A Clementi customer noticed their bedroom aircon was still cold, but airflow kept getting weaker over 2 months. A contractor recommended replacing the indoor fan motor, saying it was wearing out. The customer wasn't convinced because the fan was still spinning. If airflow is weak but the fan still runs, get a WhatsApp second opinion before approving motor replacement.
Weak airflow with a visibly spinning fan usually isn't motor failure - motors tend to fail completely, not gradually. We checked for obstructions first, then assessed the motor's actual condition.
We found it:
The filter catches most dust, but fine particles still get through and accumulate on the evaporator coil and fan blades over time. As the buildup grows, it adds weight to the fan and restricts airflow through the coil. The motor was working fine, but it was pushing air through an increasingly clogged system. Cleaning the filter doesn't remove this internal buildup - it requires disassembly and chemical wash.
Fan motor replacement
INITIAL RECOMMENDATION
Major part swap suggested
Chemical wash
ACTUAL REPAIR PATH
Buildup removed first
Parts swap to cleaning
SCOPE SHIFT
After verification steps
5 months
RUNNING SINCE FIX
Original motor still fine
Do a chemical overhaul to disassemble the indoor unit, remove dust buildup from the fan blades and evaporator coil, and reassemble. If airflow is still weak after cleaning, then check motor performance. Cleaning buildup first is the logical step before replacing a motor that is still running.
Band-aid approach
Approach
Replace fan motor
Timeline
Parts ordering + installation
Cost
Higher-cost parts replacement
Permanent fix
Approach
Chemical overhaul cleaning
Timeline
Same day service
Cost
Lower-cost cleaning after verification
Customer chose the chemical wash. We removed significant dust buildup from the fan barrel and coil fins. After reassembly and test run, airflow returned to normal strength. Temperature drop measured correctly. The original motor is still running fine 5 months later.
7 months ago
Customer noticed airflow getting gradually weaker
5 months ago (Week 1)
Airflow noticeably reduced, contacted previous contractor
5 months ago (Week 1)
Contractor recommended fan motor replacement
5 months ago (Week 2)
Customer contacted Snowflake for second opinion
5 months ago (Week 2, same day)
Snowflake assessment: Motor running fine, heavy dust buildup on fan and coil
5 months ago (Week 2)
Chemical overhaul completed, airflow restored to normal
Present
5 months later - airflow still strong, motor still original
Weak airflow from a running fan is usually obstruction or buildup, not motor failure. Without verification, recommendations can move too quickly to replacement. The previous contractor saw 'weak airflow' and jumped to 'motor replacement' without checking if the motor was actually faulty. They moved to replacement before ruling out buildup.
We verify motor behavior and check for buildup before recommending parts. We look for simpler causes first, then escalate only when needed. Assessment means confirming what's broken, not guessing. If recommendations escalate quickly, send your findings on WhatsApp and we will map one clear next step.
Tell us what's happening. We'll assess your unit and give you one clear recommendation.
Get an Assessment