Maintenance Tips For Your AC Condenser Fan Motor To Prevent Overheating

A malfunctioning condenser fan motor could reach a temperature that’s around 150°F, and you don’t want that to happen. Once it starts to overheat, the motor will usually simply cease to run. This could cause your HVAC system to halt in place, and you might even end up damaging other components. Fortunately, it’s not hard to catch this problem before it becomes an issue.

You’ll usually hear a buzzing or rumbling sound emanating from the outdoor device. At times, you might smell a burning sensation. But, in a worst-case scenario, your AC unit or furnace might simply switch off.

Troubleshooting An AC Condenser Fan Motor

Check the manufacturer’s original specifications so you can be sure that you’re working with a suitable motor. Installing an appropriately-sized motor can go a long way toward ensuring that your system remains functional. Always browse the motor catalog and find a piece that matches these specifications before installation. Periodically, you’ll want to lubricate the fan motor to keep it in good working order.

That being said, you don’t want to add too much lubricant. This will gum up the works and make it more likely to attract dirt. Once it has started to get dirt inside of it, you’ll want to be sure to clean out the motor. That alone can dramatically improve the functionality of the equipment.

Switches and relays also have to be cleaned out for much the same reason over time. You may consider putting in some sort of protective housing for exterior fan units, but don’t cover too much of the fan because you’ll be making it less effective in the process. A leaf cover over the top of an AC unit is an excellent example of a style that works.

Check the position of the fan blades if you’re still having a hard time getting your device to move at the right speed or in the correct direction. Anybody who finds that their motor spins but they’re experiencing poor airflow will undoubtedly want to check the position of the blades. There’s a good chance that these are blowing in the wrong direction.

That could potentially carry heat away from where it’s supposed to be going, which is a serious problem when dealing with condenser waste heat. So always check the whole device for hot spots to be sure that nothing is blowing opposite from where it should be.

Maintain An AC Fan Motor With Furnace Part Source

At Furnace Part Source, we always recommend shutting the system down and disconnecting the power before doing any extensive maintenance on it. The good news is that a well-maintained motor should last for an extended period. You might want to consider getting into a well-maintained rhythm with the condenser fan the same way you would with any other part. Eventually, though, everything will have to be replaced.

When that day finally does come, make sure to contact our team online at Furnace Part Source.

We’ll help you find a new fan motor that should fit your existing equipment so you can use your HVAC gear for longer. In addition, we are ready to assist with your air conditioner from removing contaminants such as dirt and debris to providing parts for outdoor units.