What Causes an AC Fan to Run Without the Compressor?
A spinning outdoor fan can be misleading. It may suggest that your air conditioner is operating normally, especially when the indoor blower is also pushing air through the vents. However, if the rooms stay warm and the air does not feel properly cooled, the compressor may not be running. The fan and compressor work together, but they are responsible for different stages of the cooling process. The condenser fan draws air across the outdoor coil so the system can release heat. The compressor moves refrigerant through the indoor and outdoor equipment, allowing that refrigerant to absorb heat from the house and carry it outside. Without compressor operation, refrigerant cannot circulate as required. The system may continue moving air, but it cannot complete the heat-transfer cycle needed to cool the property. Several conditions may stop the compressor from starting. An electrical component may have lost strength, a safety device may have opened the circuit, or refrigerant pressure may be ...