Is Your Window Air Con’s Fan Not Working? Try These 4 Fixes

Is your Window Air Conditioner’s fan not working, and you’re not sure why?

You’re not alone! Window Air Conditioners are complex appliances designed to work under specific conditions, so it’s common for homeowners like yourself to find issues occasionally.

I know how frustrating it can be to have your Window Air Conditioner’s fan fail to work, especially during a hot day. But don’t worry; you’ve come to the right place for answers. Below, you’ll find a list including 4 fixes you can try to spot the source of the problem and address it in the blink of an eye.

When your Window Air Conditioner’s fan is not working, first, you’ll need to identify the motor noise and then visually inspect the unit. Afterward, you’ll need to consider motor issues and check for airflow blockages.

Ready to repair your Window Air Conditioner’s fan? Let’s dive in!

Why Your Window Air Conditioner’s Fan Is Not Working

While there’s no single reason that can explain why your Window Air Conditioner’s fan is not working, in my experience, some culprits are more commonly to blame than others.

To help you make the diagnosing and repairing process faster, here are the steps I typically follow when I see a Window Air Conditioner’s fan motor that’s not working.

#1 Identify the Motor Noise

Before trying to do any repairs, it’s important to understand why your Window Air Conditioner’s fan is not working. I find that a good starting point is identifying the motor noise, as different noises mean different potential issues and require different solutions.

Most Window Air Conditioner models typically have at least 2 motors:

• The Compressor Motor, which pumps refrigerant (Freon).
• The Fan Motor, which operates the fan blades for the condenser coil and the “squirrel cage” for the evaporator coil. The fan motor circulates the cooled air into the room.

Solution: My usual advice is to listen closely and try to determine which motor you’re hearing. If only the compressor is running, it’s possible that the fan motor is having problems.

#2 Do a Visual Inspection

The next thing I recommend you do when your Window Air Conditioner’s fan is not working is to do a visual inspection of the unit and its components.

Solution: Confirm that the fan blades are still attached to the shaft, as there’s always the possibility that they’ve broken or are misaligned.

Look closely at the fan and try to spot any type of debris or foreign object that is keeping the fan from moving freely.

#3 Consider Motor Failure

Your Window Air Conditioner’s fan motor is essential to how the appliance works. Without the motor, the Air Conditioner cannot cool nor deliver the results you expect from it.

I’ve found that if your Window Air Conditioner’s fan is not working, there’s a good chance the motor is seized or malfunctioning in some way. A telltale sign that the motor is failing is that you’ll hear it attempting to move, but it won’t.

Typically, faulty Window Air Conditioner fan motors work intermittently. The motor will try to work, but it won’t be able to. Then, the motor will overheat, shut itself down, and try to repeat the process once it cools.

Solution: If you suspect your Window Air Conditioner’s fan motor is failing, my usual advice is to stop using the appliance immediately. Trying to use an Air Conditioner with a bad motor can cause permanent damage and decrease the unit’s lifespan significantly.

In many cases, motor failure will require you to replace the part to get the Window Air Conditioner working normally again. If you’re unsure how to go about the replacement process, please get in touch with a certified HVAC technician for a quotation on the part and the labor cost.

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Find A Repair Professional You Can Trust

#4 Check for Airflow Blockages

The last thing I recommend you check when your Window Air Conditioner’s fan is not working is that there are no airflow blockages anywhere.

Sometimes, the fan might be okay, but reduced airflow can make it look like there’s something wrong with the appliance. In such cases, my first action would be to check the filters and coils for dirt and any other kind of obstruction.

Solution: You should clean/replace your Window Air Conditioner’s filters at least once every 2-3 months or more often if you live in an area with a lot of dust. Constant cleaning will ensure the filters are unobstructed and working optimally.

And the same goes for the coils.

Depending on your Window Air Conditioner’s brand and model, your filters will either be permanent or replaceable. If the filters are permanent, cleaning them is the best course of action, whereas buying new ones is best if they’re not.

You can try accessing the filter and the coils yourself and clean them thoroughly. However, if you’re unsure about the process or are unwilling to risk damaging the appliance, you can always contact a certified technician you trust.

Repairing Your Window Air Conditioner’s Fan Motor

That about sums it up!

When your Window Air Conditioner’s fan is not working, you’re left at the mercy of sweltering temperatures on Summer days.

Luckily, as I hope this piece has helped you better understand, addressing the most common causes behind a Window Air Conditioner fan that’s not working can be easy and quick. In most cases, all you need to do to get things back to normal is ensure the filters and coils are clean and identify where the motor noise is coming from, if there’s any.

Thanks for reading. If this article was useful and answered your questions, please check out our other resources and free guides below and consider subscribing to our newsletter.

Have a great day!

-Craig.