When an AC Fan is Not Spinning

Troubleshooting a Broken Air Conditioning Unit Fan

Keeping cool during a Kansas summer requires a working AC. Unfortunately, a lot of problems can happen with residential air conditioning units, especially if they’re old or damaged. One common issue that happens is when an AC unit fan is not spinning.

The Kansas AC repair experts at Hanna Heating & Air Conditioning regularly handle air conditioning issues, including the AC fan. Our highly trained HVAC technicians know what issues to look for to fully fix whatever is causing an AC fan to not work properly.

It may not be immediately obvious to the homeowner that their AC fan is broken. Often the AC unit will appear to be running, but the fan inside the unit is not spinning. Therefore, that causes the air being blown in your home to not be cool.

There are several potential reasons for an AC fan to not spin. Some of them can be resolved without the need for professional repair. In this article, we will go over some common causes and possible solutions for an air conditioning fan that is not running.

6 Common Reasons Why an AC Fan is Not Spinning

1. Circuit Breaker Issue: Check the circuit breaker to see if it was tripped. This may be what is causing your AC to lose the power needed to have keep the fan going. If a switch in your circuit breaker is tripped, flip that switch back on.
2. AC Switch is Off: Another way your unit could lose power is from the AC switch. Some AC units have a shutoff switch on the unit itself. Check to see that this switch has not been switched off by accident.
3. Dirty Air Filter: A clogged air filter can cause the fan to stop spinning. Filters clogged with dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris restrict airflow and can cause ice buildup. And if ice forms around the evaporator coil, the fan may stop spinning. If you see ice on your unit, you should call a local Wichita HVAC company for repair.
4. A Capacitor Problem: An AC capacitor is a small part that stores energy to power the air conditioner’s fans. If an AC capacitor is old or damaged, it may stop the fan from working. If this is the problem, there is not much a homeowner can do. Call a professional AC repair technician to replace the defective capacitor. You do not want to delay getting this repair. If left ignored for long, your AC could be furthered damaged, like the motor getting burned out.
5. Broken AC Fan Motor: A fan motor can burn out if it is not properly maintained or is overworked. If that happens, the fan motor needs to be replaced. Since motor replacement can be costly, it is sometimes best to have the whole AC unit be replaced.
6. Broken Belt: Older AC units have belts that drive the fan. Over the years, these AC belts can become brittle and weak. If your AC’s belt is worn, loose, or broken, it can cause the fan to stop working. Contact Hanna Heating & Air to have us replace your AC’s old belt to get your fan moving again.

Preventing a Broken AC Fan

As we have detailed, an AC unit fan not spinning can be caused by a variety of reasons – from electrical issues to a broken fan belt, or even a clogged air filter. Many of these issues are preventable with regular maintenance.

Sometimes the problem may be because you don’t have the properly sized AC unit for your home. An AC that is too small to handle the cooling needs of your entire home can break down before its time. A trusted HVAC professional can let you know if 2 AC units for your 2-story home is the best solution to your home’s comfort needs.

Hanna Heating & Air provides professional air conditioning maintenance service to Wichita, Newton, Andover and surrounding Kansas towns. Contact us to schedule an AC Tune Up to ensure your unit will keep your home cool all summer. Also, ask us about our VIP maintenance program that provides seasonal checks on your AC and furnace, as well as great discounts and priority scheduling.

Fan Broken: When to Call for an AC Repair

Diagnosing and repairing a broken air conditioner can be complex. If you do not feel capable trying these troubleshooting steps or handling AC repairs yourself, contact a certified AC technician like those at Hanna Heating & Air.

If you find that your AC fan is not working, give Hanna a call for a quick fix!

Our team is licensed and experienced to handle any brand of air conditioner or other type of cooling system. We have locations in Wichita, Andover, and Newton with a large team of experienced AC technicians. Our team has the skills and tools to diagnose AC problems quickly and accurately.

Give us a call at 316-945-3481 or request service online.

Check out our blog for more AC repair help including an article on the 2023 Federal Changes to AC SEER Ratings.