Compressor not turning on--fan blade was stuck?

Hi,

Just fired up the ac for the first time this year, and the compressor does not turn on. I went out and had a look at it, and it was trying (electric humming) but nothing turned on. My guess to what may have happened is that the grille that holds the fan was completely indented by falling ice (one of the fan blades was flush against the compressor), which could have made the motor seize. Does this make sense? If so, is there an easy fix (e.g. would there have been an overheat switch on the motor that would have kicked?). Or is this a case when I have to call the real professionals?

Thanks!

 

Did you try to free up the blades ?

 

Yes, good point.I bent everything back to shape, and the blades are turning freely after that. Still the humming electrical noise.

 

Ok.... you straightened the blades and now the fan is running.
Are you getting cold air inside ?

If you still have humming outside you'll need to determine what is humming.
Is the contactor or the compressor humming ?

We can't help you with a hum as we can't hear it.

 

I had this problem last year. Was my capacitor that went out. If you give it a little push start with a stick does it start up? Capacitors cost 25-35$ and are relatively easy to replace however just like any work with electrical things there is a risk. I watched a few youtube videos and was able to replace my own. Saved well over 300 that the specialist wanted. Also a tell tail sign the capacitor is bad is if you see it bulging at the top. I'm not a specialist and I'm sure others will give more insight but that's just my personal experience.