Why Does The Fan Keep Running On My Air Conditioner
The air conditioning unit has a fan inside it. Once you turn off your air conditioner, the fan should also stop running. However, there are cases that the fan continues to run after you turn it off. So why does the fan keep running on my air conditioner?
Causes And Troubleshooting
If your air conditioner fan keeps running after you turn it off, it's an indicator that something is wrong. Here are some of the causes why does the fan keep running on my air conditioner and some troubleshooting steps.
- The evaporator coil is dirty- If your evaporator coil is filled with dust and dirt, it will hamper the cooling process and will make the air conditioner work even harder to cool your space. Make sure to clean your air conditioner.
- The evaporator coil is frozen - In case that your air conditioner is blasting warm air from the supply ventilators and the fan is frequently running after you turn it off, the evaporator coil could have frozen up. Switch off your air conditioning unit and call a professional to diagnose the cause and prevent additional damage to the system.
- Clogged air filter - Dust and dirt clogged in the air filter restrict air flow, thus hindering your air conditioner from functioning properly. The system can't eliminate humidity and cool the air to the set temperature if there's not sufficient air flowing over the coils. This could be the reason why the fan is running when it shouldn't. Keep your air filters clean.
- Filters used are restrictive - Let's say you have replaced your air filters, but the fan still keeps on running after it's off, you may be using a filter that's restrictive for your system just like the one made to remove pollen and allergens. It's recommended to use a lower MERV value filter for better airflow.
- Low refrigerant charge. - When there's a leak in the coils, you loose refrigerant in the system. This could be the reason why the unit keeps on running, working hard to cool the place. In this case, seek professional service to look and to repair the leak. They should be able to return the refrigerant to an accurate level.
- Broken thermostat. - With a broken thermostat, the unit doesn't know to turn off even when the temperature is reached. Examine your thermostat to see if the actual temperature in the space is below the set point. If it is, then you need to change your thermostat.
- Blower motor and fan issues. If your blower motor is not generating sufficient air for your system or the fan is working at a low speed, the system to lose efficiency to make it run too much. This problem can just be resolved by adjusting the fan speed. A layer of dirt on the fan blades can also decrease its performance.
Conclusion
Ignoring the issues mentioned above can cause additional damage that can be costly. Make sure to do monthly maintenance of your air conditioning unit.