Introduction
I was having issues with my fan motor locking up causing warm blowing air inside the house. Because of this it caused the inside unit to remain running all day while I was at work....only to find a $200 electric bill this month. SO I did some troubleshooting and found this was the culprit. The model of HVAC shown in the video is FPBA-036JAS. The AC guy wanted $350 to inspect and replace this motor... I was able to replace it for about $108 in about an hour.
Content
All right everybody, what I'm actually doing today is I'm exchanging a new motor.
That's a compressor fan motor onto a Rheem Corsair outside air conditioning unit, and so what I'm doing right now is I remove the old one.
This is the top panel from the outside unit, and this motor right here comes with some pegs they're about this tall here here here and here, as well as corresponding on the bottom there's.
Also four.
However, mine is a side mount.
So therefore, I will use the holes on the side with the screws that were provided to mount into all four sides.
Now this new one had a ground wire that the old one did not have, so this I will be mounting on the frame itself to be properly grounded.
This unit comes with a track when this is flipped over.
You will see the wires tucked away in this.
That goes through.
Here, goes all the way through and then down into the main unit, which is where the capacitor and the compressor are located.
So I'm going to go ahead and mount this motor and I'll be right back in just a second, and you can show you what show you it looks like now.
Also something I should point out is that this new one also came with something the old one did not have.
It did not have this 7.5 capacitor, it's kind of a run capacitor versus the other one just went straight wired.
It had a dual capacitor capacitor that looked something like this looks something like this.
Only this one I'll still have this, which I replaced on the unit itself, but this motor requires more or power and I don't want to birth, this to burn out the new motor.
So it comes with a separate capacitor just for the fan motor versus this is a dual one that does both the fan and the compressor itself.
Okay, so at this point, I have all four bolts that are installed into the Mount now.
One thing to mention here is that this wire section here almost it was a little tricky because, where the wire comes out, I had to come up and over because it wouldn't fit in the cradle there, and then this wire here I think what I'm wound up doing is putting the zip tie on this side and use this hole and there's one over here to fasten that.
So that way, that's the reversal switch.
If you take that out flip in 180 plug it back in it'll make the motor turn in the opposite direction.
So we actually want it to go clockwise.
So that's the way we want our motor to go all right.
Let me go ahead.
Oh the this part here, pretty straightforward, this basically just slides in and down, and lays against that and gets screwed in so I'm about to put that back on here right now.
Okay, so at this point, I have already placed the bridge or the crossmember there.
That is hiding the wires away from the fan fan blades the fan blades will go.
The fan blade itself will go right here.
So what you want to make sure this, this vamp fan actually hangs upside down.
So what you want to make sure is that you secure all these wires say, for instance, the ground wire actually fastened right there and then I made sure I, zip tied it to try to keep it away from the motor same thing with this I put one here and one over here make sure that they stay away from the motor there.
This is going to get either hot or you know, wiggle a little bit.
We don't want to cut any wires or anything like that.
So my next step at this point is this extra long.
Shaft I need to put my family on.
So it should look like this now when you put this on, if you notice, if I get a picture of this, there is a flat spot.
This particular motor has two flat spots, one here on this side and one on the other up to two sided there over there and there.
So there is a bolt here on the side.
You want this bolt to go flat against that edge there, either this one or the one on over here either one.
What you do not want it to do.
Is you don't want it to be on the round side? If you do that over time? What will happen is that the it'll mushroom and the next time you go to take this off or to put another motor on or another blade, or so you will have excruciating pain, trying to get that off of there.
So you want to make sure you put that on the flat side.
So oh my go ahead and do that and we'll go to the next step.
Alright folks, so right now, I've already put my fan blade back on there.
Now there is a little bit of space in between the motor and where it the shaft, goes to the bottom.
When I took the other one off, there was probably about maybe about a an inch inch and a half, maybe so I just kind of roughly did that again of just to kind of give that some space.
Now you want to kind of look around and make sure that there's plenty of space for everything all your wires and everything are out of the way make sure you tighten that down really good and, as you can see, it is right on that on that flat spot to make sure that it doesn't ruin it over time.
So, oh, it's actually raining outside right.
Now, it's a pretty good thunderstorm in Florida, so we're gonna have to wait the rain to stop so I can uncover the air-conditioner unit to proceed to the next step, but stay tuned and we'll get that so, while we're waiting to for the rain to stop outside.
There is a couple things that I want to just quickly mention here.
This fan blade this particular one is a two blade.
While it's pretty simple runs about thirty or forty dollars.
If you were had a little bigger one or perhaps had three blades on it, it would probably running around sixty or seventy dollars.
