The heat from the condenser is being removed by the condenser fan. However, The air conditioning C condenser fan engages when the AC system requires a little additional help to cool the condenser. Dual electric fans are a common feature in contemporary vehicles. The radiator will use one, while the condenser will use the other.
If the condenser overheats, the refrigerant cannot be turned into the cooled liquid form required to produce cold air. There will likely be a few warning signs in your car if the condenser fan fails.
The cabin will become unbearably hot without proper cooling. The condenser fan is one of the many crucial parts of the AC system, but it is also one that is prone to damage.
Today, you’ll get to know what the AC condenser fan is, its function, symptoms, location, and replacement cost. You’ll also get to know how to replace the AC condenser fan.
Contents
What is the AC condenser fan?
The AC condenser fan is an electrical device that functions to keep the condenser cool so that it can continue converting gas into liquid and to keep the AC system functioning as it should.
When the car is stopped or moving slowly, the condenser fan blows air across the condenser to maintain the same temperature inside the car. The AC system may stop functioning if the condenser fan fails.
If the refrigerant is not converted from a hot gas to a liquid, the pressure will rise too high. The AC system is turned off by the car’s computer when it detects that the pressure is getting too high.
The function of the AC condenser fan
The air conditioning condenser fan functions to keep the condenser cool so that it can continue converting gas into liquid and to keep the AC system functioning as it should.
There cannot be any leaks in this system, and each component must function as intended. The crankshaft of the vehicle powers the AC compressor. It is in charge of pressurizing the refrigerant gas. The AC switches from a low to a high-pressure state at this point in the system.
The AC condenser, which serves as a small radiator, is where the high-pressure refrigerant flows from here. The condenser fan assists in removing the heat. The gas returns to a liquid state when the heat is removed. As a result, the condenser and fan play a crucial role in the AC system’s ability to remove heat.
When the condenser fan is unable to carry out its function, the pressure is not released, and the gas moves through the system without becoming liquefied when it should. This refrigerant will enter the expansion valve orifice tubes and drier/accumulator at higher pressures than it should.
Symptoms of a bad and failing AC condenser fan
Knowing the symptoms of your bad or failing air conditioning condenser fan can help you determine your next course of action for resolving your issue. However, some symptoms of a bad air conditioning condenser fan include:
- Lukewarm air
- Burning smell
- Car overheats while idling
Lukewarm air
One of the most common symptoms of a failing AC condenser fan is lukewarm air coming from the vent. This occurs when the condenser is overheated and unable to convert the refrigerant into a cooled liquid state.
Warm air indicates that this part is not cooling the condenser, which is why the fan is meant to keep the condenser from overheating. Your issue might be the AC condenser fan, but there are other possibilities as well. For instance, warm air will be released from the system when the refrigerant levels are low.
Burning smell
If you notice that whenever your AC is on, you begin to perceive the smell of something burning, that might be a symptom of a failing AC condenser fan. All of the AC system’s parts will overheat to the point of burning if the condenser becomes too hot.
Damage increases as time goes on in this situation. Immediately switch off the air conditioning if you smell anything burning. Otherwise, you might need to replace more than just the fan.
Car overheats while idling
Another symptom of a failing condenser fan is if your car overheats when the AC is on and the engine is idling. The AC condenser generates a lot of heat while converting energy, which might affect the engine’s temperature.
Location of the AC condenser fan in the vehicle
You’ll find the AC condenser fan for your car under the hood, in the front of the car. Most often, there will be two fan assemblies. One is found on the condenser, and the other is used on the radiator. You may need to check the service manual for your car to distinguish between them.
However, a lot of cars use the same fan for both the radiator and the condenser. Your condenser fan ought to be running whenever the air conditioner is on. This fan should start to spin with the AC system once the engine is started. It should be replaced if it isn’t.
Car AC condenser fan replacement cost
The cost to replace an AC condenser fan ranges from $300 to $425 on average. Depending on your make and model, labor costs can range from $55 to $200, while parts cost between $245 and $330. The motor, housing, and blades of the condenser cooling fan are all included in the package. It makes no sense to replace just one component of the unit.
How to replace an AC condenser fan
Before you decide to change your AC condenser fan, you have to be very sure that the issue you’re having with your AC system is from it. Because if you replace your AC condenser fan without addressing the issue, it will be a waste of time and money.
However, if you notice one or more of the symptoms listed above, it’s a sign that your car’s AC condenser fan is failing, and it must be replaced as soon as possible. Well, the video below will show you the parts and steps involved in replacing your AC condenser fan.
FAQ
How do I know if my AC condenser fan is bad?
- The condenser fan won’t turn on even when the AC is on.
- Blades are rotating very slowly when the fan is turned on
- The fan won’t stop, even when you shut the AC off.
- Rattling noise coming from the condenser unit when the fan is turned on.
How much does it cost to replace an AC condenser fan motor?
Depending on the size, model, and brand of the air conditioner, a condenser fan motor can cost anywhere from $75 to $600. This part’s replacement may be covered by a warranty because most air conditioners have warranties that run between five and 25 years.
What does the AC condenser fan do?
The function of the AC condenser fan is to keep the condenser cool so that it can continue converting gas into liquid and, in general, to keep the AC system functioning as it should. Your car would most likely show a few warning signs if the condenser fan failed.
What happens if the condenser fan fails?
Since the condenser fan cools such a major part of the AC system, it is crucial to pay close attention to its operation if your AC is not functioning. In addition to failing to produce cold air, a broken fan may also cause the AC system to become overheated and breakdown.
How long do AC condenser fans last?
A lifespan of 10 to 20 years is more typical, which implies that by the time the AC motor breaks, it is likely time to think about replacing the entire system. One factor contributing to their durability is that they were created to endure temperatures as high as 140°F.
Can I replace an AC fan motor myself?
The fact is that non-professional can handle this repair. First, be sure the problem is a motor that has to be replaced. Start by shutting off the AC unit’s power. Then, try manually rotating the fan blade.
Can AC work without a condenser fan?
Even if one can function without the other, it won’t perform well. Your system can suffer serious damage if the fan stops working, which can happen if it becomes overheated.
Does the AC condenser fan run all the time?
When your heating and cooling system is turned on and off, so should your HVAC fan. While it’s usual for the fan to turn on shortly before heating or cooling begins or to remain on shortly after cooling stops, it shouldn’t run continuously for long periods of time.
What causes the condenser fan motor to go out?
The main reasons for failure are lubricant loss, run capacitor failure, belt drive bearing failure, a small quantity of water dropping into the windings, and voltage problems.
That is all for this article. Where we discussed what the AC condenser fan is, its function, symptoms, location, and replacement cost. We also looked at how to replace the AC condenser fan.
Related Article:
- Symptoms of a bad transmission cooler and its Replacement Cost
- Symptoms of a bad radiator fan
- List of best portable air conditioners without window access
- AC Low-side pressure too high: causes and how to fix
- Car AC smells like vinegar (causes and how to get rid of it)
I hope you learned a lot from reading this article. If you do, kindly share it with others. Thanks for reading; see you around!
