Texas summer heat is no joking matter. Every modern household should feature a fully functioning HVAC system to keep families cool when the heat waves roll in. But if your AC fan is spinning backward, it puts a wrench in comfort once temperatures spike. 

Don’t sweat it. Minutemen Heating & Air specializes in comprehensive HVAC services in Colleyville, TX. Our crew explains why your fan cycles are reversed and what to do about it below. 

What Do Air Conditioner Fans Typically Do?

The air conditioner fan connects to the blower motor, which does most of the heavy lifting of drawing in and forcing air into your ductwork. The fan rotates to pull the air through the motor. When you have air conditioner fan issues, you won’t feel the chilled, dry air from the vents. 

But how do you know if your AC fan is spinning backward, and which way should it rotate? 

How Can You Tell When Your Fan Starts Spinning the Wrong Way?

An AC fan rotating in reverse typically turns counterclockwise. However, unless you know how to access it, you might be unable to tell just by observing the blades. You can still determine when something is wrong if:

• You recently changed your HVAC filter and keep all vents open and clear. Air can’t move through blocked or closed vent grates. Filthy filters will also limit cool airflow.
• The temperature is steadily rising in your Colleyville home despite your thermostat working correctly. You know that the thermostat takes accurate readings and has your preferred settings, yet you still break a sweat indoors. 
• The data tag shows incorrect spin directions. Check your outdoor equipment for a plastic tag or plate. The tag should display the correct rotation directions alongside the actual fan rotation. Your AC fan is spinning backward if the two don’t match. 

What Does Your AC Fan Spinning Backward Mean?

Leave the HVAC fan troubleshooting to your technician in Colleyville, Texas. The fan is one of many delicate connected parts that require careful handling. Plus, fixing the fan may involve dealing with electrical wiring. Let’s examine why your fan spins the wrong way below. 

Reversed Wiring

The wires connected to the fan dictate which way the blades spin. If an unqualified contractor installed your HVAC system, they might get the wire connections mixed up. Your technician can disconnect and correctly reconnect the wires, assuming this is why your AC fan spins the wrong way.

Capacitor Problems

The capacitor is the powerhouse of the HVAC system. It stores electricity to give the air conditioner some extra juice upon the next cycle startup. If the capacitor can’t store enough power or fails to deliver the electricity, it can cause AC unit fan problems. 

You’ll probably notice accompanying symptoms, like piercing noises, sudden system shutdowns, and sluggish cycle startups, first. A failing or damaged capacitor is often a sign of a bigger concern. 

Frayed Belt

HVAC systems contain belts to pull and exert force toward other moving parts. The belt attaches and controls your air conditioner fan, using power from the blower motor to turn the blades. Most belts consist of flexible rubber that becomes frayed and worn thin over the years. 

A stringy belt piece might wrap around the fan, pulling it in the opposite direction. Fortunately, you can easily replace HVAC belts without breaking the bank. 

Motor Death

A dying blower motor is one of the worst reversed AC fan causes. Blower motors are expensive to replace and are designed to last about as long as your HVAC system. When motor performance consistently goes awry, it might indicate that a complete air conditioner replacement service is on the horizon. 

How To Keep Your Fan Working Perfectly in Colleyville, Texas

HVAC systems and people have something in common: Stress causes small problems to snowball out of control. You might not pick up on one minor issue, but it can eventually develop into a more expensive concern. Reduce stress on your system and yourself with annual air conditioner maintenance in Colleyville, Texas.

You depend on your cooling system to keep you comfortable. Those demands put stress on your system, resulting in damaged belts, dirty fan blades, and other seemingly minor problems. Your technician keeps them from becoming major repairs and impromptu replacements.