For homes in the hottest parts of the world, central AC units are the best air conditioners for such climates. And any central AC owner knows how important it is to make sure every part is in good working condition. This article outlines what to know about repairing an air conditioner fan motor, the common signs of damage, and how to know when it’s time to get it checked out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The AC fan motor is one of the most critical elements of a central air conditioning unit, as it blows the cool air into the house and the hot air out.
- The average AC fan motor lasts around 12 years but can be kept alive for longer with routine maintenance.
- There are common signs of a bad AC fan motor, such as rattling sound, lack of airflow, and the AC intermittently shutting off.
Insider Tip
Even if your unit is running fine, it’s good to get it checked once a year, before the warm weather hits, by an HVAC professional. This can save central AC owners lots of money in the long run.
Additionally, we have an article covering repairing air conditioner condensers for those looking for additional material on central AC repair. Finally, another article discusses knowing when to replace the condenser in an air conditioner. Moreover, you can also learn how to oil the air conditioner fan motor, if you find that’s all it needs.
When Should You Replace Your AC Fan Motor?
The fan motor pushes the cool air from the condenser through the ducts and into your house. It’s an essential piece of a functioning AC unit. This is similar to seeing the F6 symbol alert on your air conditioner. It’s letting you know something is wrong. And to put it simply, you’ll know if it ceases to work. There are a few common giveaways on how to tell if your fan motor is broken or damaged, and below we’ll go into the most common ones.
The Unit is Making a Funny Noise
Strange noises are never a great sign. If you hear a clicking, clanking, humming, groaning, scratching, or rattling noise, this often means that a piece of the fan or motor has come loose. If you hear any loud, odd noises, turn off your AC and call a repair technician service to take a look.
Lack of Cold Air Flow
A lack of airflow is another common issue and is a sign of a broken motor. This problem is prevalent with older blower motors. To check this, go to the outdoor unit and see if the fan blades are spinning. If not, this could mean you have a burnt-out motor.
Periodic Shut Offs
It baffles many central AC owners when their unit shuts off randomly and then turns back on. While this could be attributed to many things, one common reason is AC fan motor electronics problems. Call an air conditioning service to check it out if you’re experiencing this problem.
F.A.Q.S
How can you test your AC motor?
Testing an AC motor will require a micrometer, and you will then test for continuity.
What does the average AC fan motor cost to repair?
Depending on your unit, the cost of a bad fan motor repair is around $300-$650.
What other parts need to be replaced along with the fan motor?
More often than not, when replacing a fan motor, repair services will also install a new capacitor.
STAT: The average AC fan motor has a lifespan of about 12 years. They can last longer, but it’s good to get them regularly checked when they get up in age. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.browermechanical.com/blog/replacing-ac-fan-motor-how-much-will-it-cost
- https://www.cousinsair.com/resources/ac-parts/ac-fan-motor/#:~:text=The%20air%20conditioner%20fan%20motor,unit%20to%20do%20its%20job.
- https://aplusairconditioning.com/signs-symptoms-of-bad-ac-fan-motor/r
- https://homex.com/ask/how-long-do-ac-fan-motors-last
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubEQs9PIRiQ
