AC condenser fan not spinning — Fresno, California

The condenser fan on top of the outdoor AC unit is responsible for pulling air across the condenser coils to dissipate heat. When it stops spinning, the refrigerant inside the coils cannot release its heat, causing the system to blow warm air and the compressor to overheat — which can lead to costly compressor failure if the unit keeps running. Common causes include a burned-out fan motor, a failed capacitor that provides the motor's starting boost, a tripped thermal overload on the motor, or a defective contactor relay. An HVAC technician can test the capacitor and motor windings on-site, replace the faulty component, and verify that the compressor has not been damaged by the overheating episode.