When it comes to staying cool during the summertime in Lafayette, the outside air conditioning condenser is a critical piece of equipment. But when the outside unit isn’t working, you’ll find your home can quickly become an unbearable environment. Since the condenser is responsible for lowering the temperature of refrigerant and dispersing it inside the home, it’s important to understand what’s causing the unit to malfunction so you can get it running again. Here’s what you need to know when the outside unit of your AC isn’t working properly.

What is an AC condenser?

An AC condenser is an important part of an air conditioning system. It is responsible for transferring heat from inside your home to the outside. The condenser works by exchanging air, cooling it, and then blowing the cooled air through the central air-conditioning system. The outside condenser unit consists of the fan, outdoor coil, compressor, and electric control box. The fan helps to move heat and air around, while the outdoor coil cools and condenses the refrigerant, and the compressor circulates the refrigerant. Together, these components work together to keep your home cool and comfortable.

Two people sitting on a couch fanning themselves because their outside AC is not working.

Why is my AC unit fan not spinning?

The main reason your AC unit fan isn’t spinning could be a lack of power to the fan or an obstruction. The other potential issues are the fan isn’t getting enough voltage, the fan motor is too hot, something is stuck in the fan blades, or the fan belt needs to be replaced.

Why is my AC unit outside not turning on?

The main reasons your AC unit outside is not turning on could be something that has tripped the circuit breaker, something is blocking the fan’s airflow, or the condensing unit is damaged. Other potential issues could be the thermostat isn’t set correctly or the compressor could be malfunctioning. If you can’t get your outside AC unit fan not running but the inside unit is, contact a professional to take a look.

Why is my outside AC unit fan not running but the inside is?

If your inside unit is running but the outside AC unit fan isn’t running, there could be a few potential causes. To diagnose the problem, first, check the circuit breaker, then inspect the condensing unit for any visible damage, and then check if the fan’s airflow is blocked. Other possible issues are the fan is driven by a belt that needs to be changed, the fan is frozen due to a lack of lubrication, or the fan motor is bad. If you can’t find the issue it’s best to contact a professional who will be able to properly diagnose and repair your AC unit.

Thermostat inside a home in Lafayette, set to seventy degrees on cool.

Troubleshooting when your outside unit isn’t working

When the AC unit fan isn’t spinning and the outside unit isn’t turning on, you can try a few different steps to troubleshoot the issue. If you can’t get the AC unit fan spinning or the outside unit turning on, contact a professional to come and take a look. With proper repair and ongoing maintenance, your AC unit should be working properly and running smoothly in no time.

1. Check the circuit breaker

The most common reason for a condenser to stop working is something that has tripped the circuit breaker. A circuit breaker is an electrical safety device that shuts off power to a circuit if it detects an overloaded electrical load. This could be due to a bad electrical connection, an overheated motor or a short circuit. To check the circuit breaker, locate it in your home’s circuit breaker box and look for a tripped breaker, which will be in the center position between on and off. Reset the breaker and see if your AC works again.

2. Clear any blockages blocking the fan’s airflow

Another possible problem that is causing your outside unit to not work is that there may be something blocking the fan’s airflow. If it’s clogged with dirt, leaves, dust, or other debris, the cooling effect won’t be efficient and your home won’t be able to cool down properly. You can clear the fan of any blockages if you’re comfortable doing so, or you can contact a professional to take a look. It’s also possible that the fan simply isn’t running because the motor is bad, the fan is driven by a belt that needs to be changed, or the fan is frozen due to a lack of lubrication.

3. Check the condensing unit itself for any visible damage

You’ll also want to check the condensing unit itself for any visible damage. If it is rusted, corroded, or shows any other signs of physical damage, you’ll need to contact a professional. They’ll be able to determine if the condensing unit needs to be replaced or repaired.

4. Check the thermostat

One last item to check if your outside unit isn’t working is the thermostat. You should check if it’s been set to the correct temperature and also make sure it’s set to “cool”. If the AC settings are not right, it won’t turn on. You can also check if the batteries in the thermostat are fresh and replace them if needed.

Lee’s AC technicians diagnosing a broken AC condenser.

Call Lee’s AC to fix your outside unit!

If you’ve tried all of the above options and are still having problems, it may be a good idea to contact a professional. They will be able to diagnose the issue and come up with the best solution – either fixing the existing outside unit or replacing it, if need be. A professional will also be able to properly troubleshoot other issues that you may not know about, such as clogged refrigerant lines, a misaligned fan, or a malfunctioning compressor.

At Lee’s AC in Lafayette, we are proud to offer unparalleled customer service and AC repairs. Our team of experienced, highly skilled AC technicians are dedicated to providing reliable, cost-efficient solutions to your cooling problems. If your outside unit isn’t working, reach out to our team today!