On a hot day, few sounds are more comforting than the familiar hum of your air conditioner. That’s the sound of the fan motor and capacitor, which work together to circulate air and dispel heat. When they fail, it not only cuts off your supply of cool air. It can also cause your compressor to overheat and the evaporator coils to freeze. But a motor and capacitor don’t have to fail entirely to cause problems. A fan that operates at half speed will drive up energy bills without cooling your house. Homeowners concerned about the costs of repairing their cooling system should learn how to tell if a fan motor or capacitor is bad in order to maintain a pleasant environment and prevent damage to their AC.
What Are Fan Motors and Capacitors?
Fans play a critical role in your air conditioner. Besides distributing cool air through your home, they also circulate air through the condenser, ensuring the system’s internal temperature remains balanced. The motor powers the fan, while the capacitor powers the motor.
Capacitors work like a battery, storing electrical energy which can be used to keep the system running when it requires extra power. Because motors require more energy when they start than they do during normal operation, capacitors ensure the system cycles on when needed. They also provide additional voltage whenever power fluctuates, so the fan speed is never disrupted.
Signs a Fan Motor or Capacitor Is Bad
Most air conditioners last 15-20 years, while fan motors and capacitors typically last 5-20 years. Although some homeowners never experience any noticeable problems with them, it’s important to recognize the signs that something’s gone wrong, so you know how to respond.
- Fan Starts, But Only After a Delay. Demonstrates that the fan is operable, but underpowered.
- Motor Hums But Won’t Start. Indicates electricity is flowing into the unit, but it doesn’t have enough power to start up.
- Loud or Unusual Noises. Worn gears and bearings lead to excessive friction and vibration. A bad rotor can also throw the motor off balance, causing it to wobble. Loose parts generally produce rattling sounds.
- Fan Runs Intermittently. Because the load on the electrical grid changes throughout the day, the current flowing into your air conditioner isn’t always constant. The capacitor is designed to compensate for these fluctuations, but it can’t if it’s malfunctioning. As a result, the fan may not run smoothly.
Because the capacitor is part of the motor, it’s sometimes hard to pinpoint the issue. To determine whether the motor or capacitor needs to be replaced, push the fan blades. As stated above, fans need an extra jolt of energy to overcome their own inertia. If they start moving after being pushed for a few seconds, the capacitor is likely malfunctioning. If not, it’s the motor that’s the problem. Try opening up the unit for a direct examination as well. Faulty capacitors normally have leaks or visible bulges, while faulty motors are often hot to the touch. Once you’ve identified the problem, the best course of action is to call a professional to repair or replace the defective components.
Save on AC Repairs with Agway EnergyGuard
Capacitors are relatively inexpensive, but fan motors can cost hundreds of dollars to repair. Home insurance doesn’t cover these types of expenses, but Agway does. Our EnergyGuard™️ Home Repair Program protects your heating, cooling, and electrical systems from damage caused by regular use.
When the need for repair occurs, our customers don’t have to waste time searching for help. They call us instead. We maintain a network of HVAC contractors in your area and send the first available one straight to your door. There are no service fees or deductibles either. We pay for the visit and all covered parts. Save time, money, and effort. Sign up and start enjoying the benefits of EnergyGuard™️ today!
