How to fix condenser fan out of balance

Summary

In this video, the technician discusses the issues caused by an out-of-balance condenser fan, emphasizing the potential damage to mounts and bearings. While the ideal solution is to replace the fan, he demonstrates a temporary fix using a screw to balance the fan blades. After several attempts, he achieves a noticeable improvement, making the fan safer to operate until a proper replacement can be obtained. The technician stresses that this method is not recommended as a permanent repair, highlighting the importance of using factory parts whenever possible.

Takeaways

• 😀 A condenser fan can become unbalanced, leading to significant damage.
• ⚠️ Excessive shaking can break mounts or damage bearings in the unit.
• 🔧 The recommended repair for an unbalanced fan is to replace it.
• 🛠️ Inspect the fan for cracks, as this can also cause imbalance.
• 🤔 Replacement fan blades can be challenging due to varying pitch and hub requirements.
• 🔩 A temporary fix involves adding a screw to a fan blade to adjust balance.
• 📏 Finding the right placement for the screw is a trial-and-error process.
• 👍 Slight adjustments can help reduce shaking until a new fan is acquired.
• ❌ Temporary fixes are not recommended as permanent solutions.
• 📅 Always aim to replace faulty components for long-term reliability.

Q & A

What issue is being demonstrated with the condenser fan?

The condenser fan is out of balance, causing excessive shaking, which can lead to damage to the mounts or bearings.

What are the potential consequences of a fan that is out of balance?

It can wear out the mounts and bearings, potentially causing significant damage to the unit.

What is the recommended solution for an out-of-balance fan?

The only real repair is to replace the fan.

Why is it important to check the fan for cracks?

Cracks in the fan can also cause it to be out of balance, leading to similar issues.

What might a technician do if the fan blade isn't readily available?

The technician may try to create a temporary fix by adding weight to the fan blades.

What method does the technician use to balance the fan temporarily?

The technician adds screws to different fan blades to find a more balanced configuration.

Is using a general replacement fan blade advisable?

No, because it can be difficult to determine the pitch and compatibility with the existing setup.

What does the technician mean by 'cut and try'?

It refers to the trial-and-error method of adding weight to different fan blades to achieve balance.

How effective is the temporary fix described in the video?

While it may not be perfect, it can reduce shaking enough to prevent immediate damage until a new fan can be installed.

What does the technician say about making these temporary fixes permanent?

The technician does not recommend them as permanent solutions and suggests replacing the fan when possible.