Bryant AC Blower [Issues, Solutions & Guide]

A Bryant AC blower is vital to how well the air conditioner produces cool air. Learn how to fix possible issues in this article.

Bryant Air Conditioner Not Blowing – How to Fix

Check and fix the following if you find that your Bryant air conditioner is not blowing:

1. Power Supply

The first thing to check is the power supply to the air conditioner. If the air conditioner is not blowing, it may be due to insufficient or no supply. Check to see if the unit comes on when you press the power button. If there is no response from the unit, inspect the power switch, connection points, and circuit breaker.

The breaker box may have blown a fuse, causing the unit to stop cooling. Turn the breaker off and on again to check if the unit resumes operations. If it does not, you may have to test the fuses and replace the faulty ones.

Check the condensing unit; the fan and compressor should run if the unit is in good working condition. But if they are not working, take a look at the disconnect switch next to the condenser. Ensure it is in the On position for the condenser to run. 

If the condenser does not run when the disconnect switch is on, you have a power supply issue, and a trained HVAC technician or electrician should check and fix it. But if the air conditioner responds with a beep or you see the power light, depending on the model, you need to check other sources that may cause this problem. 

Ensure the power supply is adequate to carry the unit. The unit may be on a shared circuit with other appliances, which reduces the voltage supply to the unit. It must be on a dedicated circuit for the best power supply.

2. Air Filter

If the power supply is not the source of the problem, check the air filter. May air conditioner owners do not remember to clean or replace the filter in their unit, and a clogged one can cause blowing or cooling issues in the long run. 

The filter is usually in the air handler or indoor unit and is easily accessible. Open the front panel and inspect the filter. If it is significantly clogged with dirt, it explains the lack of airflow. Remove the filter and clean it if it is still usable. 

Some filters are only disposable, and you must discard them once they are used up within a month or two. But you can clean it in water and mild soap, leave it out to dry, and put it into the air conditioner. Replacing an air filter in an air conditioner is simple. Check the direction of the arrows and slide the filters following the arrows. 

Ensure you use the correct filter for your air conditioner model, checking the MERV rating because it determines the filter’s ability to remove impurities in the air. You can also contact the manufacturing brand for specific instructions and filter types for your unit.

3. Condenser

As mentioned, the disconnect switch next to the outdoor condensing unit must be on for the unit to run. If the switch is faulty, have a technician check and fix it to get the condenser working. Otherwise, the compressor, fan, and other components in the condenser will stop working, and the unit will not blow at all. 

But if the disconnect is working, inspect the condenser fan and ensure the compressor runs. Clear the debris in the condensing unit and spin the fan blade by hand. If it is stiff, you must test the fan motor; stiffness in the blade may mean the motor bearings are worn. 

Replace the motor or the entire fan assembly. And if the compressor does not work, consider replacing it, depending on the cost of the entire unit compared with the compressor cost.

4. Thermostat

Check the setting on the thermostat; it acts as the air conditioner’s control panel. You can control the functions of the unit from the thermostat, so it can also stop the unit from working. Therefore, inspect the settings; it must be set to cool, and the fan must be on Auto for the air conditioner to blow. 

Otherwise, there will be functional issues. If the settings are correct, there may be a wiring problem, or the batteries are out. Remove the batteries and replace them with new ones, noting the correct polarity. Test the thermostat by setting the mode and fan. If the air conditioner starts blowing, the problem is solved. 

However, the thermostat may need a replacement if replacing the batteries do not. But have a technician check the wiring connections and make the necessary adjustments before replacing the thermostat.

5. Vents

The return vents may be closed, meaning no air enters the air conditioner. If the vents are closed, there will be little or no air for the air conditioner to blow. The same is true when the supply vents are shut. Check all the vents around the house and on the unit; open all of them and ensure air flows out of them. Move furniture if it blocks the vents to improve the airflow.

6. Blower

The blower is the fan in the indoor unit that circulates air inside the house. Without the blower, the air conditioner cannot release air. Dirt, debris, and connection issues can stop the blower from working; the same is true if the blower motor stops working.

Therefore, turn off the air conditioner and check the blower. Clean the blower wheel and ensure the connections are intact. Test the motor to see if it is working. You may need a qualified technician to run these tests and ensure the blower is in good working condition. Otherwise, you may have to replace it.

