insects.
Capacitor Failure
The capacitor is a crucial part of the motor. A telltale sign that the capacitor has failed is that you may hear a humming sound when you turn on the AC. A failed capacitor can also lead to a slow and weak air conditioner.
The capacitor is an intricate component of the whole system. So, it is best to call in a professional to fix any problems related to it.
How to Tell Your AC Fan Motor Has a Problem
A faulty AC motor can be the source of major headaches, particularly during the summer seasons. But if you notice the problem quickly, you may be able to fix it before it does any further damage. Fortunately, some clear signs indicate when the fan motor is not running properly.
The Fans Are Not Rotating
You turn on the AC but the fans just will not spin, regardless of how much you turn up the power. This can be a clear indicator of a failing motor. If this does happen, turn off the AC immediately and call in a professional. Otherwise, it may lead to more serious damage if you continue to run the AC in this situation.
The Fans Will Not Stop Even
This is the exact opposite of the first point but it can also occur. The fans continue to spin even after you turned off the power to the AC.
This can be due to a malfunctioning thermostat or relate switch. Your motor does not receive the correct signal to turn on or off, so it continues to spin.
The Fans Are Moving but Very Slowly
You might notice that you have the AC on at full power, yet the fans are moving at a snail’s pace. When this happens, you do not get sufficient cooling. If the problem is not with the power setting, it could be due to the motor.
The Fans Spin Intermittently
Here, the fans will rotate for a while and then stop. After some downtime, the fans will start rotating once again.
How to Make AC Fans Lasts Longer
The best way to ensure your AC fan motor lasts for a long time is by taking proper care of it. So, here are a few tips on maintaining an air conditioner:
- Clean the condenser by vacuuming all the debris.
- Gently straighten out the fins on the condenser.
- Detach the filter and clean it thoroughly.
- Clean the actual fans of any dust or debris.
- If necessary, apply lubricant to the motor to help it run smoothly. But do not use too much or else it may end up clogging the motor.
Changing your furnace filter regularly is also very good for your air conditioning unit as well. I like to change mine every 3 months and I order all mine from Amazon.
Check out the best home ac filters on Amazon here.
To ensure a long-lasting motor, you should do a thorough maintenance check at least once a year. Always make sure to turn the power off when you do so. If you find any serious problem with the motor, you should bring in professional help instead of doing it on your own.
Fan motors are a vital part of the AC and as such need plenty of attention and care. A well-maintained motor will go a long way in making your AC perform as smoothly as it can.