Now, when you're, putting your blade back on here, there is an inspection that you would want to do.
Rust is okay, however, if you have any hairline cracks or rips in the metal anywhere around these areas.
Here you would want to go ahead and replace this fan blade itself.
Otherwise, of course, you could just recycle and reuse the one that was already on it.
This is steel, and this is aluminum, so just again make sure that you check for cracks either hairline cracks or any kind of roughness and just kind of make sure it's able to be put back on the new motor, alright, another useful tip, even though it is still a little rainy.
I did go ahead and prep the bay here at which the fan will go back down inside and will hang from the underside and cool.
You know the coils out I did take my water hose and you want to make sure that you get all that kind of crud out of there's a little bit in there.
You won't be able to get out, but the most part get all this and hoes all down in between all these all the way around really good, they do make a special cleaner or for that it's maybe five bucks, something like that spray it on there.
Let it sit for a second hose it right back off, but you want to try to keep that clean as possible down there.
So in that way, that air can move through those bottom louvers there and get out and as well as pull air in from the outside and circulate so also, a very important tip is to keep that clean okay.
So it took a little bit of time, but eventually the rain stopped and had to wait, probably about an hour or so, but basically, at this point, I put the the cap back in there, and this is just my my handy dandy umbrella.
So what I did was I put the the fan motor back on I flipped it back over into the hole fed the wires that remember that channel is in there comes out and goes into the bottom.
There's the new little run capacitor there, and then this is the existing capacitor, which was the dual capacitor and here's my compressor.
So the brown, the brown white, the orange and the black come out of here and the pattern of the wire colors were a little bit different.
The white goes with the orange.
The black goes to the black and the brown and the brown and white actually just go to that.
Little run capacitor there, which controls the fan it used to be that there was two orange ones like a cream cream, colored orange and a bright orange, the bright orange being the white one and the cream-colored orange used to go to the dual capacitor here, this big one, but now since this little ones here with a different voltage, it's over there, so everything looks to be run good.
So, let's give it a try and see what happens.
Alright so looks like everything is in working order, and now our air conditioner is now fixed.
The problem that I had before was that the fan motor, if you were to put your hand on the top of that metal plate there.
Basically, what was happening was it was getting extremely hot and by getting extremely hot, the bearings inside of there were basically freezing or seizing, and it was causing the condenser not to be able to cool properly.
So while the inside was running, the outside was actually locked up and it was making kind of like a humming sound.
Therefore, my electric bill actually was $200 just previous month, so I kind of already figured something was going on.
So by changing the fan motor, which was locking up I, mean this unit is was manufactured in 1998, so I mean it's definitely seen a lot of wear and tear on that fan.
Motor so hope you enjoyed the video feel free to subscribe and look back for some more helpful tips and videos until next time.
FAQs
Can I replace a condenser fan motor myself? ›
As we're in the heart of air conditioner season, you may find yourself dealing with an expired condenser fan motor. Fortunately, this is a repair that can be done by non-professionals. Start by confirming the issue is in fact a motor in need of replacement.
How long does it take to replace a condenser fan motor? ›A professional HVAC technician can replace a condenser fan motor in one to two hours, though most technicians will also conduct an inspection and potentially replace other parts at the same time, meaning a full repair may take longer.
How much is labor to replace condenser fan motor? ›The average cost for an Air Conditioning Condenser Fan Motor Replacement is between $282 and $418. Labor costs are estimated between $97 and $123 while parts are priced between $185 and $296.
How much does it cost to replace a condenser fan motor in an air conditioner? ›AC condenser fan motor replacement costs $200 to $700 on average if not under warranty or $100 to $300 for labor under warranty. Central air conditioner fan motor prices are $100 to $400 for the part alone, depending on the brand, model, and voltage. AC repair services charge $75 to $150 per hour for labor.
What causes a condenser fan motor to go out? ›The main causes of failure are loss of lubricant, a failed run capacitor, a failed bearing in a belt drive, a little water dripping into the windings or a voltage problem.
Where is the model number on a condenser fan motor? ›The model number is typically located on a label on the outside of your AC unit. The label may be located on the back, side, or bottom of the unit. Look for a label with the manufacturer's name, model number, and serial number.
What happens when a condenser fan motor goes bad? ›The most telltale signs that there's an issue with the fan motor are: The cooling fans won't turn on. The fan turns on when the AC is running, but the blades rotate slowly. You can hear a rattling noise coming from the condenser unit.
Can I change HP on a condenser fan motor? ›Although it is not too difficult to change a condenser fan motor, it is still possible to do it incorrectly. Of course you need a motor that operates at the same voltage, phase, and frequency of the original motor and it should also be the same horsepower.
