Your air conditioner works hard during the hot months of summer, and the condenser that sits outside is exposed to extreme heat and humidity. It's no wonder your AC can develop problems, and one part that can malfunction is the fan in the condenser that cools off the coils and compressor. Here's a look at a few AC repairs you might need to keep the condenser fan working.

Replace a Bad Capacitor

A variety of electrical problems can cause the fan to stop working. If there's trouble with the power supply, the circuit breaker, or wiring, the fan may not have enough power to operate. The capacitor might also fail.

The capacitor stores an electrical charge to give the fan motor a boost when it first turns on. When the capacitor fails, the fan might make a humming noise but not kick on. If you notice this happening, turn off your AC until the repair technician arrives so the compressor isn't damaged. The AC repair technician can put in a new capacitor and get your AC back to normal.

Repair Damaged Fan Blades

If the fan blades vibrate loose or get bent, the fan won't be able to operate properly. If this happens, the fan might make unusual noises when it tries to turn. Debris can also cause problems if it gets wound around the axle or stuck to the blades. In that case, the AC repair technician may need to remove the fan to clean it, straighten the blades, and then put it back in with tighter connections.

Replace a Bad Belt

If the belt that drives the fan becomes frayed or loose, it won't be able to turn the blades properly. A bad belt can make a lot of noise that sounds like screeching. If you hear odd noises coming from the condenser and the fan isn't turning like it should, turn off your AC. Your AC won't cool very well if the fan can't blow heat out of the condenser, and the stress might harm the compressor or other parts. The repair technician can replace the bad belt and solve the problem.

Repair Motor Parts

If something goes wrong with the motor, it might be necessary to replace it. If the bearings go bad, your AC will probably start making odd noises. The technician might replace the bearings, and clean and lubricate the motor to get your AC working again. If something is wrong with the electrical components in the motor, it may be necessary to put in a new motor instead.