Everything You Need to Know About An A/C Fan Motor

Everything You Need to Know About An A/C Fan Motor

When it gets hotter day by day, an efficient air conditioning system has a critical role to play, and that is to keep you cold and comfortable during the long summer months. 

Unfortunately, it may not happen as expected because your air conditioner will likely break down. One possible reason is a faulty fan motor, and immediate A/C repair in Langhorne, PA, is one sure way to bring back your home comfort. 

But even if you can sit back and relax with the pros every time any repair problem arises, knowing everything about a fan motor will give you a significant advantage. 

What is a Fan Motor? 

A fan motor is an integral part of your A/C system responsible for circulating the air around your home by spinning a propeller-like fan. 

It is powered by electricity. As it spins, it creates a powerful air current that helps your air conditioner perform its job, keeping your living space, big or small, as comfortable as possible. 

It is connected to the compressor, and when the compressor starts up, the fan motor begins to spin.

Signs Your Fan Motor Needs A/C Repair in Langhorne, PA

But over time, a fan motor is likely to malfunction just like the other components of an air conditioner. And to prevent any potential damages or costly repairs, you should not take it lightly. 

Below are a few signs you should look for:  

  • Slow Rotating Blades

The fan blades should rotate fast to help the air conditioner provide enough cold air throughout your home. But when some rooms are colder than the rest, the fan motor can be the culprit. 

  • Smoke Coming from Your A/C Unit

This is one of the most dangerous signs that immediately require A/C repair in Langhorne, PA. If you see smoke coming out of your A/C unit, there is a chance that the fan motor has overheated and is about to catch fire. While waiting for the technician, don’t forget to shut your air conditioner off. 

  • Your A/C Fan Doesn’t Start or Stop 

Are your blades not spinning even if you turn your air conditioner on? Or do they keep spinning even after you have switched off your air conditioning system? If that’s the case, that could signify that the motor has burned out and needs A/C repair in Langhorne, PA. 

  • It Creates a Rattling, Buzzing, or Humming Sound 

It’s normal for any appliance like an air conditioner to create a sound while running. But if it is humming, rattling, or buzzing, don’t relax as the bearings in the fan motor are not well-lubricated or have become worn out. 

But for better diagnosis, a thorough inspection from an expert can help you avoid any guessing game. 

  • Your Home isn’t Getting Cool Enough

When your home isn’t getting cool enough, you automatically think it’s because of leaky ductwork or a clogged filter. However, that’s not always the case. 

Sometimes, a faulty fan motor could cause this inconvenience. That’s why a technician inspects every A/C component thoroughly so that nothing will be ignored. 

What Causes Fan Motors to Fail?

Aside from being worn out, here are the other reasons the fan motor fails:

Loose Fan Blades

Over time, the fan blades can become loose and cause the motor to work harder than it should. And when left unattended for a week or two, it can cause your electric bills to skyrocket or, worse, unexpected failures or expensive replacements. 

Too Much Dirt in the Air Filters

The filter is another vital component of an air conditioning unit. It removes the dust and other debris in the air we breathe. So, it’s not surprising to know that it gets clogged, and some deep cleaning may be indispensable. 

Age of the Motor

Although the fan motor is made to be durable and long-lasting, it may start to malfunction after a few years of use. While it may be costly to upgrade to something more cutting-edge, it will help save you more money. 

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Fan Motor?

The cost of repairing or replacing a fan motor will depend on the severity of the problem, the make and model of your Air Conditioning unit, and the type of motor that needs your attention. 

When the blades are not spinning as fast as they should, you may only need to have the bearings replaced. If the motor has burned out completely, it’s time to invest in something new and of high quality. 

In either case, it is always best to call a professional A/C repair technician to diagnose the problem and give you an estimate of the cost. 

How Can I Prevent My Fan Motor from Failing?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent your fan motor from failing, there are a few things you can do to increase its lifespan and keep it efficient all year round:  

  1. Keep the Coils Clean

The coils inside the air-cooling system should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent them from becoming dirty and causing the fan motor to overheat. If you haven’t tried cleaning the coil, the A/C repair in Langhorne, PA from the pros can be a lifesaver. 

  1. Change the Filters

After removing every debris in the coil, your job does not stop there. You should also pay attention to the air filter. With regular cleaning, you can be sure the risks of getting it clogged are kept to a minimum. 

  1. Keep the Wiring in Your A/C in Good Condition

Different things can happen when an air conditioning system is not installed well. It can specifically cause the fan motor to break down. So, when you have an A/C installation project, be sure you leave it to the expert. 

  1. Replace the Motor When It Wears Out

The average lifespan of a fan motor is about ten years, so if your A/C is old and outdated years old, the motor likely needs to be replaced. While A/C repair Langhorne, PA might work, it might break your bank in the long run. Consult a technician to avoid any guesswork. 

Which is Better Between a DIY and Professional A/C Repair in Langhorne, PA? 

There are pros and cons to both DIY and professional A/C repair in Langhorne, PA. 

It’s generally cheaper to fix a fan motor on your own because you don’t need to pay a local HVAC contractor to do the job for you. A DIY A/C repair in Langhorne, PA, will also allow you to widen your skills. 

But if you do not have any prior experience, there’s a high chance that you might damage the unit, leading to additional expenses. 

What’s more, a DIY repair can put you and your family in great danger that you can avoid if you hire a certified technician in the first place. 

The following are the other perks of working with a certified, insured, and licensed service provider: 

Protect The Warranty of Your Unit

You void the warranty of your A/C unit if you open it without the help of a professional. Once the warranty is gone, you have to pay from your pocket anytime something goes wrong with your system – and that will happen more often than usual because you’re not knowledgeable enough to take good care of it. 

Keep You Safe 

One of the biggest dangers of doing a DIY repair is that you might not be aware of the electrical hazards of working on an HVAC unit. You could easily get electrocuted if you’re not careful.

Save Your Time 

When you have a busy schedule, the last thing you want is to spend your precious time trying to repair something you know nothing about. It would be best if you left it to the experts and used that time to focus on other things that are more important to you. 

Expertise

The last thing you want is to have a faulty A/C unit in the middle of summer. By hiring a professional HVAC contractor, you’re assured that the job will be done right and that your system will be up and running during the peak season. 

Faulty Fan Motor? Not a Problem with JR Michalski Heating & A/C! 

If you’re looking for a licensed HVAC company, your long wait is finally over with JR Michalski Heating & A/C

We have a sought-after team of technicians with all the training and certifications to handle your fan motor repair project. Whether it has been creating a banging sound or there has been a sudden change in your home or office temperature, we’re always ready to lend you a hand. 

Aside from a faulty fan motor, we are the leading partner for home and business owners when it comes to repairing and maintaining the other parts of their air conditioner. From a refrigerant leak to a damaged compressor, we got you covered! 

Please feel free to call us at 215-752-1442 now to schedule a consultation or for a free estimate!

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