If none of the above fixes gets your Bryant air conditioner blowing again, contact the service center to report the issue and request service.

Bryant Air Conditioner Doesn’t Blow Hard – Fixed

A Bryant air conditioner has a lot of blowing power, so it can be frustrating to find it is no longer blowing hard. Check the air filter, ductwork, coils, blower, and air vents if that is the case. 

1. Filter Issues

The filter can block the airflow, and leaky ductwork can leak air, reducing the available air for the air conditioner. Obstructed air vents can reduce the impact of the cold air, making it seem as if the air conditioner does not blow hard.

Therefore, check and replace the filter if you have not done so in more than three months. Never leave the filter for too long without cleaning or replacing it. Otherwise, it can affect the evaporator coil and other components when it transfers dirt to them. Manufacturers recommend replacing the air filter in your air conditioner every two months, but cleaning it must be done every week or two.

2. Coil Issues

You may want to use the services of a professional technician to clean the evaporator and condenser coils. If the condenser is dirty, it traps the heat inside the air conditioner and affects its cooling function. And if the evaporator coil is dirty, it traps the cold air and freezes over time. 

Alternatively, clean the coils yourself; use a no-foam, no-rinse coil cleaning agent for the evaporator. The condenser coil needs a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt and debris, but you will need to open the grate before cleaning it. Also, you must avoid electrical connections, such as the capacitor and relay, while cleaning it.

3. Blower Issues

Consider checking the blower if the condenser and evaporator are not dirty or obstructed. A faulty blower can keep the air conditioner from blowing hard. So, run a test on the fan or have a qualified technician do the job. That way, you can determine if there is a fault. 

There may be wire connection issues, a faulty motor, or dirt clogging it. You can clean the motor and wheel, but test the motor for continuity using a multimeter. Replace the motor if there is no continuity.

4. Air Vents

Always check the vents to ensure they are not obstructed or shut. Also, ensure dirt does not clog them. Consider cleaning the vents, especially if you have not cleaned them in a long time. Dirt has a way of trapping air and reducing its impact, even from a powerful air conditioner. Remove any furniture obstructing them while cleaning the dirt. 

Afterward, fully open the vents, both the supply and return vents. Then, give the air conditioner a few minutes to operate before checking the airflow. Place one hand before the vents and feel the air temperature; if the air is not cold, you need to service the air conditioner.

How to Replace a Bryant AC Blower Motor

Take the following steps to replace the blower on your Bryant air conditioner:

Step One

Turn off the electric power to the air conditioner by unplugging it or powering off the circuit breaker. Close the gas valve if the air conditioner has a furnace. Next, open the front panel over the indoor unit to access the fan. You may need a bolt or screwdriver to unthread the screws securing the panel to the air conditioner.

Step Two

Once the screws and panel are off, disconnect the wires connected to the blower motor; it helps if you take pictures of the connections. That way, you know where each wire goes during reconnection. If you cannot take pictures, note the color code and attachments on a piece of paper.

Step Three

Locate the screws on the blower assembly to detach it from the unit. Set it down on a work surface, exposing the drive shaft. Loosen the holding screw on the shaft but do not completely remove it. Next, release the blower wheel from the drive shaft with a non-toothed wrench. Using a toothed wrench will leave marks on the shaft, which may make it difficult to remove the motor.

Step Four

Now, hold the wheel while grabbing the shaft with a wrench. If the wheel is difficult to turn or does not run at all, apply some lubricant, wait a few minutes, and turn it again until it moves freely. When it does, turn over the assembly and unthread the screws on the blower motor bracket to remove them.

Step Five

Lift the brackets and motor out and set them aside. Unthread the screws securing the motor to the bracket, noting the screw placement. Now you can separate the motor from the bracket. Discard the old motor and get the new one ready for installation. Ensure you thoroughly clean the blower wheel before replacement to improve the fan’s performance.

Step Six

Align the new motor to the mounting bracket and secure it with the screws. Insert the blower into its housing and ensure the wires attached to the new motor face outward to the control panel. Next, align the bracket holes to the screw holes, attach the green ground wire to the housing, and position it, so it does not fall between the fan and its motor.

Step Seven

Turn the fan and fix the blower wheel properly to ensure it sits center on the motor shaft. Tighten the loose set screw on the shaft to secure the motor and blower wheel. Turn the wheel by hand to ensure it freely spins. 

