How The Condenser Fan Motor Works

A condenser fan motor is a component in the condensing unit of an HVAC system, which is located outdoors. It has a significant effect on the comfort level in your home. As such, it plays an important role in sustaining the cooling process in your air-conditioner. It helps produce cool air by drawing air in from the outside and expelling heat into the outdoor air.

Without proper maintenance, a condenser fan motor can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris. Plus, it will experience increased wear and tear over time. And this can lead to warmer air, poorer airflow, and a stuffier indoor environment. A smooth-running condenser fan motor doesn’t only make your home comfortable. It can also help reduce your energy consumption. Furthermore, it improves your indoor air quality, and extends the life of your equipment.

How The Condenser Fan Motor Works

Let’s look at how a condenser fan motor works. For this, you need a basic idea of the operation of the outdoor condensing unit.

Basically, the condenser is the heat exchanger of your HVAC system. It cools and condenses gaseous refrigerant to a liquid state. After turning into liquid, the refrigerant travels through the condenser coil and heads to the evaporator. In the evaporator, it’s transformed into a gas again and the cycle is repeated.

The condenser fan motor is usually located close to the top of the condensing unit. It is protected by a guard or grille that prevents debris and objects from obstructing its fan’s movement.

When hot gas moves through the condenser coil, the motor turns the fan blades and blows outdoor air over the coil. This causes the gaseous refrigerant to turn into liquid. During this process, it also transfers the latent heat that comes from the refrigerant to the surrounding air.