How To Know That Your AC Fan Needs Replacement?

There are a lot of different parts in your air conditioning system, working in tandem to keep your Bay Area home cool. The AC fan is responsible for circulating air throughout your home, which helps to even out temperature and humidity levels. But if this crucial part of your AC unit isn't working properly, it can cause problems like moisture buildup and mold growth. In addition, a dirty or clogged AC fan can cause your unit to overheat, leading to shortened life and eventual shutdown. Based on this, if you're unsure how to determine if your fan needs replacement, here are some indications you should watch out for.

Strange Noises

A noisy fan can cause discomfort for those living in the house and potentially damage the unit over time. This is because the fan blades have to spin at a very high speed to move enough air to cool down a room. In addition, the bearings are constantly under pressure and friction, even if there is no problem with them. As this happens over time, a buildup of debris can occur inside the fan housing, damaging the motor shaft bearings. If you notice rattling sounds when you turn on your AC unit, this may indicate a damaged seal between the motor housing and casing. These issues in your AC unit warrant the need for the fan replacement.

Decreased Airflow

A decrease in airflow could indicate problems with your cooling unit. When an AC fan fails, it will not work as hard to cool the area as it would if its fan were functioning normally. The result? The AC is working harder than it should, which can drastically reduce its overall lifespan and increase energy bills. And if you notice any disruption in airflow, get in touch with an HVAC professional and have the AC fans inspected.

Burning Smell

The smell of burning plastic may indicate a problem with your air conditioning fan motor. Indoor air conditioning units have two kinds of fans: the condenser fan, which draws air into the system, and the blower fan, which pushes air through the ducts. The blower fan is usually located inside the return air grille. If you smell burning plastic or other unusual odors from your AC unit, it may be a sign that one of these fans needs replacement.

An electrical burning smell can sometimes mean a component failure in your AC system. A burning smell from an indoor unit can be caused by a short circuit in the system’s wiring or a malfunctioning component, such as its compressor or condenser fan motor. A burning smell from an outdoor unit could indicate that debris has become lodged in the coil and is being burned by the compressor motor. In both cases, you should always contact a professional to have your AC system inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Random Shutdowns

If you've had your AC fan for a long time, it may be wearing out. The blower motor typically has a lifespan of about 10 years, but the speed and strength of the motor decline over time. If your blower fan is old and struggling to do its job, it might overheat and cause the system to stop working. It's normal for an AC unit to shut down occasionally when it senses high temperatures in the home — this helps prevent damage to your unit — but if this happens frequently or more than once during operation, it could indicate a problem with your blower motor & the fan.