The outside fan is a vital component of your air conditioning system. As part of the condenser unit, its job is to blow air over the condenser coil, which helps release the heat absorbed from your home by the refrigerant. This returns the refrigerant to a lower temperature and pressure, so it’s ready to be circulated again.
If this outside fan isn’t spinning, the system won’t cool your home properly, leading to increased energy consumption and decreased comfort. This is a common issue homeowners notice when warm air is coming from their vents.
At Genuine Comfort, we want you to have the skills you need to troubleshoot issues like this on your own before calling a technician. While we’re always happy to help when needed, addressing these problems yourself can save you time and money. If your air conditioner’s outside fan isn’t running, keep reading to learn some step-by-step troubleshooting tips and when it may be best to get help from the professionals.
AC Outside Fan Not Running
Picture this: It’s summertime. Your air conditioner is on, but your house isn’t getting any cooler. In fact, the air coming from the vents is warm. You go outside to investigate and hear the outdoor unit running, but the fan inside isn’t spinning.
These signs typically mean there’s something wrong with the outside condenser unit. Before calling a professional technician, there’s a few things you can do to try to fix it yourself.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
If you’ve discovered that the outside fan is not running on your air conditioner, follow these troubleshooting steps:
Reset the Entire System
First, try resetting the entire HVAC system.
- Turn off the furnace switch: Look for what looks like a light switch near the furnace. This is not the breaker, but a separate switch.
- Turn the thermostat to “Off”: Most thermostats have Cool/Off/Heat options. Turn it to “Off”.
- Wait 5 minutes: Give the internal systems a while to discharge and reset.
- Turn the furnace switch back on: Flip the switch near the furnace, turning it on again.
- Switch thermostat back to “Cool”: Return the thermostat back to the “Cool” mode.
This simple reset can resolve many system glitches caused by power surges or internal malfunctions.
Check for Tripped Breakers or Switches
If that didn’t work, you can also check for tripped breakers or switches.
- Outdoor shutoff box: Locate the outdoor shutoff box, which is typically a gray box above the condenser. Flip the switch off and back on.
- Indoor breaker panel: Go back inside and find the AC breaker. Reset it if it’s been tripped.
- Exterior breaker panel: Some homes have an additional breaker outside near the AC unit. Make sure that one hasn’t been tripped, either.
When You Need a Technician
If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting tips and your outside fan still isn’t running, but you hear the compressor humming, the fan motor has likely failed. Unfortunately, this is not something you can repair on your own; you’ll need help from a licensed HVAC technician.
Consider the Age of Your System
Like with any HVAC malfunctions, it’s important to consider the age of your system. If your AC unit is over 10 years old, the cost of replacing the outside fan motor may be high.
Plus, the older the system is, the harder it is to find the right replacement parts — not just for the outside fan. With changing efficiency standards and refrigerant types, it may be more cost-effective to consider a full system replacement.
New units are more efficient, using energy more effectively. Because of this, they may offer better long-term savings. And if something goes wrong, it’ll be much easier to get the maintenance you need.
Final Tips
Don’t ignore early signs of outside fan malfunctions. Unusual noises or warm air coming from your air conditioner can indicate problems with a number of different components.
Regular maintenance can prevent breakdowns like these and ensure your system runs smoothly all year long. Consider scheduling yearly or twice-yearly HVAC inspections/tune-ups to catch potential problems early and save you the hassle — and cost — of major malfunctions.
Outside Fan Not Running? Call Genuine Comfort
If you’re experiencing issues with your air conditioner’s outside fan, call Genuine Comfort for fast, reliable service. We’ll provide expert AC repairs and get your system back to normal in no time. Contact us today to get started!
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