How To Replace An A/C Fan Blade

When you're first considering whether or not you want to replace the fan blades on your A/C unit, you'll want to check to make sure that there isn't anything else causing a problem first. You'll also want to cut power to the unit for safety reasons. Assuming that you've exhausted every other possibility, though, the process isn't all that difficult even if you've never done anything like it before.

Replacing An Air Conditioner Fan Blade

Once you've taken all the necessary safety precautions, take off all of the screws or bolts that hold the grill down to the top of the unit. This will allow you to get a closer look at the motor and fan blades.

Depending on how the system was put together, you may have to take off a panel or a few clips, especially if there isn't any slack in the wires that go to the motors. We asked the experts atFurnace Parts Source for their tips on what to do next.

Opening An Air Conditioning Unit

Loosen the set screw enough that you can remove the old blade and slide the new one onto the shaft. Align this screw with the flat part of the motor shaft and then tighten it. It's just like disassembling and then reassembling a box fan. You can usually simply unscrew the old blade, put on a new one and then tighten the assembly back together without any real challenge.

As soon as you have the blade assembly put back together, secure any motor wires that you had to remove. These usually pop off and then right back into a slot.

Make sure that you don't damage the clips on them, since these can sometimes be fragile. Considering the fact that you probably don't open your A/C unit very often, you might also want to take the opportunity here to clean things up inside. Debris often gets caught inside of air conditioners, which can cause premature wear on the blades.

After you have the motor wires back in place, double-check that everything is secure and yet spins freely. Assuming that everything seems alright, place the grill back on the top and fit it into any slots that you pulled it out of. Tighten the screws and do one last check to ensure that everything got reinstalled the right way.

Once you're certain, reconnect the power and try running the fan setting on your thermostat to see if the fan blades are in position. If not, then you'll have to throw the breaker again and correct the problem before you use your air conditioner.

Swapping Out Fan Blades

Fitment is a big concern whenever you're changing out A/C unit parts. Make sure that the new fan blade is designed to fit your existing unit. You may want to search by brand to get a part that matches perfectly. Pay close attention to the dimensions, because some fan blades may be too large to fit in the type of unit you have. If you have any questions or doubts about the correct part email us the brand, model & serial numbers or better yet send a pic of the data plate off your condenser for us to research the part.

Protect Your Cool Air With Furnace Part Source

Furnace Part Source knows the importance of maintaining AC units. We have the condenser coils, run capacitors, and other units that you need.

Those who might be running into some problems finding just the right part should always feel free to contact our team online. Furnace Part Source can help any HVAC company with repairs and replacements.