One of the most vital parts of any air conditioner is the fan. In this article, learn how to fix the problem of a Bryant AC unit fan not spinning.
Table of Contents
Bryant AC Unit Fan Not Spinning – Fixed
Check the following if the fan in your Bryant AC unit stops spinning:
1. Power Supply
You may notice a fluctuation in the power supply to the air conditioner, affecting the fan’s functionality. If you have a problem with the fan in your air conditioner, whether it is the blower or condenser fan, you must determine if there is an adequate power supply to the motor. You can check it using a multimeter or hire a technician to run the necessary tests.
The blower is the fan in the indoor unit and circulates the cold air from the air conditioner into the room. You may notice that the blower is no longer spinning if there is little or no cold air in the room, even though the compressor and other components are running. Although this may result from other issues, you may want to test the fan.
You can visually inspect the condenser fan in the outdoor unit; it is visible through the grates. If it is not running, the motor may not have enough power. Fix the issue as quickly as possible with Bryant’s professional assistance to get the unit up and running again.
Fan Motor
But if the power supply to the fan motor is not the issue, you may have a burnt-out fan motor. This applies to the blower and condenser fan. Before deciding to test and replace the motor, ensure the fan blades or wheels are not obstructed or restricted by dirt and other things. This is especially true for the condenser fan because it is outside the house.
It may be difficult to clean the fan if the condenser cover is locked. However, if you can get it open, remove dirt and debris from the fan blade and test it by hand. Turn it manually and see if it is stiff. If you notice stiffness, it indicates the motor is faulty. But the blade must be thoroughly clean and seated on the shaft before determining its functionality.
Test the condenser fan and blower motors using a multimeter to see if there is continuity. Before doing that, ensure you turn off the power to the air conditioner. Power down the circuit breaker outside the house, unplug the power cord or use the disconnect switch for the outdoor unit. Replace the fan motors if you find no continuity.
Capacitor
A dead capacitor is the most common reason an air conditioner fan stops spinning. However, it is best to check other minor issues before the capacitor because of how it operates. A capacitor stores electric power the way a battery does and releases it when the fan or other motors need to run.
In other words, a capacitor usually has electricity in it, and you must discharge it before testing for life. Discharging a capacitor is tricky, and we usually recommend using the services of a professional technician to avoid electrocution. But if you will do it yourself, work carefully and ensure you protect yourself.
Do not directly touch the cylindrical capacitor; use a long stick to move it away. And after discharging it, run a continuity test using a multimeter. Visually inspecting the capacitor may also tell you whether or not it is faulty. In other words, you may not have to touch it unless when changing it. A corroded or rusty capacitor is likely to have failed; the same is true if the component is bulging or leaking fluid.
Belt
The fan will likely use a belt if you have an older model Bryant air conditioner. The belt helps the fan’s motor to run as it should, smoothening the process. However, constant use can wear the belt out; the same applies when the fan is not correctly used. It can prematurely burn the motor out or damage the belt.
If there is a belt, it is best to let a qualified HVAC technician replace it. Also, consider getting a new air conditioner because the new belt may not last on the old system due to the unit’s age. Before long, it may get damaged again, requiring a replacement, which wastes time and money.
Air Filter
The air filter in any air conditioner may not directly work with the fan, but it causes several issues when dirty. A significantly dirty air filter restricts airflow and transfers dirt to other parts f the system. As a result, the air conditioner may build ice or have trouble cooling, which may cause stress on the fan and compressor. Eventually, the fan may stop cooling due to a damaged motor.
Fixing a faulty fan motor or servicing the compressor and other components is excellent, but the problems persist if you do not clean or replace the filter. Therefore, remove the air filter and clean it if you have never done so. And if the filter has been used for longer than two months, it may be time to replace it, especially if it is the disposable type.
Thaw frozen parts and remove dirt if applicable, especially from the evaporator coil. Professional assistance may be best in this situation if there is extensive ice buildup or dirt on other components.
Contactor
The contactor is a small switch inside the compressor that sends voltage to the fan and condenser to run. The switch can stick or stop working with constant use, cutting off the voltage supply to the fan and other condenser parts. If that happens, the fan will stop spinning.
While the contactor should not be your first stop if the fan stops working, you may want to check if everything else is in good working condition. Hire an HVAC technician to replace the switch if it stops working.
Note: The same repair steps apply if your Bryant AC unit fan struggles to spin. There may be electrical connection issues, and a technician is the best person to check and fix the problem.