Hidden Plumbing Problems: What to Look for

Troubleshooting AC Fan Problems

9 March 2021

Herbert Chambers

Your home's AC is virtually useless if the fan doesn't work properly to push the cool air throughout the house. Knowing what causes damage, how to spot it, and the right repair protocols can help keep you cool this summer.

Types of Fan Damage

Since the fan assembly is in the outdoor portion of the unit, it can be exposed to debris. Leaves, plant material, gravel, and sticks are the common culprits. These items blow in or get thrown by lawn tools like mowers during the course of routine landscaping near the unit.

This debris can bend or even break a fan blade. The debris, particularly the finer, grittier types, may also get into the moving parts of the fan and lead to reduced movement or increased friction. There may also be issues with exposure, such as when condensation builds up in the unit and causes corrosion of the moving parts of the fan assembly.

Signs of Damage

Signs of damage are usually quite obvious. One of the first things you may notice is odd sounds coming from the exterior unit. When a fan blade is bent or otherwise damaged, it won't spin smoothly. This can lead to rattling or thumping noises. In fact, it can be severe enough that the entire exterior unit may vibrate and sometimes quite badly.

Grit in the bearings or moving parts, as well as an out of balance damaged fan, may also cause annoying noises. Your fan may squeak or squeal when in motion. Other signs that there are issues include reduced airflow into the house and poor cooling. It's important to note that airflow and cooling problems can also result from other issues with the AC, so they are likely not the fan if the fan appears to be operating smoothly without any shaking or odd sounds.

Solutions

Repairing the fan issue depends on the problem. If there is simply dirt and debris inside the assembly that is leading to friction, general maintenance that includes cleaning and lubricating the fan may solve the problem. If grit has damaged the bearing, you may need to have these replaced and repacked.

Damage to the fan itself, such as bent or broken fan blades, can't be repaired. Instead, you will need to replace the fan blades and possibly the entire fan assembly. Scheduling annual maintenance that includes cleaning out the exterior unit can help prevent future damage to the new fan blades.

Contact an AC repair service if you suspect problems with your unit's fan.

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