During these hot and humid summer months in Tampa, there tends to be an increase in A/C breakdowns as we rely on them to keep us cool. If this is the case for you right now, you’re certainly not alone.

One of the most common causes of an air conditioner malfunction is due to the A/C fan not working. It’s easy to see when this is the problem, as the fan won’t be turning, even when the unit is on. This can be caused by many different things, with some reasons being easier fixes than others:

5 Common Causes of A/C Fan Not Working

1. Capacitor. When your A/C fan isn’t working, this is the most common culprit. The fan is the first part you’ll want to check, especially if the compressor is still running while the fan isn’t. You can tell that the compressor is running if you still hear a humming sound coming from your air conditioner. If this is the case for you, you’ll want to check the capacitor’s continuity using a multimeter. It usually resembles a 9-volt battery or a tin can. If it fails the continuity test, it needs to be replaced.

2. Duel Shaft Fan Motor. This motor has two fans (hence the name), one fan draws in air from the outside to dissipate heat and the other directs the air over the evaporator coil. Its bearings can wear out over time and need replacement. Try wiggling the motor shaft. If it feels loose or doesn’t turn at all, you’ve likely found your problem.

3. Fan Motor. The fan motor can also be tested manually. This is done by trying to turn the blade by hand. If it doesn’t turn freely, this indicates the motor bearings are worn down. If it does turn freely, the motor should be tested for continuity with a multimeter. If it fails either of these tests, the fan motor needs to be replaced.

4. Temperature Control Thermostat. This thermostat has electrical contacts that burn out over time, which can cause the fan to stop functioning. If both the compressor and fan aren’t running, there’s a good chance this is the problem. Like the other aforementioned parts, it should tested for continuity with a multimeter to determine if power is properly flowing to the thermostat.

5. Relay Board. If the other causes have been eliminated, it could be a problem with the relay board. The relay board provides voltage to several components of the A/C, including the fan. This is commonly misdiagnosed part, so be sure to check the other possible causes before having the relay board replaced.

While these five are all commonly causes of your A/C fan not working, it’s certainly not an all encompassing list. If you’re in the Tampa area, we at Appliance & A/C Parts Today would be happy to research the exact part you need if necessary. Call us today!