Why Is My Heat Pump Fan Not Spinning: Troubleshooting

If you've been having some issues with your heat pump fan, then this article is for you.
By
Carolina Evans
Carolina Evans
Research Writer
Holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and is keen on her own home’s climate. Sometimes we think that Carolina owns every single product she writes about – that’s ho read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Richard Powell
Richard Powell
Expert Consultant
For 8 years, Richard had been working as an HVAC specialist and AC unit installer since his student years. Now, he’s our main consultant on every technical aspect that may read more
Last updated: August 18, 2023
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From a complete failure of the heat pump system and the pump not working as it should to issues emanating from the pump or fan, homeowners are usually confronted with some challenges regarding their heat pump system, particularly the issue of the heat pump fan not spinning.

If you have a heat pump, there are three common challenges you’re likely to face at some periods. The first one is when neither your fan nor the heat pump is working. The second one is when your fan isn’t turning as fast as it should, but the heat pump is functional. The third problem is when your fan isn’t working, but your heat pump is running.

While these issues can sometimes be annoying, the first step to resolving them is to find your cool so that you won’t feel agitated. Then, you may want to start checking for any debris if the fans are not spinning but the heat pump is running.

However, it’s very important that you always switch off the power whenever you want to fix these issues. All-in-all, you’ll get to know more about the simple things you can do to resolve some of the issues you’re likely to face while using your heat pump system.

Reasons Why a Heat Pump Fan Not Working

Why Is My Heat Pump Fan Not Spinning: Troubleshooting
You may have a bad fan motor if the fan doesn’t start running. Still, first of all, check the debris.

You don’t need to feel too overwhelmed if your heat pump fan is not working. Most times, it could be because of a simple reason, and there’s a step you can take to resolve the issue.

What to do if the Fan isn’t running, but the Heat Pump is

A burned-out capacitor Trusted Source Capacitor | FDA This ITG will explain capacitor operation theory, the various types of capacitors, physical and electrical specifications of capacitors, the failure modes of the various types, design considerations, and environmental effects. www.fda.gov or a bad fan motor could be the reason why your heat pump buzzing fan is not turning while your compressor is working. Nevertheless, don’t be quick to judge. The first thing you should do is to look for debris. There is a possibility that the blade couldn’t spin because the fan blade is blocked by a critter, a bird’s nest, or a stick from a tree above.

If this is the problem, the first thing you should do is turn off the power so that you’ll be able to remove the obstacle effectively. Once you’ve done that, things should be back to normal.

Sticky Fan Motor

If your fan blade isn’t rolling, but the capacitor is okay, you might want to give it a push. Most times, we’re often tempted to use our hands to roll the fan blade. Don’t do this, and it’s a very risky thing to do. Instead, find a stick around because if you use your hand and the blades start rolling immediately, who knows what could happen to your hand.

So, if you do this and the blades start rolling, it’s a sign that your fan motor is getting weak. You may need a repair or a motor replacement, but you’ll need the service of a technician for this.

Dead Fan

If your capacitor or motor is failing, it’s likely that your fan would be struggling to spin or won’t spin at all. However, if you notice your Trane heat pump fan is not spinning, don’t make the mistake of running your air conditioner Trusted Source Maintaining Your Air Conditioner | Department of Energy Regular maintenance extends the life of your air conditioner and helps it run as efficiently as possible. www.energy.gov or heat pump without it. No, it’s dangerous. The compressor gets cooled by the fan, and it can be damaged or even overheat when the heat pump fan isn’t functioning.

Test the capacitor yourself if you have a tester at home and know your way around electricity. If it has failed, it’s best you work on purchasing a replacement. These replacements are usually cheaper compared to the cost of a fan. The Tnisesm 35uF CBB65 Capacitor is one of the best capacitors you’ll find around, and it’s a great buy for a replacement.

What to do if the Fan is Slow and the Compressor is Running

Why Is My Heat Pump Fan Not Spinning: Troubleshooting
If your air conditioning is running but there is no cool air and the fan isn’t spinning, it’s best to call an HVAC company to properly diagnose the issue.

This is almost similar to the case of “a dead fan,” but it’s slightly different. In this case, it could be that the capacitor or the motor is getting worn out. And for you to be sure of what’s wrong, you may need to call a technician to help you check the capacitor.

There’s a possibility that your fan is at 100% capacity but 40% speed, which is called a variable speed. It may also be at 100% capacity but 60% speed, a two-stage speed. If any of these two is the case, then there’s nothing wrong with your fan. However, you shouldn’t hesitate to call a technician if you can barely hear the sound the fan is making.

What to do if Both your Heat Pump and Fan aren’t Working

There are two things you should look out for if your outdoor heat pump fan is not spinning and your heat pump itself isn’t working.

Foremost, confirm the setting of your thermostat. Is it in “Cool” or “Heat”? The second thing is to confirm if the breakers haven’t tripped. If they’ve tripped, just put them on and get your heat pump running to see if it will resume its normal, functional state. If you keep having this problem over time, it’s best you seek the service of a technician to help you see if there’s more to it.

Examining Your Heat Pump Fan

Often, many complain of their heat pump fan developing issues from time to time. But one thing they seem to ignore is the longevity of their heat pump system. How long have you been using your heat pump? If you have been using your heat pump fan for about 12 years and it’s been constantly repaired, it’s possible that it’s already too weak and needs to be replaced. However, a repair may be better if you’ve not had any significant repair issues and it’s under warranty.

If your heat pump is an older model, changing the belt to a more reliable one like the LANMU Replacement Belt can make a huge difference. If replacement is the option that works best for you, early fall and late spring are the best time to get one because these are seasons when heat pumps are less needed.

How to Prevent My Heat Pump Fan from Braking: Tips

Prioritizing the maintenance of your heat pump fan will do you a lot of good. Firstly, make sure you replace the air filter once a month or once in two months. Implementing filter changes will help to promote a smooth flow of air and avoid clogged filters.

Cleaning your heat pump is a simple act that can affect your heat pump fan’s efficiency and lifespan. Secondly, ensure you clean the blades. Thirdly, clear out obstructions. Make sure your heat pump is settled in a convenient space, and lastly, clear the thermostat area.

Final Thoughts

Heat pumps are not difficult to use, and they’re must-haves for your home. You’ll know how valuable they are when the weather becomes harsh, and you need a cooling or heating system to help provide a balance. While it’s inarguable that heat pumps are necessary, the issues they tend to develop can make one feel unsettled.

However, it’s worthy to note that some of these issues may be something little you can fix yourself, and if you realize that there’s a need to contact a technician to help fix things, you shouldn’t hesitate to do so.

So, if your heat pump fan is not spinning or your heat pump is showing some faulty symptoms, make sure you try to enquire to see what’s wrong because it could be something minor. And if it isn’t, a repair or a replacement may be the best solution.

References

1.
Capacitor | FDA
This ITG will explain capacitor operation theory, the various types of capacitors, physical and electrical specifications of capacitors, the failure modes of the various types, design considerations, and environmental effects.
2.
Maintaining Your Air Conditioner | Department of Energy
Regular maintenance extends the life of your air conditioner and helps it run as efficiently as possible.
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