How do I know if my fan motor or capacitor is bad? ›Here's an easy way to test if the fan's capacitor is bad.
If the fan takes off and then keeps going on its own, you more than likely have a bad start capacitor. You took over its job of kick-starting the fan by pushing the blades. If the fan doesn't start running, you may have a bad fan motor.
Common signs include lukewarm air coming from the AC vent, the car overheating while idle, and a burning smell in the car.
How do I know if my condenser fan capacitor is bad? ›
Look through the vents for the fan on top of the unit. If your AC fan is not spinning, find a long, thin object (a stick, screwdriver, pliers). Slide it into the vents and gently push one of the fan blades. If the fan starts spinning on its own and keeps spinning, you have a faulty capacitor.
Is it worth replacing fan motor on AC? ›Without a working air conditioning fan motor, additional parts in your air conditioner can quickly stop working, resulting in even more required repairs and frustration over a home that's unbearably hot.
What is the average price for an AC fan motor? ›The ac fan motor cost can range from $300 to $600 for a replacement. It's critical to get this replaced as soon as possible because if the ac fan motor fails, your air conditioner's compressor is likely the next component to break. Replacing the compressor costs considerably more at $2,000 on average.
How much is labor for condenser? ›Labor Cost
HVAC companies may charge between $100 and $200 per hour for services like condenser repair or replacement. Installing a new AC condenser typically takes between three and five hours for an average of $600 in labor.
HVAC Replacement Cost By Tonnage
A 2-ton HVAC replacement costs around $7,000, while a 5-ton will be closer to $9,000.
If you purchase a new capacitor and try to replace it yourself, you may be able to do it for as low as $80, though this isn't recommended. If you hire a professional AC service and request a high-end capacitor, you could pay as much as $400. The average cost of capacitor replacement is around $175.
What controls the condenser fan motor? ›The contactor is a switch found inside your HVAC unit that controls the voltage distributed to the compressor and condenser fan motor.
Is there a reset button on outside AC unit? ›Some air conditioning systems have a reset switch, which is a small, red button. Typically, the button will be on the outdoor unit. If you have a problem locating it on the outdoor unit, you may find relevant details on the equipment's manufacturer's manual. Press the red button for three seconds and release.
Will the condenser fan come on if the compressor is bad? ›An air conditioning unit can still appear to run with a malfunctioning HVAC compressor. AC unit is equipped with a pair of fans, which still can run even in case of a malfunctioned compressor.
Do all condenser fan motors have capacitors? ›1) Condenser Fan Motor
They always have a capacitor, usually a dual capacitor if it's an original motor and a single capacitor if it's a replacement aftermarket motor. The factory motor usually has three wires and the aftermarket version usually has 4 wires.
How long do condenser fan motors last? ›
More likely is a lifespan of 10 to 20 years which means by the time the AC motor fails it's often time to consider replacing the entire system. One reason they last so long is they are designed and manufactured to withstand extreme heat up to 140℉.
Does the condenser fan always run when the AC is on? ›You may not think it always running is a bad thing. But if you're asking, “Does the outside AC fan always run?” the answer is “No.” It should not run non-stop. If the unit runs continuously, something is preventing the AC from reaching the set temperature. Here are some reasons why this may be happening.
Why is my AC fan not working but the compressor is? ›If the compressor is working, but the fan won't turn, then the problem is most likely with the motor and/or capacitor. When an AC fan fails to spin and no audible indications of compressor activity are detected, it is usually due to a lack of power or a malfunctioning compressor contactor.
What else should you replace when replacing a fan motor in an HVAC? ›Start Run Capacitor
If a Run capacitor goes bad, then a motor can turn on, but the running amperage will be higher than normal, causing the motor to run hot and have a short life expectancy. After replacing a bad condensing Fan Motor, a new Start Run Capacitor should always be installed.
Yes they should be on at the same time. There's controls that can be added so the compressor runs and the fan cycles on and off in cool weather but when it's hot they both run at the same time. Compressor shutting down with the fan on means the compressor is overheating.
Does the capacitor start the fan motor? ›Depending on your air conditioning unit, it may have multiple capacitors. The run capacitor, also sometimes called an “A/C capacitor,” uses its stored energy to turn or run the fan motor. Without the run capacitor, the fan cannot turn. The start capacitor provides the initial energy needed for start-up.
Will a motor run with a bad capacitor? ›When a capacitor short-circuits, the winding in the motor may burn out. When a capacitor deteriorates or opens, the motor has poor starting torque. Poor starting torque may prevent the motor from starting, which will usually trip the overloads.
