Berkeys / Berkeys Blog

November 28, 2016

Repairing Fan In Window Air Conditioner For Dallas Homeowners

Repairing the fan in a window air conditioner can be as simple as giving its bearings a generous shot of a penetrating oil-lubricant, or it may require replacing the motor assembly. The fan motors used in window air conditioners are inexpensive and designed with welded cases and therefore cheaper to replace than to repair.

This video shows ho to clean a Fan in a Window Air Conditioner.

How to Repair the Fan in Window Air Conditioners

Air conditioner units contain a number of parts that work together to create the cool air that keeps your room at a comfortable temperature. While large central air units require a licensed technician to repair, window-mounted units are more tolerant of a do-it-yourselfer. Troubleshooting why the fan isn’t working can help you keep your room temperature maintained and your wallet intact.

Remove From Window

Unplug the unit from the wall outlet and remove the screws holding the side accordion panels and the window unit in place. Air conditioners are heavy, so have a helper hold the unit securely while you remove the mounting screws. This ensures that the unit does not fall out the window. With your helper, slide the unit from the window and set it on the floor where you can work on it comfortably. Remove the screws holding the case in place and slide it off the unit. Be careful when handling the case because the razor-sharp edges of the sheet metal can cut you.

Clean and Check Fan Movement

Before you begin working on the air conditioner, clean the unit with a shop vacuum. Your household vacuum will also do the job if it has a wand attachment. Make sure that you vacuum out the inside of the fan motor housing by placing the mouth of the wand against the holes in the ends of the motor’s case. Dirt, dust bunnies and pet hair can accumulate inside the motor and keep the motor’s rotor from turning freely. Next, check to see if the fan blade turns easily by hand. Check to see if the blades have become bent and are rubbing against the fan’s shroud. These motors produce very little torque when starting and almost any dirt in the bearings or the slightest contact with the shroud around the blade will keep them from running properly.

Check the Motor’s Bearings

If the fan blades were bent and the shroud around the blade has not come loose, chances are the motor has bad bearings that will need to be replaced. To check the bearings, grasp the blade in your hand and try moving the shaft from side to side. Any appreciable movement confirms bad bearings, and the motor will need to be replaced. If the blades were not bent but do not turn freely, give the bearings a generous shot of penetrating oil. If that frees up the shaft and the blade turns freely, you have probably saved yourself the cost of replacing the motor. Plug the unit in and see if the fan now runs as it should. Unplug the unit again before replacing the case.

Replacing Fan Motor

Unplug the motor’s wiring harness from the control board. Then remove the screws holding the motor in place. Take the old motor with you to the appliance supply store to make sure you get an exact replacement. You can buy universal fan replacement motors based on their fractional horsepower rating and voltage, but you’re better off spending a few extra dollars to get an exact replacement motor. Replace the motor, reassemble the case, reinstall the unit in the window and plug the unit in.

Importance Of Window Air Conditioner Fan

Air conditioners use blower fans to transfer the warm air away from a desired location and return cold air. Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners don’t really produce cold air; they merely transfer warm air away. The purpose of a blower fan is to maximize air flow not only through the machine, but also airflow of cooler air out of the machine. Call us for your home service and repair needs.