Singaporeans rely on air conditioners to escape the city’s relentless heat, but when the fan isn’t spinning, then you may have an issue with the internal mechanisms of your air conditioning system. After all, without a functioning fan, your AC can’t circulate cool air effectively. In this article, we'll present the five most common reasons why your AC unit fan is not spinning.
Why Is The AC Fan Not Spinning?
In Singapore's hot and humid climate, a functioning air conditioner is essential for comfort. If you notice your AC fan not working or your air conditioner fan not spinning, it could be due to a faulty component. We've encountered similar issues with some of our clients in Singapore, and understanding the potential causes can help you address them quickly.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
The first possible cause you can check is a tripped circuit breaker. Check your service panel or breaker box, and locate the circuit breaker connected to your unit. There should be an on-and-off switch - flip the switch off, then turn it back on and see if that solves the problem.
If the circuit breaker for your AC keeps tripping, it might be overworked, especially in older HDB flats or commercial units with shared power loads. Consider disconnecting any appliances that use the same circuit breaker or replace the current circuit breaker with a heavy-duty one.
Busted Fan Motor
One of the most common problems with your unit is with the AC fan motor. When the fan motor has worn down, overheated, or short-circuited, it cannot deliver the cooled air into your room. This is often due to a poorly maintained or overworked air conditioner. You may need to replace the fan motor bearings or replace the part entirely.
You will need the help of an experienced technician to diagnose and repair your condenser fan motor, as this component is tricky to repair on your own. The technician will check whether the problem is with a busted fan motor or with another part of your AC unit before making the necessary fixes.
Broken Fan Blades
Sometimes, the issue may lie in the fan blades that have broken off. You would often hear a clunking or whirring sound when this happens, and you will need to hire a professional to diagnose and fix the problem for you. Thankfully, broken fan blades are simple to fix with new parts. Consider having the whole unit inspected as well for maintenance.
You may check on the fan blades by removing the front cover of your unit. The fan blades would be positioned at the back of the unit, and you may need to remove the frame depending on your model. You can easily repair bent or folded fan blades by bending them back to their original position, but we recommend hiring a professional to avoid further damage.
Broken or Faulty Belt
If your AC fan is not spinning, especially in older units commonly found in offices and homes in Singapore, a worn-out belt could be the culprit. The fan belt deteriorates over time and may require replacement.
You can replace the belt yourself if you’re skilled at repairing machinery. To replace a fan belt, you need to locate the belt in the unit and make a diagram of its route. Make sure your AC is unplugged when you do this. Remove the broken belt, and loop the new belt through the same route to replace it. Make sure your AC is unplugged when you do this.
Capacitor Issues
The capacitor is what delivers energy and power to the motor, fan, and other components of the air conditioner. When the capacitors fail, then the unit will not function properly. Capacitors can wear down over time and can be replaced by an HVAC technician.
You may check on the capacitor yourself if you have experience working with air conditioning systems. Turn off the condenser to cut the power from your unit. Once the unit is safely powered down, you can go ahead and open the access panel, check, and replace the capacitor. Disconnect all the wires from the old capacitor, and replace them with new ones as well.
Dirty Air Filter
Singapore’s urban environment means dust accumulation is common, and a clogged air filter can cause airflow issues, making it seem like the AC fan is not working.
To clean the air filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing the filter. Use a vacuum cleaner to clear the thick layer of dust on the filter, then wash the filter under running water. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away the remaining dirt with some liquid soap. Let the filter air dry completely before placing it back into your unit.
Contactor Problems
The contactor switch helps the fan run by sending voltage through the different components of your unit. When this part breaks down, it can cause the fan to stop spinning and your unit to malfunction.
Repairing a contactor is a challenge to DIY, as there is a high risk of electrical shock if you’re not careful. Fixing this part of your air conditioning system will also require some knowledge of electrical wiring. Thus, you should contact professional technicians to address this issue.
When Should You Replace the AC Fan?
Generally, if the fan motor is making unusual noises, overheating frequently, or failing to spin even after repairs, it may be best to replace it. In many cases, we’ve seen clients in Singapore dealing with AC fan issues due to long-term wear and tear, especially in units that run almost 24/7.
If your AC is over 8–10 years old and repairs are becoming frequent and costly, replacing the fan motor—or even the entire unit—could be a more efficient solution.
How to Prevent Air Conditioner Fan Not Spinning?
Do Not Overuse the AC Unit
Overusing your air conditioner greatly decreases the lifespan of the unit, and can be the cause of a tripped circuit breaker as the AC unit works overtime to deliver cool air to your room. If the circuit breaker box malfunctions, then so does the air conditioner's fan.
Overusing includes using the air conditioner for long hours without a cool-down period, using one unit in a large room, or running the AC unit on its coolest, strongest settings for extended periods of time without maintenance.
Get Professional Air Conditioner Services and Cleaning
Only experienced professionals should clean, diagnose, and repair your AC unit. There are times when you would be tempted to do the fix yourself to save up on maintenance costs, but improper repairs or cleaning can end up costing you more in the long run, and you may even need to replace your unit if the issues persist.
Additionally, it is incredibly dangerous to deal with the internal mechanisms of an air conditioning system if you are not an experienced HVAC technician. Schedule your unit’s maintenance at Luce Aircon, and our experienced technicians can clean, diagnose, and repair any problems with your unit so you can keep enjoying that cool breeze without issues.
Clean Your Air Filter Regularly
A common issue in Singapore is dust buildup, which can clog the air filters, causing the system to work harder than necessary. Cleaning or replacing the air filter every few months can ensure smooth airflow and prevent unnecessary strain on the fan motor.
Maintaining Your AC Unit
Air conditioners require professional cleaning and maintenance every now and then to keep all functions working in good condition. Especially if you are living in Singapore, where the air conditioner is used daily to keep up with the city's sweltering heat.
Contact Luce today to talk to one of our knowledgeable technicians about any AC issues you may be experiencing.
