Home HVAC Condensor Dead? HELP!!?

Question

Earlier today our home HVAC Condenser (unsure of brand, about 10 years old) began making a screeching noise. Noise seemed to be from motor for fan. Air was still cool from vents in house and other than the noise seemed fine. I just noticed that the air is no longer cool and when I went to check condenser, the fan blades were no longer moving. I can hear the motor humming as if trying to spin, but nothing happening.

Could this mean a dead fan motor? Any ideas on a DIY fix our should I call in the pros? (am in the South and going to be a HOT night without AC).

Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

If you don't fix it right now,

TURN your A/C off not to burn the compressor.

If your fan motor does not work at all, it may be capacitor, or bad motor.

But first of all, turn power "OFF" and try to spin the fan with screwdriver,

If does not spin, unscrew the fan/motor assembly, put some oil in the motor bear rings and loose it free.

Good luck.

Don't forget if not able to fix it to turn UNIT "OFF"

Answer 2

Call the serviceman. It is beyond a DIY project.

Answer 3

i would call in the pros if i was you.no sense on wasting time you don't want to have a hot night.

Answer 4

Sounds like a faulty fan motor.

If your not handy with things like this the wiring could trip you up if trying to do yourself.

Plus the pros's will know if anything else needs attention while they are there.

Answer 5

naaaaaaaaa      ........... you can DIY.... turnoff a/c breaker [double breaker at b/box  .......  cut the wires about 5 inches from the bad motor .. take motor to an A/C supply store not a place where they do service but a supply store  ..... they should be able to help you including  how to wire it [ it  may have different colored wires ] but the results will be the same    ......good luck     ....... motor should be about $100. labor is free........  get you some wire nuts .....  no tape