Caring For Your HVAC Condenser Fan Motor

An air conditioner condenser is the outdoor unit of a home’s split HVAC system. The outdoor unit of a home’s HVAC system houses some of its most important components. Specifically, the outdoor unit contains the condenser fan motor, compressor coil, and condenser coil of an HVAC system. A condenser’s motor turns the fans that blow air over the condenser coil, which is crucial to the cooling process. By blowing air across the condenser coil, refrigerants are cooled, transforming them from a gas to a liquid. In the event the motor itself overheats, it will stop working, and the HVAC system will have no way to cool itself, potentially causing the system to fail. Below, the HVAC technicians with our AC repair company share everything you need to know about caring for your HVAC condenser fan motor.

LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating is a full-service HVAC company offering air conditioning repair, heating services, and HVAC maintenance in Gainesville, FL. Contact us today to schedule HVAC services!

Typical Causes Of An Overheating HVAC Condenser Fan Motor

There are a number of reasons an HVAC condenser fan motor may overheat. The following are a few of the most common causes.

• Faulty Capacitor – A defective capacitor can cause a motor to spin too slowly to move air efficiently or stop spinning altogether.
• Worn Out Motor – After years of excessive use, old and worn motors can give out.
• Electrical Issues – Inadequate circuitry or damaged wires can cause a condenser fan motor to stop working entirely.
• Debris – Debris, such as leaves and twigs that have fallen from nearby trees or overgrown vegetation, can make their way into outdoor units and restrict airflow.
• Lack Of Maintenance – Without regular maintenance from a professional HVAC technician, a system’s condenser fan motor can wear out faster.

Signs Of Overheating

Condenser fan motors can operate reliably up to a maximum temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Upon exceeding this maximum temperature, the motor will begin to overheat and stop running, halting the HVAC system. An overheating motor can also damage other components throughout the system. The following are a few signs your condenser fan motor may be overheating.

• The outdoor unit is hot to the touch.
• The outdoor unit is emitting a strong odor.
• The AC system no longer produces cold air.
• The outdoor unit emits a loud buzzing/humming noise.
• The AC system suddenly turns off.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to contact us for AC repairs!

How To Prevent Overheating

The best way to care for your AC system’s condenser fan motor is with routine maintenance from an experienced HVAC technician. LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating offers a comprehensive planned HVAC maintenance program to help keep your home’s HVAC system in tip-top shape. In addition to caring for your HVAC system’s outdoor unit and condenser fan motor, our technicians will replace your air filters, calibrate your thermostats, check electrical connections, and more! Contact us today to learn more about our HVAC maintenance program!