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AC Condenser Fan Motor Overheat: What Should You Do?

If your air conditioner is going to break, you know it will happen during a heat wave. All you want to do if this occurs is maintain your composure and get your air conditioner running as quickly as possible. The great news is that an air conditioner repair service can fix it.

The Condenser Fan’s Motor Is at Fault

Many things could be wrong with your air conditioner, but a common one is that the condenser fan motor is too hot. The condenser fan motor is part of the condensing system of your air conditioner. 

It moves the fan blades, which lets air flow over the condenser coil. This cools the refrigerant, which changes it from a scorching gas to a liquid solution. Your air conditioner won’t work right if the motor gets too hot.

The motor for the condenser fan only works at a specific temperature, and when it gets too hot, the fan stops. You can find out if this is the problem with your broken unit by touching the top. You cannot touch a motor if it is too hot to touch.

Why Does the Condenser Fan’s Motor Get Too Hot?

Now that you know the condenser fan’s motor is too hot, here are some simple reasons.

Poor Maintenance

If you want your AC to last a long time, you need to keep it in good shape. First, ensure the motor is well-oiled and often check the fan area for dust and other debris. You should schedule regular appointments with an AC repair service, just like you would for your car or bike, to keep your unit running well all summer.

Motor’s Age 

Like your car, your air conditioner may need new parts over time. Our staff can tell you if you need a new motor if you think yours is getting old.

There isn’t just one size of motor for a condenser fan. It will get too hot if it’s too small and works too hard. A person who fixes things can make sure your unit has the right size fan.

Filters That Aren’t Clean

The air filter is one of the essential parts of your air conditioner. It keeps things from getting into the air you breathe, like dust, mold spores, and pet dander. 

Waiting too long to clean or replace it will block airflow through your ducts and ventilation system. This means your system will have to run for longer to keep you at the same level of comfort.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system comprises tubes that make up the condenser coils. Most of the time, they are filled with coolant. 

Similar to when your air filters are unclean, your air conditioner will operate longer if your condenser coils are dirty.

As explained, the refrigerant removes the surplus heat from your house and sends it outdoors. This lowers the temperature in your home, but filthy coils prevent heat from escaping. This prevents the temperature you set on your thermostat from reaching your heating and cooling system.

Low Refrigerant Levels

A dirty condenser coil can change the temperature and cause your air conditioner to overheat, but so can low refrigerant levels. If your HVAC system doesn’t have enough refrigerant, it won’t cool your home well, and the unit itself will get hot.

Conclusion 

If your air conditioning condenser fan motor overheats, it is vital to take action to prevent irreversible damage. Before restarting the device, turn off the power and let it cool down. The fan motor should be changed if the motor is not cooling down. Finally, if the problem persists, it’s recommended to contact for emergency AC repair.

AutumnAir is a family-run business providing residential and commercial electrical services and HVAC and AC repair and replacement (inspection, repair, maintenance, and installation). Contact us today!

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