Heat Pump Fan Not Spinning

If your heat pump is not working, one of the first things you can do is go outside to look and see if the heat pump fan is spinning. If the fan on your heat pump is not spinning but the unit sounds like it’s running, turn the unit off at the thermostat while you do some troubleshooting. 

The heat pump fan’s job is to cool the compressor. If the heat pump fan is not running, but the compressor is, the compressor can overheat and subsequently fail. Turn the unit off.

A failed heat pump compressor is kind of a big deal. Compressor replacement can cost anywhere from $900-$2,900, depending on several factors that we discuss in our blog on average heat pump repair costs. 

OK, now that the unit is turned off, you can do some troubleshooting. Below we’ve listed some common issues and what to do.

With the unit off, do a visual inspection of the fan. Do you see leaves, twigs, tree pollen/seedlings, or anything else blocking the fan? If you do, make sure the unit has cooled off and use a small stick (not your hands) to try and dislodge the debris. Wait a few minutes and turn the unit on. If the fan operates normally, you fixed the problem. 

DO NOT remove the top of the unit. There is high voltage wiring and sharp edges that could injure an untrained person.

Prevent this issue from happening by trimming plants to give the unit at least a two-foot clearance all around. You can also invest in a WeatherGuard™ Top Heat Pump Accessory. It helps keep debris out and channel rain and melting snow away from the unit.

If it’s a problem with the fan motor, you will need an HVAC technician to diagnose the problem and make the repair. This might be a fan motor replacement.

Another issue that could cause the fan to stop spinning is a failed heat pump capacitor. Your heat pump may have both a start capacitor (for the compressor) and run capacitors for the compressor and fan. Both run capacitors may be contained in one cylindrical unit. 

The start capacitor’s job is to send a jolt of electricity to the compressor motor to help it start. The run capacitors then send a steady flow of electrical power to both the compressor and the fan to keep the unit running. Capacitor replacement is a job for an HVAC professional.

If the heat pump isn’t turning on at all, check the thermostat. Make sure it’s turned on and set to Heat or Cool, whichever is appropriate for the season, and that the set temperature is above or below the current indoor temperature. A thermostat with faulty wiring or one that needs new batteries can also keep the heat pump from running.

If your thermostat has gone bad, consider upgrading to a Trane smart thermostat with professional installation. A word of caution - not all thermostats are compatible with heat pumps, so consult with your local dealer before making a purchase.

If the heat pump fan is not running and you don’t hear any sound from the outdoor unit, check to make sure the unit has power. Go to the circuit breaker box and look for the one labeled “heat pump”, If it’s tripped, call for heat pump repair. A problem with the unit may have tripped the breaker and resetting it without a professional investigating the issue could damage the heat pump.

To keep your heat pump system running smoothly, follow these heat pump maintenance tips.

• Change the air filter every 1-3 months depending on the quality of the filter.
• Keep the outdoor unit clear to maximize airflow and prevent a clogged fan.
• Schedule professional HVAC maintenance each spring and fall.

In addition, consider opting into Trane Diagnostics via the Trane Home App. It gives your local Trane dealer remote monitoring capabilities. They can see what is going on with your system at any given time, and, for instance, could tell that a heat pump capacitor was failing or your compressor was overheating.

They can run diagnostics remotely and fix minor problems remotely. For service involving a part replacement, they would schedule an on-site service call. But the HVAC technician should arrive with the knowledge gleaned from the remote diagnostics, and have the appropriate parts (if available).

Anne Fonda, Content Writer at Trane Technologies

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Mark Woodruff, Senior Product Manager, Ducted Outdoor

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