How much does it cost to replace AC capacitor? ›Installing a new AC capacitor usually costs between $80 and $400, including labor, but most homeowners pay around $190. Several factors can affect these costs. For instance, if you live in a particularly hot region with a high demand for AC technicians, you'll likely pay more in labor than in cooler regions.
How much does a condenser fan motor cost? ›The average cost of a condenser fan motor is between $300 and $500 (not including installation). If the compressor breaks, you are looking at a much costlier problem which could cost up to $2000. In some cases, your fan motor may be under warranty.
How do you know if you need a new AC capacitor? ›Some bad AC capacitor symptoms to watch for are warm air blowing out of your air vents, a humming noise or burning smell from the outdoor AC unit, unusually high electric bills, or your air conditioner starts turning off suddenly or not at all.
Can a condenser fan run without a capacitor? ›
Most of the motors in your air conditioner can't run without a good capacitor. Like I said, they support these motors. They help the motor start and run efficiently. Some people have gone out to their air conditioner and noticed the fan wasn't spinning on their AC as it should be.
What happens when AC fan motor goes out? ›The fan motor can cause significant damage to your system if it's not working properly. If the fan motor is stuck, it could cause the compressor to overheat and fail, which can cause your entire system to break down. It's a good idea to check your AC fan motor every year, or at least once every two years.
How long is the life expectancy of a fan motor? ›The industry standard is a 20-year life cycle. Furnace blower motors are designed and built to last many years with minor maintenance and no special attention.
Should you run the fan if AC is broken? ›Running your heating and cooling fan even when the AC isn't on helps circulate air throughout your home for consistent comfort. And with the air being circulated by the fan, you'll often end up with cleaner, fresher air in your home.
How much does it cost to replace a blower motor in an air conditioner? ›Nationally, you can expect to pay about $550 on average for a blower motor replacement, including labor. However, if your unit is under warranty, you might get away with a labor-only charge of as little as $130. More complicated units, or units that are difficult to access, can cost as much as $2,000+ to replace.
Does AC fan cost money? ›It could cost you hundreds of dollars a year. The average unit has a 500-watt fan, which uses almost as much energy over the course of the year as a refrigerator, resulting in a $50/month bill.
How long do AC units last? ›While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
Can I replace my AC condenser myself? ›We do not recommend you try and replace the condenser yourself unless you're an experienced DIY-er or have HVAC expertise. Typically, a complex repair like this one is better handled by a professional.
Can you replace AC condenser only? ›Yes, you can replace only your air conditioner's condenser unit. However, you may save money by replacing the entire air conditioner if the system is more than a decade old.
How much is a condenser motor for an AC unit? ›A condenser fan motor can cost anywhere between $75 and $600 depending on the size, brand, model and type of air conditioning unit. Most air conditioners offer warranties lasting between five and 25 years so replacing this part may be covered by a warranty.
Can I replace my HVAC condenser myself? ›
We do not recommend you try and replace the condenser yourself unless you're an experienced DIY-er or have HVAC expertise. Typically, a complex repair like this one is better handled by a professional.
How do I know if my AC condenser fan motor is bad? ›- The cooling fans won't turn on.
- The fan turns on when the AC is running, but the blades rotate slowly.
- You can hear a rattling noise coming from the condenser unit.
- It smells like something's burning.
- Blown fuse.
The average cost of a condenser fan motor is between $300 and $500 (not including installation). If the compressor breaks, you are looking at a much costlier problem which could cost up to $2000. In some cases, your fan motor may be under warranty.
Can I use a different condenser fan motor? ›Although it is not too difficult to change a condenser fan motor, it is still possible to do it incorrectly. Of course you need a motor that operates at the same voltage, phase, and frequency of the original motor and it should also be the same horsepower.
Can you replace AC unit without replacing air handler? ›The simple answer is No. When replacing the outside AC unit in your home, HVAC experts recommend that you also replace the indoor unit. While this is entirely your decision, failure to replace both can cause issues such as reduced efficiency, regular failures, and increased cooling costs.
What is the most expensive part of an AC unit to replace? ›One of the most expensive parts of your AC unit is the compressor. As the heart of your system, the compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the system, which is responsible for cooling the air in your home.
Can you replace outside AC unit without replacing inside unit? ›Here's our recommendation: You should replace both the outdoor and indoor units together for the following reasons: Old indoor units are incompatible with new outdoor units. Mismatched indoor and outdoor units lead to serious problems. Replacing only one unit can void the manufacturer warranty.
What does a bad condenser fan do? ›Common signs include lukewarm air coming from the AC vent, the car overheating while idle, and a burning smell in the car.