Put the blower assembly back into its housing and secure it with the screws. Follow the pictures on your phone to make the correct wire connections based on the color codes. Finally, turn on the air conditioner and test the blower.

Old Bryant Central Air Conditioner Fan Blade Blowing Down Instead of Up

You may have to rearrange the fan blade by hand and check the condition of the motor shaft. Typically, the fan blade sits on the motor shaft, where it can easily turn when the motor operates. If the shaft is stiff or damaged, it may affect the fan blade’s position. If you are unsure of the repair steps, hire an HVAC technician for further assistance.

Bryant Air Conditioning Blowing too Hard – What to Do

Check the following parts to determine the cause of your Bryant air conditioner blowing too hard:

1. Blower 

The first part to check is the blower. Since it blows air through the air conditioner and into the house, it may the reason your unit blows too hard. Issues with the motor or fan setting can account for this problem, so start with the most obvious cause: incorrect fan speed setting. 

Typically, the fan should be set according to the mode of operation. When set to the Cool mode, the fan should be at a mid-setting and on Auto instead of On for the best results. However, setting the fan too high may cause it to work too hard, especially if dirt clogs the motor or blower wheel. 

When in doubt, adjust the fan speed to a lower setting and wait a few minutes to observe the result. If the air conditioner stops blowing hard, the problem is solved. But if it continues to work hard, check the motor for dirt or possible damage. Have an HVAC technician thoroughly check and fix possible issues or replace the entire fan assembly.

2. Ductwork

The ductwork in an air conditioning system is the pathway through which air travels all over the house to reach different rooms. The size of the ductwork can determine how well air travels throughout the house. 

Ductwork smaller than the house will cause air to blow too hard as it tries to provide more than it can typically carry. That may cause you to hear the air conditioner making a loud noise during normal operations. The same principle applies if the ductwork is damaged, even if it is the right size for the house. Damage can happen due to age, rodents, or poor installation. 

Therefore, inspecting this part of an air conditioning system is crucial to see if it is the source of the problem. Since ductwork flows through the walls, you will need the services of a trained HVAC technician for a thorough inspection and possible repairs or replacement.

3. Vents

The vents in any air conditioning unit are vital to the air circulation function. If the vents are damaged, closed, or obstructed, they underperform and cause functional issues. Ensure you check all the vents and clean the dirty ones. Move furniture that may be in the way and wait to test the airflow from them. 

Avoid closing the vents in unused rooms, despite the thought that doing it will improve the unit’s function. As practical as it seems, closing any vent while the air conditioner runs only traps air and creates a cooling and noise problem. Moreover, it may cause a musty smell over time, as there is no air circulation in and out of that vent. You can only close the vents when the air conditioner is off.

Bryant AC Blower Motor Gets Hot and Shuts Off – Solved

The primary reason the blower motor gets hot is a lack of airflow. The blower tends to work harder to produce air if there is insufficient air, causing the motor to overheat and eventually shut down. It is crucial to check the air filter, vents, and ductwork where applicable. Another possible cause is a faulty thermostat.

Take the filter out and clean it if it is still usable. Otherwise, replace it, which is the best option for the best results. The filter can restrict the airflow in and out of an air conditioner, causing functional issues and blower problems due to constant running. Remember to check the filter every two weeks and wash it when dirty. Replace it once every three months or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The vents may be closed or obstructed with dirt. Clean the vents to remove debris, especially if you have not done so in a while. Dirt accumulates and cakes over the vents over months and years of use, primarily because many homeowners do not remember to clean that area. You may also want to rearrange some items to accommodate the vents’ position and create a better cooling function.

Ensure the ductwork is not damaged or leaking air out of the air conditioning system. When there is insufficient air in the system, the blower picks up the work and runs harder to cover the air loss. Consequently, the motor overheats and shuts off as a protective measure. If your air conditioner functions with ductwork, ensure it is the correct size and is not damaged. Replace it if it is faulty.

Next, check the thermostat that controls the air conditioner. It works with contacts that open and close, governing the power supply to the unit, but it may become defective over time. If the contact for the motor becomes sticky and remains closed, it cannot shut off the voltage supply. 

As a result, the motor continues to run, even when it should cycle off, which causes it to overheat. Therefore, test the thermostat for continuity using a multimeter when it is off. If there is continuity between the G and R terminals while the thermostat is off, it is defective and needs a replacement.

