Central air problem - squirrel cage blower?

Question

I recently had a new capacitor and relay installed but I still have the same problem: the blower stops moving and completely stops. I took off the door and looked at the blower and it was filthy! Isn't this something that the repairman could have seen in TWO visits?

Can this cause the coils to freeze and the blower to stop?

How much does it usually cost to have the blower fan cleaned? I know it will have to be taken out for cleaning...can I do this myself?

Answer 1

you should be able to remove the fan, usually its on a slid track with 2 screws holding it in,

if theres no air flow over the coils they will freeze up,

Answer 2

HVAC Tech.: You are doing business with the wrong a/c repair company. He should have cleaned the blower when he replaced the capacitor. YOU have to assume part of the blame. Blowers cannot get that dirty if YOU change the return air filter EVERY MONTH.    Dirty blower cannot move the amount of air it should, so the coil will freeze over. Right NOW the whole system needs a good PROFESSIONAL cleaning. Spend the money now and save a lot later,but with a different company. You might want to call and complain about the first tech. They need the opportunity to improve their service reputation. Good Luck.

Answer 3

The motor sounds like it is getting hot and shutting off.  If the blower stops working the coils will freeze.  The best way to confirm is to check the voltage at the motor when it has stopped.  If you have voltage at the motor and it is not running the motor is at fault.  A dirty squirrel cage by itself is not causing the unit to stop.  If you pull the blower assembly to replace the motor you can spray all the dirt away with a garden hose.  Then install the new the motor and everything is clean and you get better air flow.  Many repairmen will not clean the blower even though they have it out.  Why, I call it lazy.  Sorry I don't  know how much someone else would charge.

Answer 4

It might be the fan motor going out, try to listen to it when it starts and you might hear the bearings going out. Insuffent airflow and/or lack of refriderent will cause coils to freeze