The air conditioner’s control may be defective, especially if the relay for the blower motor fails. You may want to check the relay, make the necessary repairs, or replace the control board if the relay is damaged.

Bryant Air Conditioner Outdoor Unit Blowing Circuit Breaker – Solutions

The problem may not be with the air conditioner, so take the following steps to troubleshoot and find the possible causes of the tripping breaker problem:

1. Faulty Circuit Breaker

It is possible that the breaker is faulty. This may be due to age, electrical load, or loose wiring. A voltage spike can also cause the breaker to fail, or the breaker is too small to carry the air conditioner. So you must check this problem before others. Fortunately, a bad breaker is one of the easiest problems to solve.

Touch the breaker, nudging it to see if it fixes the problem. It may be that it is out of position, and moving it solves the problem. If not, there may be a problematic fuse that needs a replacement. Replace the fuse to fix the problem. Otherwise, replace the breaker if it is too small or too damaged to carry the AC load. Hire an electrician to do the job and get the air conditioner working again.

2. Incorrect Wiring

This problem applies to a new air conditioner or thermostat installation. The installer may have incorrectly wired the unit or thermostat, causing the breaker to trip whenever you turn on the unit. You will likely find the wiring issue with the thermostat.

The green wire is usually the ground wire, while the yellow or blue wire is for cooling. You should connect the yellow or blue wire to the Y terminal. The black wire, which is usually the common wire, connects to the C terminal, while the red wire connects to the R terminal. Incorrectly connecting these wires causes a voltage surge from the compressor, shutting the breaker down.

3. Defective Fan Motor

A defective fan motor can cause overheating, which puts a load on the compressor. When it overheats, the circuit breaker trips as a protective measure. While this is not common, you may want to check whether or not the fan is working. If not, test the motor and replace it or the entire fan assembly.

4. Clogged Air Filter

The air filter is vital to the airflow in any air conditioner and can affect the circuit breaker. If it is significantly clogged with dirt, the air conditioner will have little or no air, causing overheating. As a result, the system trips the breaker due to excessive heat.

If you have not cleaned or replaced the filter in more than three months, it is time to get a replacement filter. Ensure you use the air conditioner’s model number and specific dimensions to get a replacement filter. Additionally, check the MERV rating for the best filtration function.

5. Dirty Condenser Coil

The condenser coil condenses the refrigerant during the cooling process. It also transfers heat from the air conditioning system into the atmosphere to prevent overheating. The coil is usually efficient, but its location outside the house makes it dirty, and dirt insulates it, trapping heat. When the heat builds in the system, it causes overheating and trips the breaker.

Therefore, cleaning and generally maintaining the condenser is crucial to the entire system. Clean it every six months or once a year, or have a technician do a professional cleaning job without damaging the fins. The condenser coil fins are fragile and may get damaged if you use force to dust the dirt off them. It helps to clean the area around the condenser every week to prevent excessive dirt buildup in the unit.

6. Compressor Issues

If none of the above issues apply to your Bryant AC unit, check the compressor for functional issues. Since it compresses the refrigerant to produce cool air, it may malfunction and fail to compress it, resulting in overheating and eventual shut-down. However, the issue may not directly be with the compressor; the capacitor may be defective.

Therefore, test the capacitor. You may need a trained HVAC technician to discharge the capacitor before removing it. Typically, the capacitor stores power and sends it to the motor when necessary, the way a battery works. So, it usually has stored electric power and must be properly discharged before touching it to avoid electrocution.

You can also tell the component is defective without testing it. A bulging, leaking, corroded, or rusted capacitor needs a replacement. So, inspect it from outside the grate to determine whether or not to replace it.

However, if the capacitor is not faulty, but the compressor does not work well, you may need to hire a technician to test it. Compressors do not fail easily; while you can replace them, they are expensive. If you need a replacement, compare the cost of a new compressor to the cost of an entire air conditioning system before deciding.

7. Insufficient Refrigerant

A sealed system leak can cause overheating, as the compressor and other motors must operate more than usual and build heat. If the air conditioner keeps blowing the breaker after trying the above solutions, there may be a hole in the refrigerant pipe. 

Unfortunately, this problem does not usually have a DIY fix, so contact the manufacturing brand or hire an independent technician for further assistance. Ensure you turn off the air conditioner as you wait for the technician to fix the problem.

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